It’s exhausting to consider that Google launched the primary Pixel Watch rather less than two years in the past. It was an necessary launch, being the primary smartwatch with the Pixel title, although the watch itself left loads to be desired.
The Pixel Watch 2 got here a yr later, and whereas not good, it was a major improve over its predecessor. The place the unique Pixel Watch was a tricky advice, the Pixel Watch 2 was legitimately good. We now have the newly introduced Pixel Watch 3, and after spending some early hands-on time with it, I’m already satisfied it could possibly be Google’s greatest Pixel Watch but.
Two massive {hardware} adjustments
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 (left) and the 45mm dimension Joe Maring / Digital Developments
At first look, the Pixel Watch 3 appears loads just like the Pixel Watch 2 that got here earlier than it. You continue to have a domed glass show, seamless watch bands, and the crown on the facet. Nevertheless, two essential design adjustments make it a fairly large enchancment.
The primary, and maybe most necessary, is the introduction of a brand new dimension. For the earlier two generations, the Pixel Watch has solely been accessible in a tiny 41mm case dimension. It’s nice for individuals who like small watches, however for everybody else (myself included), it’s made the Pixel Watch really feel fairly dainty.
You may nonetheless get the Pixel Watch 3 in a 41mm type if that’s what you favor, however now, it additionally is available in a bigger 45mm choice. It’s noticeably bigger than the 41mm case, although not almost as massive because the Samsung Galaxy Watch Extremely and its behemoth 49mm case. After carrying the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 for a short while, I feel it strikes a very nice steadiness of feeling extra substantial with out being overly cumbersome.
Joe Maring / Digital Developments
The opposite necessary factor to say is the bezels. Or, ought to I say, the dearth thereof. The Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 are each plagued with large bezels. They’re thick, annoying, and a bit comical-looking. Fortunately, that’s not a problem with the Pixel Watch 3. Google has shrunk the bezels by 16% in comparison with the Pixel Watch 2. Paired with the bigger dimension of the 45mm mannequin, which means you’re getting as much as 40% extra display actual property than earlier than.
You may see simply how skinny the bezels actually look within the photograph above. They’re nonetheless there, however they now appear like an acceptable dimension for a smartwatch in 2024. That is one thing that basically irked me with the Pixel Watch 2 final yr, so it’s nice to see Google lastly deal with this with the Pixel Watch 3.
Actually promising well being options
The run-planning function within the Fitbit app Joe Maring / Digital Developments
Throughout my hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 3, I additionally obtained to see a few of the watch’s new well being options. First, there’s the brand new operating expertise. Google has designed a very spectacular suite of operating options for the Pixel Watch 3, and as an avid runner, I feel they give the impression of being implausible.
The Fitbit app now has a brand new run-planning interface the place you may utterly customise the kind of run you wish to do — together with warm-ups, intervals, restoration time, and so forth. Once you begin operating, the Pixel Watch 3 offers real-time steering in regards to the subsequent levels of your run, the place you’re at to your present aim (tempo, distance, or in any other case), and extra.
Joe Maring / Digital Developments
Once you’re executed operating, the Fitbit app offers a load of post-run metrics so that you can sift by. Now you can see metrics like your step cadence and floor contact time, evaluate your operating efficiency historical past, see your operating developments, and extra. Should you subscribe to Fitbit Premium, you’ll additionally obtain every day run suggestions powered by AI.
The Fitbit app additionally now has two new well being metrics: Readiness and Cardio Load. Readiness is predicated in your coronary heart fee variance (HRV), resting coronary heart fee, and up to date sleep. You get your Readiness rating in the beginning of every day, providing you with a fast look at how prepared (or not) your physique is to tackle the day forward.
Cardio load and Readiness metrics within the Fitbit app Joe Maring / Digital Developments
As for the Cardio Load metric, this offers extra in-depth perception into your physique’s coaching capacity and provides you a exercise load to work towards every day. As you observe workouts or carry out different actions all through the day, all of that exercise provides to your Cardio Load. Your Cardio Load aim additionally robotically adjustments every day based mostly in your Readiness and different actions from the day prior. It appears like a extra intuitive methodology of exercise monitoring in comparison with a primary step/calory aim, and I’m actually to make use of it for myself.
The Pixel Watch I’ve been ready for?
Joe Maring / Digital Developments
Whereas these are the issues that caught my eye essentially the most, there’s much more to speak about, too. That is the primary Pixel Watch with Google’s Actua show know-how (the identical because the Pixel 9 collection), making the Pixel Watch 3 show twice as shiny as that of the Pixel Watch 2. Google can also be promising higher battery life‚ with the 45mm dimension providing as much as a 35% bigger battery. Charging can also be sooner, and there’s a brand new Auto Bedtime Mode that robotically places the Pixel Watch 3 into Bedtime Mode when it detects you’ve fallen asleep.
The Pixel Watch 3 may be very a lot nonetheless a Pixel Watch, nevertheless it additionally appears just like the Pixel Watch I’ve been ready for. Between the higher and greater {hardware}, nicer show, new well being options, and improved battery/charging, there’s loads to stay up for. And I can’t wait to spend extra time with it.
Preorders for the Pixel Watch 3 are reside now. Costs begin at $349 for the 41mm mannequin and $399 for the 45mm dimension.
