Google Unveils Pixel Watch 4: AI-Powered Features and Satellite Communication Lead the Way

Google debuts Pixel Watch 4 with domed display, emergency Satellite Communication | TechCrunch

At its Made by Google event on Wednesday, Google unveiled its new Pixel Watch 4. The smartwatch features a domed display, support for standalone Satellite Communication, enhanced health and fitness tracking, and more. The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for Wi-Fi and $449 for LTE, while the 45mm version starts at $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE. The watch features an Actua 360 display that's physically curved to deliver a 10% larger active area and an edgeless appearance with 16% smaller bezels. Plus, it has a 50% brighter 3,000 nit display. The LTE versions of Pixel Watch 4 come with standalone emergency satellite communications that connect users to emergency services through a series of geo-stationary satellites to dispatch help to users, even when they're off the grid. The feature is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform, Google notes. In addition, users can now simply raise their wrist to access Gemini, getting rid of the need to press a button or say "Hey Google." The tech giant says this will allow users to get help or answers when they're doing things like carrying groceries or walking their dog. The watch also comes with added on-device AI capabilities, such as Smart Replies, which offer AI-powered responses tailored to your conversation. Google also announced that the watch has 25% longer battery life than its predecessor, with 30 hours on the 41mm and 40 hours on the 45mm. Google also noted that the Pixel Watch 4 comes with an all-new fast charging dock that they can rest their watch on. Pixel Watch 4 is water-resistant up to 50 meters, and for the first time ever, it's serviceable with a replaceable battery and display. The tech giant says the watch is more powerful under the hood, as it features Google's next-gen ML-powered co-processor that's 25% faster at half the power. As for the advanced health and fitness tracking, Google announced that the Pixel Watch 4 is 18% more accurate at classifying complete sleep cycles and can track time spent in each stage of sleep. Plus, with a new Skin Temperature sensor, the watch can help detect changes in your well-being. Additionally, the Pixel Watch 4's new dual-frequency GPS allows for more accurate route tracking even in tough environments, like a downtown city run or a tree-dense hike. Google notes that in instances where you have forgotten to start a workout on your watch, it will use AI to automatically detect and classify your activity. Plus, Google has added new exercise options, including basketball and pickleball. Google also announced that it's introducing a personal AI health coach that gives users access to fitness and sleep coaching based on metrics from your Pixel Watch. The idea behind the feature is to give users a 24/7 AI-powered health coach on their wrist that offers them on-demand guidance tailored to their goals. Users will be able to ask questions like, "Is this cold plunge actually good for me?" or "What's the best way to fight jet lag?" The tech giant is launching a preview of the health coach for users who use any Fitbit device or Pixel Watch in the U.S. this October. Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder today and on shelves starting October 9.

Well Played, Google: The Pixel Watch 4 May Give Apple Watch Loyalists a Wandering Eye

Google's new Pixel Watch 4 may have dethroned its predecessor (at least on paper) as our favorite Android Watch, setting a new standard for the rest of the smartwatch world. The company debuted its latest smartwatch at its Made by Google event alongside its new phone lineup and budget-friendly earbuds. With an AI-powered health coach, improved battery life, first-of-its-kind satellite connectivity and easier repairs, the $350 Pixel Watch 4 feels like it was pulled straight from my personal wishlist. If it can deliver on all those promises, it may even give the next Apple Watch a serious run for its money. Compared to decade-long veterans like Samsung's Galaxy Watch and Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch still feels like the new kid on the block. But from the start, it's nailed that sweet spot between stylish hardware, robust (Fitbit-powered) health features, and seamless integration with Google's ecosystem. Rather than coasting on what already works, Google keeps addressing pain points to make each Pixel Watch better than the last. Now the Pixel Watch 4 marks what the company calls the biggest overhaul since the product first launched. Don't miss any of CNET's unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome. The Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder starting Aug. 20 and in stores Oct. 9. Pricing starts at $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi model and $399 for the larger 45mm. LTE versions add $100 across the board, at $449 and $499, respectively. Every LTE model also comes with two years of Google Fi data when purchased through the Google Store or Best Buy. The watch also will ship with 32GB of storage Google's latest Wear OS 6 and, as always, will be first in line for future updates. At first glance, the Pixel Watch 4 looks a lot like its predecessors. It has the same frameless circular domed screen that seems to bubble up from the center and a metal rotating crown that adds a touch of polish. You still get 41mm and 45mm sizing options but the screen itself is larger thanks to smaller bezels that are 16% thinner and add 10% more usable area. The screen also looks better at a glance. Its more pronounced dome creates a wider viewing angle and brightness has jumped by 50%, hitting a 3,000-nit peak that makes it one of the brightest smartwatch screens. In theory, that means less squinting at your workout metrics when the sun's beating down your back. The screen upgrades look especially nice combined with Material 3 Expressive, Google's latest UI update tailored specifically for the wrist. The display doesn't just look better, it behaves more fluidly. UI elements like buttons and tiles now hug the curve of the screen and colors adapt to match the watch face you chose. The feature I'm most excited to try -- and the one that could truly elevate this watch above the rest - is a new AI health coach built on Gemini (Google's AI voice assistant). Unlike Samsung's Running Coach or Apple's Workout Buddy, this isn't limited to workout data. It's designed to connect the dots across all your health metrics, offering a more holistic view of how activity, sleep and recovery work together. The feature will roll out in October as a preview through Fitbit Premium in the redesigned Fitbit app and will also be coming to the latest Fitbit trackers and smartwatches. Fitbit says the experience will grow over time as they gather feedback, but at launch, you'll be able to interact with it directly and ask specific health questions like "How do I improve my VO₂ max?" or "Should I get an extra hour of sleep or workout tomorrow morning?" This could add a new layer of contextual guidance on top of the Pixel Watch's already helpful health tools, like its personalized running programs and a body-response sensor that flags potential signs of stress. Execution will be key, but if Google delivers, this could be the closest we've come to the true health concierge that I've been dreaming of on a smartwatch. The Pixel Watch 4 will also be better at detecting workouts with new AI-powered activity recognition, which can retroactively flag a session in the app and ask you to confirm if you forgot to hit start. Cyclists can now stream ride stats to their phone as a heads-up display, and the upgraded temperature sensor tracks more detailed variations in skin temperature. Outside of health, Gemini is fully integrated into the Pixel Watch 4 from day one, and it's a massive step up over any other voice assistant we've tried. A new gesture means you won't even have to say "Hey Google", just raise your wrist and start talking. An upgraded speaker and stronger haptic engine also makes Gemini's responses easier to hear and alerts harder to miss, so it feels more natural to use without pulling out your phone. Because Gemini processes everything in the cloud, you'll still need either your phone nearby or an LTE connection for it to work. Battery life has always been a weak spot for the Pixel watch, so there was a lot of room for improvement. The Pixel Watch 3 barely hit its 24-hour claim with the always-on display enabled, often falling short for overnight tracking. The Pixel Watch 4 addresses this with a dual-chip setup (Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 plus a Cortex-M55 co-processor) that Google says boosts battery life by 25%. That means up to 30 hours on the 41mm model, 40 hours on the 45mm, or as much as three days in low-power mode. Just as important: it now charges faster. You can get to 50% in just 15 minutes, or wait an hour for a full charge. That quick top-up could make a huge difference for 24/7 health tracking especially if you only have a few minutes to charge before starting the day or heading to bed. The secret behind the faster charging is a new side-mounted charging dock (included in the box), though you'll need a 30W or higher wall plug (not included) to take full advantage. If the battery gives out completely and needs to be replaced, Pixel Watch 4 owners won't be out of luck. Google made the battery and display swappable, meaning accredited providers can handle repairs more easily (please don't try this yourself). That's a rarity in the smartwatch world, where cracking open the hardware for fixes is almost unheard of. The Pixel Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to support emergency satellite communication. That means even if you're completely off the grid (without a phone or cell service) the Watch 4 can still connect to a satellite to send an SOS message and share your location. It's a powerful addition to an already robust safety suite that includes fall detection, crash detection and loss-of-pulse alerts, and it could be a game-changer for outdoor athletes, frequent travelers or anyone living in areas with spotty coverage. Unlike Apple's Emergency SOS via satellite, which still requires an iPhone to relay messages, Google has cut out the need for a Pixel phone to be a middleman and instead handles all communication directly from the Pixel Watch 4 Location tracking also gets a boost thanks to dual-frequency GPS. This means more precise tracking in tough environments like dense cityscapes (where tall buildings can bounce signals) or deep wilderness trails. Satellite connectivity will be limited to LTE versions for now, while dual-band GPS will be available on LTE and Wi-Fi models.

Google's Pixel Watch 4 has big ideas -- and an even bigger focus on AI

The original Pixel Watch was late to the game. For years, there had been rumors of a Google smartwatch that never materialized. Then, when it finally arrived, it was a quintessential first-gen device, with thicc bezels, dismal battery life, and a host of quirks that needed ironing out. My DMs were full of people wondering when the watch would be unceremoniously dumped into Google's infamous product graveyard. A part of me wondered if Google was going to spend the next decade playing catch-up. Fast forward to 2025, and I'm holding the Pixel Watch 4 at Google's office in New York City. On the surface (and my wrist), it doesn't look like much has changed. But after fiddling with a few menus, watching some demos, and talking over the updates, it's evident that Google has a clear vision about where smartwatches are going. "The overall lens through which we see our mission as a team is 'essential companion,'" says Sandeep Waraich, Google's product lead for Pixel wearables. That "essential companion," Waraich says, should be a wearable and continuous presence on your body that's intelligent, helps coach you to better health, and also acts as a "guardian." Viewed that way, the bevy of Pixel Watch 4 updates starts to look like a roadmap. Starting with hardware, the Pixel Watch 4 has a new domed "Actua 360" display -- as in, the display itself, not just the glass, is also domed. What this translates to is about 10 percent more visible screen space, 15 percent thinner bezels, and a 50 percent increase in maximum brightness to 3,000 nits. On a table, there's a lineup of the Pixel Watch 2, 3, and 4 with the flashlight app turned on. Side-by-side, the improvements are striking. Material 3 Expressive in Wear OS 6 also helps emphasize the Pixel Watch's roundness. (No squircles here, folks.) The widgets have more rounded edges, and each screen has been redesigned to be more glanceable, fitting more complications. It's not Liquid Glass, but there are subtle animations when flitting through menus that call your attention to the Pixel Watch's rain droplet-inspired design. Altogether, it's a design tweak that makes sense and is aesthetically pleasing. Google also says battery life has improved. The 41mm watch gets an estimated 30 hours on a single charge, while the 45mm gets 40 hours. That can stretch up to two days in battery saver mode for the smaller watch and three days for the larger one. I couldn't test that at a hands-on, but I did get to see the improved fast charging in action. At 1:30PM ET, I stuck a 45mm Pixel Watch 4 with 50 percent battery on the watch's new side-mounted charger. By 1:48PM, it was at 94 percent. Google says this translates to about 25 percent faster charging, taking only 15 minutes to go from zero to 50 percent. I was prepared to hate the new side-mounted charger, which sees the charging pins moved onto the edge opposite the crown. Three proprietary chargers in four years feels wasteful. But while I don't love e-waste, I do like the change. For one, it turns your watch into a little desk or nightstand display. It also makes it so that it doesn't matter what kind of strap you use. With more traditional charging pucks, a loop-type band without a clasp tends to flop over. My colleague Allison Johnson pointed out that it kind of looks like the Pixel Watch is resting its tired little head on a pillow. That's kind of cute. Another thing that caught my eye: if you remove the straps and peer into the lugs, you now see two teeny tiny screws -- because starting this year, the Pixel Watch 4's display and battery will be replaceable and repairable. The screws aren't proprietary either, and according to Waraich, the idea is to make the devices as durable and long-lasting as possible. He also says this will be true of every Pixel Watch going forward. That's huge. Smartwatches are notoriously hard to repair, and the Pixel Watch's screen design makes it particularly prone to damage. (The Verge should know; we unintentionally cracked the displays of two Pixel Watches.) Repairability has specifically been a pain point for the Pixel Watches, so seeing Google take that feedback to heart is encouraging. Put together, these hardware updates really zero in on Google's attempt to build a glanceable device that lasts a long time. As for the personalized companion part, well, of course that's referring to AI. As with the Galaxy Watch 8, Gemini has a big presence on the Pixel Watch 4. It replaces Google Assistant and is capable of more complex queries -- even if none have been able to blow my mind yet. But, in a bid to make interacting with Gemini as smooth as possible, the speaker and haptic engines have also been updated so you can hear and interact more easily. There's also a new raise-to-talk gesture that lets you speak to Gemini without having to use the wake word. The processor has been upgraded to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 to enable more on-device AI features, as well, like smart replies. On the Pixel Watch 4, you'll get more smart reply options to texts that refer to the content of your conversations. They're not confined to the default Messages app, either. But the major AI update this time around is a Gemini-powered health coach that's slated to arrive alongside a revamped Fitbit app in October. So far, I've been skeptical about AI fitness features, but I'm cautiously curious about what I've seen from Google. The gist is the health coach will act more like a personal trainer than a Captain Obvious summary generator. If you sleep poorly, it'll adjust workout suggestions. (This is also why Google is also introducing an improved sleep algorithm.) You can tell it that you've been injured, and that too will be taken into consideration when generating weekly fitness plans. I did a deeper dive on the health coach demo, but to keep things brief, this is the first time that I've felt remotely intrigued by any AI health coaching feature. Another big first is the Satellite SOS mode. If you're without your phone and in a remote area with no signal, you can still call emergency services. (So long as you have the LTE version of the watch.) The big thing here is that there's no extra subscription cost. The watch will also feature more accurate dual-frequency GPS -- a nice update given that I've had issues with the Pixel Watch's GPS maps in the past. When you look back at the original Pixel Watch, this is a substantial amount of progress. There's a healthy mix of sensible and experimental ideas. As far as AI smartwatch assistants, Google has beaten Apple to the punch. (Technically, Samsung got Gemini on a smartwatch first, but Gemini is Google's baby.) Satellite SOS on a smartwatch is also an industry first, and Google is making a statement here with repairability. We'll have to see how that AI coach fares in testing, but here, too, Google is barreling forward. I'm not saying every update or idea presented here is a good one. But you can at least see the shape of Google's plans: a sleek, all-day, and personalized companion that lets you bring AI where your phone can't easily go. There are rough edges. Some would argue glasses are a much better form factor for this concept. But, given how many wearable makers have felt stuck in a loop of iterative updates, it's refreshing to see that Google has a bold, wearable thesis that it's working toward. Whether it can truly execute on delivering the ultimate "essential companion" is up for debate. But right now? Dare I say it, I think Google has the wearable juice. Photos by Allison Johnson / The Verge

I compared the best smartwatches from Google and Apple - and there's a clear winner

A new Pixel Watch is hitting the shelves right in time for marathon season. Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 at its annual Made By Google event in New York earlier this week. The watch comes packed with several upgrades that rival its predecessor, like a revamped Fitbit experience, updates to Gemini, and a brighter display. Retailing at $350 for the 41mm and $400 for the 45mm, the smartwatch is available for preorder now and ships October 9. Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more The big question is: How does it fare against its iOS competition? I evaluated the Pixel Watch 4 and Apple Watch Series 10's spec sheets, tested out their new features, and took into account my preferences reviewing smartwatches to compare the two tech giants' wearables. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. The Pixel Watch 4 is getting a fresh upgrade with Gemini infused into several parts of the smartwatch. Gemini arrived on earlier Pixel Watches back in July, but the new Pixel Watch 4, with a chip built for AI processing, offers up more intelligent capabilities. The AI on the Pixel Watch is more forward-facing than Apple's approach to AI, which tends to be subtler. Also: I tried Pixel Watch 4 - and these are my 7 favorite upgrades in Google's new watch Users can choose from several AI-powered smart replies in Messages for quicker responses on the go, and you no longer have to say "Hey Google" to activate Gemini -- all that's needed is raising your watch arm to your mouth to speak. If you're interested in buying a smartwatch for fitness-tracking capabilities, Google's Fitbit revamp that arrives in October might be another reason to opt for the Pixel Watch 4. Fitbit Premium, a paid membership part of the Google health-tracking ecosystem, is evolving to not just track your workouts and sleep, but also become a wearer's personal AI health coach. The health coach takes into account your exercise goals, sleep, and activity patterns to create a routine that works for you. Users can also ask the health coach questions or make adjustments to plans based on their conditions -- for example, if they pulled a muscle during an exercise and want to find lower intensity alternatives for the next workout. Also: The 5 tech gadgets that got me through marathons and obstacle courses (and how they work) Fitbit's sleep staging algorithm gets a refresh with a new algorithm focused on capturing precise sleep duration and stages during a wearer's night's rest. This is supplemented by the sleep-tracking and skin temperature sensors on the Pixel Watch 4 that Google says have increased in accuracy. The watch suggests desired bedtimes that account for your sleep duration history and activity level. If you completed a grueling, high-intensity workout one afternoon, it might suggest an earlier bedtime to prime you for recovery that night. For the first time, Google is making its Pixel Watch 4's serviceable for battery replacement. This is a great development that will extend the life of these smartwatches by several years and hopefully address issues of e-waste. It also could mean that, when you buy the Watch 4, you won't have to buy another watch for a while. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. Certain Apple Watch models, like the Ultra Watch 2, have satellite functions for navigation in places without cellular connectivity, but the Pixel Watch 4 has a unique satellite feature of its own, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor. Unlike smartwatches that require a phone's cellular connectivity to initiate satellite communication, the Pixel Watch 4 offers standalone satellite communications -- the first of its kind. The feature is available on the Pixel Watch 4 LTE. Also: The best satellite phones: Expert tested and reviewed That means it doesn't need to be connected to a smartphone to be connected to satellites, and the feature works by connecting its processor to geostationary satellites in the sky for off-grid assistance. There are rumors that the next Apple Watch will get this functionality, but it is currently unavailable on any Apple Watch. Apple has its sights set on making its watches slim, light, and comfortable. I love my Series 10 for that very reason -- I can wear it as I exercise, work, and sleep, and it's unobtrusive. The Pixel Watch 4, on the other hand, is a chunky device. Last year, Apple announced that it made the Series 10 its thinnest watch ever to be easy to wear while sleeping, exercising, or on the go. If you think the discomfort level of a smartwatch will inhibit continuous wear, I'd recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 over the Google Pixel Watch 4. It's widely known that Apple is cautiously dipping its toes into AI features -- and taking its time to do so. The AI features on the Apple Watch are helpful but subtle. Also: I'm a longtime iPhone user, but Google just sold me on the Pixel 10 with these features A great example of this is Apple's updates to the Smart Stack, which provide helpful suggestions and app activations based on contextual data and routines. When it notices you're at the gym, it might initiate a strength training session through the Fitness app. But these are small, subtle suggestions. The same thing applies to Workout Buddy, which gently provides encouragement, stats, and notifications during and after a workout. It's not offering up AI-powered training plans or factoring in your daily readiness -- at least not yet.

Pixel Watch 4 vs. Apple Watch Series 10: I tested both, and here's how Google wins

A new Pixel Watch is hitting the shelves right in time for marathon season. Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 at its annual Made By Google event in New York on Wednesday. The watch comes packed with several upgrades that rival its predecessor, like a revamped Fitbit experience, updates to Gemini, and a brighter display. Retailing at $350 for the 41mm and $400 for the 45mm, the smartwatch is available for preorder on August 20 and ships October 9. Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more The big question is: How does it fare against its iOS competition? I evaluated the Pixel Watch 4 and Apple Watch Series 10's spec sheets, tested out their new features, and took into account my preferences reviewing smartwatches to compare the two tech giants' wearables. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. The Pixel Watch 4 is getting a fresh upgrade with Gemini infused into several parts of the smartwatch. Gemini arrived on earlier Pixel Watches back in July, but the new Pixel Watch 4, with a chip built for AI processing, offers up more intelligent capabilities. The AI on the Pixel Watch is more forward-facing than Apple's approach to AI, which tends to be subtler. Also: I tried Pixel Watch 4 - and these are my 7 favorite upgrades in Google's new watch Users can choose from several AI-powered smart replies in Messages for quicker responses on the go, and you no longer have to say "Hey Google" to activate Gemini -- all that's needed is raising your watch arm to your mouth to speak. If you're interested in buying a smartwatch for fitness-tracking capabilities, Google's Fitbit revamp that arrives in October might be another reason to opt for the Pixel Watch 4. Fitbit Premium, a paid membership part of the Google health-tracking ecosystem, is evolving to not just track your workouts and sleep, but also become a wearer's personal AI health coach. The health coach takes into account your exercise goals, sleep, and activity patterns to create a routine that works for you. Users can also ask the health coach questions or make adjustments to plans based on their conditions -- for example, if they pulled a muscle during an exercise and want to find lower intensity alternatives for the next workout. Also: The 5 tech gadgets that got me through marathons and obstacle courses (and how they work) Fitbit's sleep staging algorithm gets a refresh with a new algorithm focused on capturing precise sleep duration and stages during a wearer's night's rest. This is supplemented by the sleep-tracking and skin temperature sensors on the Pixel Watch 4 that Google says have increased in accuracy. The watch suggests desired bedtimes that account for your sleep duration history and activity level. If you completed a grueling, high-intensity workout one afternoon, it might suggest an earlier bedtime to prime you for recovery that night. For the first time, Google is making its Pixel Watch 4's serviceable for battery replacement. This is a great development that will extend the life of these smartwatches by several years and hopefully address issues of e-waste. It also could mean that, when you buy the Watch 4, you won't have to buy another watch for a while. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. Certain Apple Watch models, like the Ultra Watch 2, have satellite functions for navigation in places without cellular connectivity, but the Pixel Watch 4 has a unique satellite feature of its own, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor. Unlike smartwatches that require a phone's cellular connectivity to initiate satellite communication, the Pixel Watch 4 offers standalone satellite communications -- the first of its kind. The feature is available on the Pixel Watch 4 LTE. Also: The best satellite phones: Expert tested and reviewed That means it doesn't need to be connected to a smartphone to be connected to satellites, and the feature works by connecting its processor to geostationary satellites in the sky for off-grid assistance. There are rumors that the next Apple Watch will get this functionality, but it is currently unavailable on any Apple Watch. Apple has its sights set on making its watches slim, light, and comfortable. I love my Series 10 for that very reason -- I can wear it as I exercise, work, and sleep, and it's unobtrusive. The Pixel Watch 4, on the other hand, is a chunky device. Last year, Apple announced that it made the Series 10 its thinnest watch ever to be easy to wear while sleeping, exercising, or on the go. If you think the discomfort level of a smartwatch will inhibit continuous wear, I'd recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 over the Google Pixel Watch 4. It's widely known that Apple is cautiously dipping its toes into AI features -- and taking its time to do so. The AI features on the Apple Watch are helpful but subtle. Also: I'm a longtime iPhone user, but Google just sold me on the Pixel 10 with these features A great example of this is Apple's updates to the Smart Stack, which provide helpful suggestions and app activations based on contextual data and routines. When it notices you're at the gym, it might initiate a strength training session through the Fitness app. But these are small, subtle suggestions. The same thing applies to Workout Buddy, which gently provides encouragement, stats, and notifications during and after a workout. It's not offering up AI-powered training plans or factoring in your daily readiness -- at least not yet.

I compared flagship smartwatches from Google and Apple: Here's the clear winner

A new Pixel Watch is hitting the shelves right in time for marathon season. Google unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 at its annual Made By Google event in New York on Wednesday. The watch comes packed with several upgrades that rival its predecessor, like a revamped Fitbit experience, updates to Gemini, and a brighter display. Retailing at $350 for the 41mm and $400 for the 45mm, the smartwatch is available for preorder now and ships October 9. Also: Everything announced at Made by Google 2025: Pixel 10 Pro, Fold, Watch 4, and more The big question is: How does it fare against its iOS competition? I evaluated the Pixel Watch 4 and Apple Watch Series 10's spec sheets, tested out their new features, and took into account my preferences reviewing smartwatches to compare the two tech giants' wearables. Get more in-depth ZDNET tech coverage: Add us as a preferred Google source on Chrome and Chromium browsers. The Pixel Watch 4 is getting a fresh upgrade with Gemini infused into several parts of the smartwatch. Gemini arrived on earlier Pixel Watches back in July, but the new Pixel Watch 4, with a chip built for AI processing, offers up more intelligent capabilities. The AI on the Pixel Watch is more forward-facing than Apple's approach to AI, which tends to be subtler. Also: I tried Pixel Watch 4 - and these are my 7 favorite upgrades in Google's new watch Users can choose from several AI-powered smart replies in Messages for quicker responses on the go, and you no longer have to say "Hey Google" to activate Gemini -- all that's needed is raising your watch arm to your mouth to speak. If you're interested in buying a smartwatch for fitness-tracking capabilities, Google's Fitbit revamp that arrives in October might be another reason to opt for the Pixel Watch 4. Fitbit Premium, a paid membership part of the Google health-tracking ecosystem, is evolving to not just track your workouts and sleep, but also become a wearer's personal AI health coach. The health coach takes into account your exercise goals, sleep, and activity patterns to create a routine that works for you. Users can also ask the health coach questions or make adjustments to plans based on their conditions -- for example, if they pulled a muscle during an exercise and want to find lower intensity alternatives for the next workout. Also: The 5 tech gadgets that got me through marathons and obstacle courses (and how they work) Fitbit's sleep staging algorithm gets a refresh with a new algorithm focused on capturing precise sleep duration and stages during a wearer's night's rest. This is supplemented by the sleep-tracking and skin temperature sensors on the Pixel Watch 4 that Google says have increased in accuracy. The watch suggests desired bedtimes that account for your sleep duration history and activity level. If you completed a grueling, high-intensity workout one afternoon, it might suggest an earlier bedtime to prime you for recovery that night. For the first time, Google is making its Pixel Watch 4's serviceable for battery replacement. This is a great development that will extend the life of these smartwatches by several years and hopefully address issues of e-waste. It also could mean that, when you buy the Watch 4, you won't have to buy another watch for a while. Outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat. Certain Apple Watch models, like the Ultra Watch 2, have satellite functions for navigation in places without cellular connectivity, but the Pixel Watch 4 has a unique satellite feature of its own, powered by the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor. Unlike smartwatches that require a phone's cellular connectivity to initiate satellite communication, the Pixel Watch 4 offers standalone satellite communications -- the first of its kind. The feature is available on the Pixel Watch 4 LTE. Also: The best satellite phones: Expert tested and reviewed That means it doesn't need to be connected to a smartphone to be connected to satellites, and the feature works by connecting its processor to geostationary satellites in the sky for off-grid assistance. There are rumors that the next Apple Watch will get this functionality, but it is currently unavailable on any Apple Watch. Apple has its sights set on making its watches slim, light, and comfortable. I love my Series 10 for that very reason -- I can wear it as I exercise, work, and sleep, and it's unobtrusive. The Pixel Watch 4, on the other hand, is a chunky device. Last year, Apple announced that it made the Series 10 its thinnest watch ever to be easy to wear while sleeping, exercising, or on the go. If you think the discomfort level of a smartwatch will inhibit continuous wear, I'd recommend the Apple Watch Series 10 over the Google Pixel Watch 4. It's widely known that Apple is cautiously dipping its toes into AI features -- and taking its time to do so. The AI features on the Apple Watch are helpful but subtle. Also: I'm a longtime iPhone user, but Google just sold me on the Pixel 10 with these features A great example of this is Apple's updates to the Smart Stack, which provide helpful suggestions and app activations based on contextual data and routines. When it notices you're at the gym, it might initiate a strength training session through the Fitness app. But these are small, subtle suggestions. The same thing applies to Workout Buddy, which gently provides encouragement, stats, and notifications during and after a workout. It's not offering up AI-powered training plans or factoring in your daily readiness -- at least not yet.

Google Pixel Watch 4 vs. Pixel Watch 3: Is the Sleek New Look Worth the Price?

Google keeps the price of the Pixel Watch 4 consistent with the last generation at launch. The smaller 41mm variant starts at $349, and the larger 45mm version costs $399. LTE connectivity costs $100 more for each. Google has since dropped the price of the Pixel Watch 3, with the 41mm model now available for $249.99 and the 45mm model for $299.99. Based solely on price, the Pixel Watch 3 is more affordable, and thus the winner in this category. Winner: Pixel Watch 3 Display When we saw the Pixel Watch 4 on display next to older models in a line, it clearly stood out thanks to its curved display. While striking in appearance, the Actua 360 display also has 10% more active area and 15% smaller bezels than the Pixel Watch 3. The screen is easier to see at an angle. It's brighter as well, at 3,000 nits (the Pixel Watch 3 tops out at 2,000 nits). Both watches have AMOLED displays that cover the DCI-P3 color space, so they are equally sharp and vibrant. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Design Aside from the screen, the Pixel Watch 3 and Watch 4 have similar designs. They have aluminum bodies offered in either 41mm or 45mm sizes. They both have a customizable side button and a haptic crown. They have IP68 durability ratings and can survive in water up to 164 feet deep. Both come in a variety of colors with different band choices. The Pixel Watch 4 comes in black or silver, with the larger version also offering a Satin Moonstone finish, and the smaller version adding Champagne Gold to the mix. The Watch 3 also comes in silver, black, or gold with an additional hazel option. The Pixel Watch 4 is the first watch in the line to be fully repairable. If something goes wrong, you can replace the screen or the battery without needing to replace the whole watch. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Battery The Pixel Watch 4 has a bigger battery than its predecessor, increasing to 325mAh from 306mAh in the 41mm version and to 455mAh from 420mAh in the 45mm watch. Google has also upped the stated battery life for each. The 41mm version of the Pixel Watch 4 should now last 30 hours, and the 45mm version is estimated to last 40 hours, up from 24 hours for both versions of the Pixel Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 3 exceeded Google's estimates in our testing, lasting 34 and 46.5 hours in our testing for the small and large sizes, respectively, with the always-on display enabled. The Pixel Watch 4 will need to continue that trend in our upcoming testing to win this category, but given the increased capacity, that's a reasonable expectation. Google has also promised faster recharge times for the Watch 4, and it debuts with a new charger. The Watch 4 should be able to go from dead to 50% charge in 15 minutes, and the charger holds it on its side so you can still see the time, the charge amount, and any set alarms while it powers up. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Processor The Pixel Watch 4 has upgraded processors that come with a bump in efficiency, which may help improve its battery life even more. Like the previous version, the Watch 4 has a dual chipset, housing the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with a Cortex-M55 coprocessor, upgrades over the Qualcomm SW5100 and Cortex-M33 in the Watch 3. Snapdragon's new wearable chip is making its debut in the Pixel Watch 4. It allows for emergency satellite communication, a first for a wearable chip. If you're out hiking away from your phone and a traditional signal, you'll still be able to call for help. Both the Pixel Watch 3 and 4 have 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Lifestyle Features On the software side, the Pixel Watch 4 launches with Wear OS 6, which is one generation newer than what's available on the Pixel Watch 3. Most notably, it comes with Google's Gemini built in, and you can optionally raise your wrist to talk to the conversational AI assistant. You can use voice commands to ask Gemini questions, send texts, or interact with your watch's features and apps such as Google Calendar, Google Keep, and Google Maps. Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 4 retains the lifestyle features of its predecessor, giving you access to many third-party wearable apps via the Play Store and the ability to make calls and mobile payments from your wrist. Google has not confirmed if Wear OS 6 and Gemini will come to the Pixel Watch 3 as an update, but I expect so, as Samsung has confirmed its last-generation Galaxy Watch 7 will get access. In that case, Google could keep the raise-to-talk feature exclusive to the Pixel Watch 4 to give its newest model an edge. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Fitness Features The Pixel Watch 3 is already a capable health and wellness tool thanks to its tight integration with the Fitbit app. The Pixel Watch 4 has the same set of sensors, including an accelerometer, an altimeter, an ambient light sensor, a barometer, a compass, an electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) to gauge stress, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, and a skin temperature sensor. It can also monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) with red and infrared sensors and take an ECG with multipurpose electrical sensors. Both watches can use those sensors to provide an AI-powered Daily Readiness Score, Cardio Load, and Target Load to give you a sense of how well your body can handle exertion, how your fitness is progressing over time, and specific goals for your workouts, respectively. They can also provide daily run recommendations and a library of audio and video workouts as part of a $9.99 per month Fitbit Premium subscription. Beyond the capabilities of its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 4 will have an AI-powered coach to give specific fitness and sleep advice, launching as a preview this fall. It adds some new exercise tracking modes, including basketball and pickleball, and promises more reliable automatic workout tracking via AI. It has an improved skin temperature sensor for more accurate overnight health data, and a dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking in cities and forests. It can even work with the Fitbit app to serve as a heads-up display for cycling. Winner: Pixel Watch 4 Connectivity The Pixel Watch 4 upgrades Bluetooth to 6.0 from 5.3 in the Watch 3, but otherwise has the same dual-band 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi and optional 4G LTE cellular connectivity as its predecessor. Both support ultra-wideband wireless for precise location tracking. Since we already gave the Pixel Watch 4 credit for its emergency satellite communications and improved GPS, we'll call this category a split.

Pixel Watch 4 First Look: Google Introduces a Stunning Curved Redesign

I'm PCMag's senior analyst covering smart home and wearable devices. I've been writing about tech professionally for nearly a decade and have been obsessing about it for much longer than that. Prior to joining PCMag, I made educational videos for an electronics store called Abt Electronics in Illinois, and before that I spent eight years covering the smart home market for CNET. Google's Pixel smartwatch is getting a sleeker, curvier look. Unveiled today at the Made by Google event, the Pixel Watch 4 continues the signature teardrop glass design of its predecessors -- but now, the display itself is domed beneath the glass, further emphasizing its elegant curve. We had a chance to see the Pixel Watch 4 ahead of today's announcement, and the new curved display makes a strong first impression. It's not just about looks, either -- the screen is larger, brighter, and features slimmer bezels than the previous model. Inside, it houses a bigger battery and enhanced AI features, including quick access to Google's conversational assistant, Gemini. Like the Pixel Watch 3, it comes in two sizes -- 41mm and 45mm -- and pricing remains unchanged: $349 for the smaller version and $399 for the larger model (LTE costs $100 more). Preorders for the watch are open now, and shipments will begin on October 9. If you're on the fence about upgrading, read on for what to expect. Design: Curvier Than Ever The Actua 360 domed display under the curved glass of the Pixel Watch 4 enhances visibility quite a bit, especially when looking at the watch at an angle. Google notes that the display has 10% more active area and 15% smaller bezels than the Pixel Watch 3, which itself has a 16% slimmer bezel than the Pixel Watch 2. Similarly, the Pixel Watch 4 increases the maximum screen brightness to 3,000 nits, up from 2,000 nits last generation and 1,000 nits in the first two generations. In two years, Google has done a lot of work on its watch displays. We have concerns about the durability of the curved glass, which the domed display exacerbates. For its part, Google touts the fortitude of its aerospace-grade aluminum housing and Corning Gorilla Glass cover. The Pixel Watch 4 has an IP68 durability rating and is water resistant to 164 feet of depth, specs that match the Pixel Watch 3. Unlike its predecessor, the Watch 4 is fully serviceable, Google says, so you can replace the display or battery if something does go wrong. On the inside, the Pixel Watch 4 has received a boost. It has a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with a Cortex-M55 coprocessor, upgrades from the Qualcomm SW5100 and Cortex-M33 in last year's model. This Qualcomm chipset is debuting in the Pixel Watch 4, complete with emergency satellite communication, a first for a wearable chip. If you're hiking out of range of your phone and any kind of traditional signal, you should still be able to call for help. Otherwise, the Pixel Watch 4 has 32GB of storage and 2GB of memory, the same as the Watch 3. The Pixel Watch 4 is compatible with most phones running Android 11 or newer and runs Wear OS 6.0. The operating system is one generation newer than what's available on the Pixel Watch 3, and the biggest upgrade, aside from bumps in efficiency, is access to Google's Gemini. Software and Sensors: Added AI Assistance Google's Pixel Watch 4 is the second major smartwatch to launch with built-in access to the company's conversational generative AI assistant Gemini, after the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8. With Gemini, you're able to ask questions, send texts, and interact with your watch's features and apps such as Google Calendar, Google Home, and Google Maps. You can even activate Gemini by simply raising your wrist. On the wellness front, Gemini will enable a personal AI health coach that will offer fitness and sleep advice. Google says the coach will launch in preview this October for all Fitbit and Pixel Watch users. The Pixel Watch 4 adds new exercise modes, including pickleball and basketball, and the ability to stream real-time cycling metrics to the Fitbit app for use as a heads-up handlebar display. It also offers new AI activity recognition capabilities, so it should be able to correctly classify your workout, even if you forget to start tracking the exercise yourself. Plus, it has an improved skin temperature sensor for more accurate overnight health data, and a dual-frequency GPS for precise location tracking in cities and forests. Otherwise, the Watch 4 carries forward all the sensors of the previous-gen model, including an accelerometer, an altimeter, an ambient light sensor, a barometer, a compass, an electrical sensor to measure skin conductance (cEDA) to gauge stress, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, a multi-path optical heart rate sensor, and a skin temperature sensor. It can also monitor blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) with red and infrared sensors and take an ECG with multipurpose electrical sensors. The Pixel Watch 4 uses that sensor data to provide AI-powered Daily Readiness Score, Cardio Load, and Target Load metrics, features we praised when we reviewed its predecessor. The Daily Readiness Score provides a sense of how hard you should push for the day. Cardio Load indicates how hard you've been exerting your cardiovascular system on a rolling seven-day basis. Target Load offers a specific workout goal for the day, based on your Readiness and Cardio Load. The Watch shows a morning brief to walk you through these metrics and whatever other information you need to know about your day. Samsung smartwatches similarly use Galaxy AI to offer a holistic Energy Score. Google's smartwatch even offers advanced running coaching, letting you use AI to plan a workout tailored for your current fitness level. These daily run recommendations, along with a library of audio and video workouts, come as part of the Fitbit Premium service for $9.99 per month. Samsung introduced a sleep and running coach in its latest smartwatch models, and it is not locked behind a paywall. Battery Life: Slightly Boosted Both sizes of the Pixel Watch 4 have bigger batteries than their respective predecessors, increasing to 325mAh from 306mAh in the 41mm version and to 455mAh from 420mAh in the 45mm watch. Google promises 24 hours of battery life on a charge for both versions of the Pixel Watch 3, and they exceeded that estimate in our testing. With the always-on display enabled, the smaller version lasted 34 hours, and the larger model powered through 46.5 hours between charges. With the Pixel Watch 4, Google has increased the promised capacity to 30 hours on the smaller version and 40 hours on the larger. Google has also redesigned the charger. The watch sits upright on the charger instead of resting on a magnetic puck like before. While in the charging stand, the watch can display the time, battery percentage, and any set alarms. It should charge quickly, with Google claiming it can go from dead to 50% battery in 15 minutes on the stand. The Best New Android Watch? Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 is a tough act to follow. In terms of lifestyle capabilities, both the Galaxy and Pixel watches have access to Gemini. A bump in battery life could help give Google an edge. Samsung's smartwatches gained several new health and fitness capabilities this year, including free AI-powered running and sleep coaching and antioxidant testing that can offer insight into your dietary health. The Pixel Watch 4 also has a few new wellness features, and we're excited to find out whether its AI activity detection and improved skin temperature sensor make a tangible difference, so stay tuned for our full review. In the meantime, for more coverage from Google's event, check out our first impressions of the Pixel 10 lineup and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold.

Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: A long, thoughtful list of improvements

As a package, the new features coming to Google's smartwatch feel like they might actually make a positive difference. Most people don't think of Google when they think about smartwatch makers, but the latest Pixel Watch might change that. A surprising number of updates are coming to the Pixel Watch 4, and I was impressed by how these changes add up to make it less of an iterative update than I initially expected. Of all its new features, I found the Pixel Watch 4's satellite communications capability, repairable design and improved charging speeds most compelling. Other changes, like the brighter, curved display, dual-chip architecture, upgraded haptics engine and speaker as well as Wear OS 6 and other software features are less exciting, but will matter more to the day-to-day experience. The redesigned Fitbit app, which will have a new AI experience at its core, will also impact your daily use more. At first glance and from a recent hands-on, I'm intrigued by the Pixel Watch 4 and how the individual improvements might add up to a more meaningful overall experience. I want to jump right into the new feature I'm most interested in: emergency satellite communications. Google says the Pixel Watch 4 is the first standalone commercial smartwatch to support this feature, and that probably largely has to do with the chip that powers it. The Snapdragon Wear 5 Gen 2, which Qualcomm announced today along with the Wear 5+ Gen 2, is the first wearable processor to offer satellite support, according to the company. It'll use Skylo's Narrowband Non-Terrestrial Network (NB-NTN) and allow for "two-way emergency messaging directly from the wearable device." It's worth noting that this will only work on LTE models and in the contiguous United States, though. In a recorded demo of the feature at a hands-on event, I saw what it would look like on a Pixel Watch 4 when you try to connect to a satellite to send a message. Now, to be extremely clear, this was a pre-recorded video that played on loop on the device. All I did was hit play and watch. Still, it was nice to get an idea of what the process would require. It looked like you'd need to follow onscreen instructions to move your wrist around while the system searched for an available satellite to connect to. It was reminiscent of existing versions on phones. Whether it's ultimately reliable or effective is something I can't say until I get to actually test it. In contrast, I did get to see for myself just how quickly the Pixel Watch 4 recharges. On paper, the company says the new watch can go from 0 to 50 percent charged in 15 minutes or less. I sat next to a Pixel Watch 4 for ten minutes as it sat on a charging dock, and saw it go from 70 percent to 90 percent in that time. That's impressive, and though that math doesn't appear to match what the company promised, there's a fairly straightforward reason. A Google representative told me that past 80 percent, the charging changes from CC (constant current) to CV (constant voltage). Without getting too much into the technicalities of what's happening, basically when CV kicks in, charging speeds slow down. This is a fairly standard battery optimization measure for most modern devices. If the Pixel Watch 4 were starting off closer to 0 percent, it's possible that it would have recharged to 50 percent in 15 minutes, but I don't know for certain. I'm also not sure whether the fact that the demo unit was connected to a portable battery instead of a wall socket made any difference in this case. I am, however, glad to see that it was able to get 20 percent of juice in just 10 minutes -- just about the time it takes for me to get ready for the gym every morning. Google also redesigned the charging dock. Instead of a puck that sits under the watch (like you'll find on almost all smartwatches today), the Pixel Watch 4 has a cradle that it can sit sideways in. The charger itself has a smaller footprint: instead of a round disc, it's a rectangular dock about the size of a double A battery, with a groove in it to accommodate the watch. You can place the Pixel Watch 4 in there, knob side up with the screen facing either direction. When it's connected, the watch will show the time and charge level and I could see that information from about six feet away. It's basically the iPhone's Standby mode but for a watch that's propped up on its side. I'm not sure how much easier it is to drop a watch sideways into a cradle as opposed to straight onto a disc, but I do think having the charge level be viewable from a distance is helpful. I'm also glad that Google spent time thinking about faster charging and making the device last longer, since those were complaints we had with previous models. To be specific, the company says the new smartwatch lasts 25 percent longer than its predecessor, thanks to a dual-chip architecture and efficiencies via Wear OS 6. Google says the Pixel Watch 4 has all new hardware on both the inside and out. In fact, it went as far as to say it completely redesigned the Pixel Watch and that this is the biggest update to the device yet. One of the most visible changes is the display. Not only is it 50 percent brighter than the one on the Pixel Watch 3, but the screen itself is domed this time, not just the glass at the top. I didn't really see a difference at first, but when looking a Pixel Watch 4 and 3 side-by-side, the new model was noticeably brighter, and watch faces seemed to stretch a bit closer to the edge of the case. Since the interface uses a black background, though, it was hard to tell whether the bezel was thinner. There are quite a few new features that I didn't get to test, which I've collected in a list at the bottom of this article. For now, it's probably more relevant to talk about things like Gemini on Wear OS 6, Raise to talk (to the assistant), the redesigned Fitbit app and the AI-powered updates. The Pixel Watch 4 isn't the first watch to launch with Google's latest wearable platform (that honor belongs to Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8 series). But it does have an exclusive feature to make interacting with Gemini a bit easier: Raise to talk. Unlike on the Samsung wearable, where you have to verbally invoke the assistant or long press the knob on the side, on the Pixel Watch 4 you can bring your wrist to your face and Gemini will be ready for your requests. When it recognizes the gesture, the Pixel Watch 4 will show a small animated icon at the bottom of its screen to indicate it's listening. But on my repeated attempts to trigger it, the system only registered that I had brought my wrist up about half of the time. Granted, I was using a watch that belonged to a Google representative and was a bit loose on my wrist, so the accuracy might improve with a better fit. I did notice other Google executives perform very deliberate movements to get the watch to listen and even then it seemed like Raise To Talk required multiple attempts to work. This is something I will have to wait till I get a unit in the real world to evaluate the efficacy of, but for now I am intrigued by the potential convenience but skeptical of the actual performance. Senior director of product management for Google Wearables Sandeep Waraich later explained that the system is currently tuned to recognize more deliberate movements as a way to avoid false positives. Waraich said that over time, and possibly by the time the Watch 4 is on shelves in October, the motion required to trigger Raise To Talk should require less exaggeration. When I did get Gemini to hear me, it responded fairly quickly to my question about activities to do in New York on a hot summer day. Again, I'd need more time with the device to judge how useful this would be in the real world. There was another feature that had much more potential to be helpful though: AI-generated quick replies to messages. I only saw a quick demo on a Google rep's watch, but in response to a message saying "How'd the basketball game go?" the system suggested responses of "We won," "We lost, but it was fun" and "It was great" with a basketball emoji. That's much better than the canned prompts from before that were more likely to be "Yes," "No," "Call me later" or some other generic variant. It did take a second for them to load, though. A Google spokesperson at the event told us that this is possibly the first time an on-device language model has been deployed on a smartwatch, which might be noteworthy but it's not anything that will materially impact the experience. I will say that while I didn't get to dive too deeply into the rest of Wear OS 6 with Material 3 Expressive on the Pixel Watch 4, we do already have a review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 up and in it we cover some of the changes to the platform. On Google's smartwatches, I liked how the new software made better use of space in things like the Weather and Search cards, with an improved balance between putting more information within one page while still retaining a generous size for buttons and text. One of the places any Pixel Watch owner will be spending much of their time is the Fitbit app, where their collected health and fitness data will be presented. I spent some time with a preview version of the redesigned app, which will be available in October to Premium users in the US. Aesthetically, the app looks quite different, with a customizable dashboard of stats at the top of the main page (aka the Today tab). At the bottom are new tabs "Today," "Fitness," "Sleep" and "Health." Though the font feels more reminiscent of recent Android and Material designs, existing Fitbit users will find the color scheme familiar. Purple is still what your sleep progress bar's color is, while your steps are still shown in a teal bar. But below all those visual representations of data is a card with a prompt to chat with the new AI Coach, followed by what Google calls a "stream," and a floating blue "Ask Coach" button at the bottom right. The stream is separated into Upcoming and "Your day so far" sections, with the latter populated by cards summarizing your progress on areas like sleep and fitness. In a small demo, Google's director of product management for Fitbit and Health Andy Abramson walked us through the new product. He showed us his app, where a card titled "Less sleep than usual last night" said he had about 4 hours and 28 minutes of estimated sleep. It summarized the amount of time awake and interruptions during that period, and then asked "Given the shorter duration, how are you feeling energetically this morning?" A card further down, titled "Your body is well-balanced today" and tagged "Readiness," talked about Abramson's readiness score, what it means and showed a chart on his performance this week. You can choose to continue conversations by tapping into each card, or simply ignore them and continue scrolling down the stream. Tapping through the tabs at the bottom brings you into similarly laid out pages with information specific to your activity, sleep and vitals (as measured by the wearable). That last one will show your heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen and other stats, followed by sections called "Health areas," "Detection and self screening" and "Personal info." This presents a combination of information your fitness tracker collects, as well as data you enter. This all feeds into the new AI Coach, which will be a paid Fitbit Premium feature, that is meant to be your Gemini-powered "personal health coach." It's still a fairly new tool that's going to be in limited preview as Google continues to assess its efficacy and evaluate necessary tweaks and guardrails, but at least it seems like the company is well aware of the potential pitfalls it might encounter in the development of any AI tool for health. In a press release announcing the new personal health coach and the Fitbit redesign, Google said "We're committed to building our personal health coach with leading industry experts and through scientific research." To that end, it's partnering with Stephen Curry "and his performance team" and "also working closely with our Consumer Health Advisory Panel, a diverse group of leading experts in medicine, AI and behavioral science." I remain skeptical of AI's trustworthiness in general, but if there's one thing Google and Fitbit have it's an abundance of data from the years of experience they have in collecting health data from wearables. AI seems like a suitable method to make sense of the madness, as long as it's done mindfully. And it does seem like the Pixel Watch and Fitbit teams are thinking carefully about their approach. I will need to wait till I get to use the new app and AI Coach on my own to see how personalized and useful it is, of course. There were quite a few other updates I didn't get to test during my time with the Pixel Watch 4, including the AI-powered activity recognition system, improved sleep-tracking and overnight skin temperature-sensing, as well as the accuracy of the new dual-frequency GPS. I didn't get to check out the feature that streams your bike workout stats to your phone in real time so you can see the details more easily when your device is mounted to your handlebar. I also didn't go about measuring if the Watch 4's vibrations were indeed 15 percent stronger than its predecessor's, and I wasn't able to verify if the speakers were clearer than before, either. In addition, I can't vouch for the durability of the Pixel Watch 4, which is rated IP68 for dust- and water-resistance and has a custom Gorilla Glass covering and aluminum housing. I doubt I will be putting those ruggedness claims to the test, but it's heartening to know there is a respectable level of protection here. The good news is, even if you do manage to break the screen somehow, you won't need to buy a new Pixel Watch 4. It has a repairable design that allows you to remove the display and battery in case those parts need to be replaced. Again, I didn't break out my screwdriver and fix a Pixel Watch 4, but I did scrutinize the (very small) screws along the case in the groove where the straps attach to the device. Theoretically, though, I applaud the notion of repairable devices and am pleased to see Google take this approach. One more thing that's laudable: The Pixel Watch 4's price remains unchanged from the Pixel Watch 3. It starts at $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi model, and you can get the larger size or LTE-connected variants for more money. The smartwatch is available for pre-order today, though it'll only start shipping and be in stores on October 9. While I continue to recommend you wait till we can publish a full review before investing your hard-earned money on any device, I do think the list of improvements Google is bringing to the Pixel Watch series is a long, thoughtful and meaningful one. For a smartwatch that has faced its fair share of challenges across the generations, the Pixel Watch 4 finally feels like it's both maturing and carving out a space for itself.

Pixel Watch 4 Hands-On: The Apple Watch Finally Has a Real Competitor

We tried Google's new Pixel Watch 4 smartwatch, and Apple might need to stop resting on its laurels with the Apple Watch. As if four Pixel 10 phones (including one foldable) weren't overwhelming for a single announcement at Google's Pixel launch event, the tech giant also introduced the Pixel Watch 4. The new smartwatch is Google's fourth-generation wearable, and it's the best version yet. Well, technically, versions, since there are two sizes again. The Pixel Watch comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mmâ€"for small and big wrists. It's got the same round, pebble-shaped design with a display that melts into the aluminum case. The improvements that Google has made to the Pixel Watch 4 are subtle and internal. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me at first, but the glass display is indeed domed. This curved top both makes the Pixel Watch 4 more watch-like, akin to some high-end mechanical watches, and makes Wear OS 6 (redesigned with Material 3 Expressive) literally pop. Swiping around the screen, it felt like the watch faces and widgets were trying to stretch out toward me. Maybe reflections were less visible, too. Either way, I like the domed screen quite a bit. I didn't feel I needed to squint as much looking at it. The screen is also marginally larger. Google slimmed down the bezels by 16% and increased the display size by 10%. Additionally, the screen is brighter at 3,000 nits, which, like any bump up in brightness, will mean better readability outdoors. People have been complaining about the thick bezels on Pixel Watches for years, and Google finally did something about it. Other blink-and-you'll-miss-them upgrades to the Pixel Watch 4 include a more powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip, 15% stronger haptics, and 25% longer battery life. These percentages are all Google's, but I can confirm that in my brief time with the Pixel Watch 4, the vibrations do feel nicer. The Pixel Watch 4 also charges with a new side-mounted dock instead of the flat magnetic charger that always seemed to flop around on my desk. On the dock, the smartwatch can display the time and charging speed. The Pixel Watch 4 also charges much fasterâ€"from 0 to 50% in 15 minutes. Previewed at I/O back in May, Gemini on the Pixel Watch 4 is a major upgrade over the previous Google Assistant. You don't need to raise your hand and say "Hey Google" before asking any questions. Now, you can just raise your Pixel Watch 4 and start talking. It's hard to say how well hands-free Gemini works IRL, but at Google's quiet NYC office, the AI chatbot seemed responsive enough. This time around, Gemini can also create personalized "Smart Replies" for messages that are actually based on the conversation you're having, as opposed to canned responses. This should make text replies from your Pixel Watch 4 sound less generic. Gemini won't be able to text like you if you're that person who writes stuff like "how r u." Sorry, spelling anarchists. The Pixel Watch 4 is a smartwatch with a heart rate sensor for, you know, tracking your health and fitness, so Google has improved things in a few ways. Google says the heart rate sensor is the most accurate one it's put into a smartwatch to date. Some stats and features Google rattled off to me: 18% more accurate sleep tracking, enhanced skin temperature tracking, more accurate route tracking for runs and hikes using dual-frequency GPS, real-time bike stats, personalized automatic tracking for workouts using AI to detect your activity, and new exercise modes like pickleball and basketball. Google has also injected Gemini with the smarts to make it a personal health coach, with it able to provide workout suggestions and motivations based on your fitness and sleep data. At least, that's what Google is telling everyone. I wasn't able to work out or sleep at Google HQ, so this personalized health coach feature will be something I'll need to test when I get a review unit. The feature is also launching as a "preview" in the U.S. in October for people who use "any Fitbit device or Pixel Watch" alongside a "completely redesigned Fitbit app," so it doesn't sound like it's exclusive to the Pixel Watch 4. Smartwatches are in a bit of a lull right now. The Apple Watch is king, and Android users have few choices that are actually good beyond Samsung's Galaxy Watch 8, the OnePlus Watch 3, and now the Pixel Watch 4. Their small screens also seriously limit what you can do on themâ€"they're not replacing phones any time soon, that's for sure. AI and smarter chatbots like Gemini seem ready to reboot smartwatches like the Pixel Watch 4 with hands-free input and personalization. Now, Google just needs to deliver on this wearable computing change. Preorders for the Pixel Watch start today, Aug. 20, and availability is on Oct. 9. The 41mm Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349 for the Wi-Fi model and $449 for the cellular LTE version. The larger 45mm Pixel Watch 4 starts at $399 for the Wi-Fi version and $499 for the cellular LTE model.

Google's Pixel Watch 4 Series Debuts With Big Bright Screens and Faster Charging

Google's new Pixel Watch 4 series is official, with brighter screens, faster charging, and so much more. The company's fourth-generation watch might look like previous models, but it's better in every way, packed with Gemini AI goodies, and supports SOS emergency satellite communications. Like the previous model, the new Pixel Watch 4 comes in 41mm or 45mm sizes. However, Google's new Actua 360 domed display delivers 10% more screen, smaller bezels, improved durability, and is 50% brighter at 3000 nits. If that wasn't exciting enough, the display is housed in aerospace-grade aluminum and is replaceable, as well as the battery. We'll have to wait and see how repairable these watches really are, but that's better than nothing. The Pixel Watch 4 is designed with serviceability, health, fitness, and Gemini in mind. Like in previous years, you can snag the Pixel Watch 4 in several colors, with even more bands of various shades and materials. More specifically, the 45mm watch comes in Moonstone, Obsidian Black, and Porcelain Silver, while the smaller 41mm watch comes in Iris Silver, Gold, Porcelain Silver, and Obsidian Black. The Pixel Watch 4 has various improvements across the board. Even with a brighter screen, Google says you'll enjoy longer battery life and 25% faster charging. Google quotes 40 hours per charge on the 45mm watch and 30 hours on the 41mm Pixel Watch 4. The fast-charge mode gets you to 50% in as little as 15 minutes. As we've all come to expect with each new product lately, AI and Google's Gemini are mentioned throughout. Interestingly enough, Google has a new take on lift-to-wake, where instead of just waking up your watch face, you can "raise-to-talk" to Gemini, Google's AI assistant. There's an all-new custom speaker and a stronger haptic motor, which is something everyone can appreciate. When you're not busy taking advantage of Gemini or going for a run with all the Fitbit integration, and instead are out in the wilderness on a hike or camping, the Pixel Watch 4 has you covered. In what Google calls a "smartwatch first," the Pixel Watch 4 supports emergency SOS satellite communications. SOS mode on the Pixel 4 works without Wi-Fi or cell signal, allowing you to connect to emergency services in any situation. Better yet, it's completely free for the first two years. That said, we're unsure of pricing once that time period runs out. Other safety features include Loss of Pulse Detection, Safety Check, Emergency Sharing, Fall Detection, Car Crash Detection, and more. That's on top of all the usual Fitbit goodies for health and wellness, which include heart rate tracking, a new dual-frequency GPS for improved route tracking, SpO2 monitoring, sleep tracking, and more. Google then takes the health aspect a step further by revealing an all-new, highly personalized Gemini AI-powered health coach. Basically, the new and improved Pixel Watch 4 series has everything we loved about previous models, including Fitbit integration, health sensors, and more, and makes it better with brighter screens, faster charging, and Gemini, with replaceable screens and batteries. Last but not least, let's talk about pricing. The Pixel Watch 4 will again start at $349.99 for the 41mm model and $399 for the bigger 45mm variant. If you'd like to upgrade to LTE-equipped watches, pricing jumps to $449 for the 41mm and $499 for the 45mm Watch 4. Unfortunately, we have a bit of a wait, as they won't be available until October 9th. You'll be able to buy them from the Google Store and other retailers. Source: Google

Why I'm finally upgrading from the Pixel Watch 2 to Pixel Watch 4

While not the best smartwatch around, the Google Pixel Watch 2 has been a reliable companion on my wrist since its launch in October 2023. I use it to keep up with important notifications, track workouts, and quickly control smart home devices. I had no intention of upgrading to the Pixel Watch 4 this year, but its practical upgrades have convinced me to make the switch. A bigger and brighter screen Smaller bezels all around As much as I like the Pixel Watch 2, its 41mm size always felt too small for my larger wrist. Google fixed that with the Pixel Watch 3 by introducing a 44mm option, though it wasn't a big enough reason to upgrade. The Pixel Watch 4 comes in the same 41mm and 44mm case sizes. This time, the display is bigger, though. You get 10% more screen real estate and 15% slimmer bezels. That might not seem like a big deal, but it will help give the Pixel Watch 4 a modern look, especially when compared to the sleek Apple Watch Series 10. Google uses a Gorilla Glass-made Actua 360 domed display to achieve the edgeless look. The panel is also a newer one, capable of hitting a peak brightness of 3,000 nits -- a 200% jump over the Pixel Watch 2! While not mentioned, I hope the brightness improvement trickles down to the Always-on display as well. I would have loved Google to use a stronger sapphire crystal cover glass for added durability, as seen on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Apple Watch lineup. I guess there's always a next time. Dual-frequency GPS More accurate location data I rely heavily on the Pixel Watch 2 and its Fitbit integration to track my workouts. Running and hiking are my main activities, and the watch usually does a decent job of logging them. The problem, though, is its GPS accuracy. On a clear day, it records fairly precise routes. However, things go downhill fast when the weather turns cloudy or I'm hiking under dense forest cover. The tracking can drift, cut corners, or even lose signal altogether, making the workout data far less reliable. With dual-frequency GPS (L5 GNSS) support, the Pixel Watch 4 should fare a lot better in this department. It won't lose GPS signals quickly in challenging conditions and should provide more accurate route tracking. Longer battery life with faster charging A practical everyday improvement While not impressive, I'm fairly satisfied with the battery life of the Pixel Watch 2. Even after almost two years, it can last through a day of use, including around an hour of workout tracking. That's with always-on display and "Hey Google" detection disabled, since turning them on kills the battery. I do miss having both features, but the trade-off in runtime just isn't worth it. I've also tweaked my charging habits, topping up the watch for 10 to 15 minutes before I go to bed and then again in the morning while I get ready for work. That's enough to ensure I never get any low battery warnings from the watch in daily life. The Pixel Watch 4 takes things up a notch, with Google promising up to 30 hours of runtime for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm variant. That's even longer than the Pixel Watch 3. Since I plan to upgrade to the larger 45mm Pixel Watch 4, the jump in battery life from the Pixel Watch 2 should feel massive. The extra runtime will give me the headroom to finally use the watch with always-on display and "Hey, Google" enabled. As a bonus, Google gave the charging speeds on the Pixel Watch 4 a substantial boost as well. You can charge the watch from empty to 50% in just 15 minutes. For comparison, my Pixel Watch 2 takes around 30 minutes to hit the 50% mark from an almost empty state. This is not just a spec improvement on paper; it will make a big difference in daily use, especially when traveling. A few minutes on the charger will get me several more hours of runtime. The Pixel Watch 4 also comes with a redesigned side-mounted charging dock. A welcome change, since I was never a fan of the Pixel Watch 2's charging puck. I'm already on my third replacement. The exposed pins mean the charger can easily get damaged. Hopefully, the side-mounted charging dock takes care of this problem. This change does mean that my existing Pixel Watch 2 chargers won't work with the Pixel Watch 4. However, that's a small price that I'm ready to pay for faster charging speeds and better reliability. Better speaker Hear Gemini loud and clear To put it mildly, the Pixel Watch 2's speaker is practically useless. When I pick up calls on it, I can barely make out what the other person is saying. The microphone isn't much better either. People almost always complain that my voice sounds muffled. This shortness has become a major issue since Google rolled out Gemini for Wear OS. The responses are barely audible, especially if you are out on the street or in an area with a lot of background activity. I put up with the Pixel Watch 2's subpar speaker for so long because I did not use Assistant much. But with Gemini being far better at handling commands, the weak speaker has become a bottleneck. Google says the Pixel Watch 4 fixes this with a custom speaker designed to deliver much clearer audio. The improved speaker should go well with the Pixel Watch 4's new raise-to-talk feature, making interactions with Gemini more natural and seamless. I can't wait to upgrade to the Pixel Watch 4 Early Pixel Watch 4 leaks failed to impress me, since they pointed to the watch using the same Snapdragon chipset as the Pixel Watch 2. And while that's still true, there are a lot of other factors here. As much as I would have loved a faster SoC for better performance, Google's newest smartwatch packs plenty of other improvements that make it a worthy upgrade. And that's without even factoring in its new emergency satellite connectivity -- a feature that could literally be a lifesaver. Google Pixel Watch 4 CPU Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 RAM 2GB Storage 32GB Battery 455 mAh The Google Pixel Watch 4 packs all the right improvements you could ask for: a brighter display with smaller bezels, more AI features, longer battery life, and faster charging speeds. All this, and more for the same starting price of $399. Expand Collapse

Pixel Watch 4 hides Google's biggest upgrade behind classic design & same price [Hands-on]

At Made by Google 2025, Google announced the Pixel Watch 4. While it looks the same, there are significant hardware changes that actually make this a sizable update. I'd go as far as saying that this is the biggest hardware upgrade of all the products unveiled today, but you'll only notice the changes in person. The first three generations have cover glass that is flat at the center and domed around the edges. The Pixel Watch 4 takes things a step further by raising the center of the glass so that there is no flat surface. From the start, water droplets have been Google's inspiration, and this year's design fully realizes that. In addition to the glass, the display underneath is also domed on the Pixel Watch 4 to make the pixels feel like they are so much closer to the surface. This Actua 360 display results in 10% more screen real estate and a 16% smaller bezel. Protected by custom Gorilla Glass, it's also 50% brighter than last generation at 3,000 nits, which always helps when in direct sunlight. These two hardware aspects make for an interesting optical illusion the first time you put the Pixel Watch 4 on your wrist. It's an immersive effect that cannot be captured in images or videos. Practically speaking, I can imagine myself beginning swipes from the center of the screen instead of starting from one edge and going all the way to the other. Google touts a custom Gen 3 haptics engine that results in 15% stronger vibrations, though I haven't been able to appreciate the difference so far. There's also a new speaker that's better tuned for speech and aids Gemini responses. The Pixel Watch 4 is made of aluminum and once again has an IP68 rating and is waterproof up to 50 meters. On the left edge, you'll find two raised contacts at the ends of the speaker cutout. This is for the new charging system that gets you 0-50% in 15 minutes or less. Google went with a third mechanism in four generations because it believes "ultra fast" charging will be a real differentiator. For those that wear their watch all day, top-up sessions are faster than ever. If you don't wear it to bed for sleep tracking, you have a dedicated place to store it that is more elegant, if not premium, than a loose puck. This nature of being an explicit dock (which has mostly disappeared for phones) instead of just relying on the band to keep your watch upright is interesting. The Quick Charge Dock has a 1 meter long cable and I appreciate how it's much more weighted than the old puck that so easily flopped around. It's the same accessory for both sizes, while the watch can be placed in either direction Made for Google partners will offer compatible charging accessories, cases, and screen protectors. The Pixel Watch 4 is Google's first wearable to be serviceable. You remove screws hidden in the band connector to access the battery, while the display is also replaceable. The Pixel Watch 4 is powered by a new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 (more on that below) with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. This year, Google is updating the co-processor to the Cortex-M55 for running machine learning algorithms 25% faster at half the power. The display also takes up 50% less power in ambient mode. Along with Wear OS 6, the end result is 25% longer battery life. The 41mm (325 mAh) Pixel Watch 4 gets 30 hours (AOD) and two days with Battery Saver Mode, while it's 40 hours (AOD) and three days with Battery Saver on 45mm (455 mAh). Besides Bluetooth 6.0 and Ultra-Wideband, Google is touting how the Pixel Watch 4 LTE is the "first standalone commercial smartwatch" with emergency Satellite SOS connectivity, which is made possible by the W5 Gen 2. It's for contacting emergency responders and sharing your location. It can be launched when you dial 911, but have no connectivity. Like on phones, there is a survey, while Google guides you on how to orient the watch with a new set of antennas. Availability is starting in the contiguous US. On the health front, the Pixel Watch 4 has 18% more accurate sleep tracking that is better at detecting when you're in REM, light, or deep sleep. There's also a next-generation skin temperature sensor. Route tracking gets more accurate with dual-frequency GPS when you're surrounded by buildings or trees. Similarly, AI-powered activity recognition works in the background so you don't have to manually start a session. You'll get a summary with metrics after the fact, and it will get more personalized over time based on your routine. Meanwhile, there are now 50+ Exercise modes, including basketball and pickleball. Cyclists will appreciate how you can now show workout stats on your phone in real-time. More broadly, Google is introducing a Coach powered by Gemini that goes hand-in-hand with a redesigned Fitbit app that leverages Material 3 Expressive. Understanding your health and fitness goals, it creates personalized fitness and sleep plans. You can conversationally ask questions about health and fitness. This is coming in October as a public preview after the Pixel Watch 4 first hits store shelves for any older model and Fitbit wearable. Finally, Wear OS 6 is a big redesign that touches every screen and app, including Clock and Weather. It makes for a nice modernization that Wear OS arguably needed after a few years. Tiles really benefit from being able to show more information. You can now launch Gemini by just raising your wrist and just talking instead of using a hotword or button press. Made possible by the co-processor, this has the potential to be a paradigm changing way to interact with an assistant that's entirely hands-free. The other big AI feature this year is on-device smart replies in Google Messages and other similar notifications that use the context of the conversation. The on-device nature is nice especially if you're using the watch without a paired phone nearby. The Pixel Watch 4 costs $349 for the 41mm Bluetooth/Wi-Fi model in the US, while 45mm is $399. The LTE model is once again $100 more. It will be available on October 9, with pre-orders today in these colors:

Google Beats Apple to Satellite Connectivity With Pixel Watch 4

Google says that the Pixel Watch 4 is the biggest update to the Pixel Watch so far. The device has been redesigned with a domed 360 display, and Google beat Apple to a smartwatch with satellite connectivity. The domed display is physically curved, a change that Google says provides a 10 percent larger active display area and 16 percent smaller bezels, plus 50 percent improved performance in sunlight. There's a stronger haptic engine for better physical feedback, and the battery is able to last for up to 30 hours on the 41mm watch and up to 40 hours on the 45mm watch. Google is using a Snapdragon W5 chip inside and an ML-powered co-processor. The LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4 offers emergency satellite support so users can get help even when there's no Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity available. Rumors suggest that Apple is planning to add this same functionality to the Apple Watch Ultra 3 that's coming in September. Sleep tracking is more accurate, there's a better skin temperature sensor, and dual-frequency GPS allows for more accurate route tracking. Google even mimicked Apple's Workout Buddy, introducing a personal AI health coach that's powered by Gemini. It offers proactive fitness and sleep coaching, along with on-demand guidance. Pricing for the Pixel Watch 4 starts at $349. Google is also adding new features to its $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2, which launched last year. The earbuds are getting functionality that's directly copied from the AirPods, including Adaptive Audio and Loud Noise Protection. Adaptive Audio adjusts sound level to the wearer's surroundings to let key noises come through, while Loud Noise Protection protects hearing when there's a sudden loud sound.

I just went hands-on with Google Pixel Watch 4, and it could be my new favorite smartwatch for Android

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate. Is one year between smartwatches too soon? The Google Pixel Watch 4 is being released about 12 months after the Pixel Watch 3 and brings with it a bigger and brighter display, longer battery life, and greater integration with Gemini AI, all for the same price as last year's model. Based on our initial hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 4, it looks to be a very impressive watch. You'll have to wait for our full review, which will come soon enough, to see how the new offering from Google compares with the best smartwatches. While the enhancements may not be enough to convince Pixel Watch 3 owners to upgrade, those with older models might want to take a closer look. The Pixel Watch 4 is available for pre-order as of August 20, and will go on sale on October 9. Like the Pixel Watch 3, the Watch 4 is available in two sizes and in two configurations: Like the last version, both LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4 will come with two years of service for free, provided you buy the watch through the Google Store or Best Buy. The Pixel Watch 4 has a touchscreen that's 10% larger than before, so while the watch itself is the same size, it has smaller bezels. When looking at it side-by-side with the Pixel Watch 3, the change is subtle, but compared to the Pixel Watch 2, you can really see the difference in the bezel thickness. The Pixel Watch 4 display has a rated brightness of 3,000 nits, which is considerably higher than the Pixel Watch 3 (2,000 nits) and Pixel Watch 2 (1,000 nits), and on a par with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, also rated at 3,000 nits. And, Google's watch can also drop down to as low as 1 nit, so you don't bother people at night or in the movie theater. In addition, the Pixel Watch 4's screen has a slight curve to it; again, it's very subtle, but when I dragged my finger across the display, it felt a bit more natural than the older models. Like before, the Pixel Watch 4 has a crown and a button on the right for navigating menus, but now on the right side are two metal contacts for recharging the device. The new charger sits the watch upright on its side, and the display automatically rotates 90 degrees, so that you can use the watch as a mini alarm clock on your bedstand. The Pixel Watch 4 is waterproof to 50 meters, and it's the first Google watch with a replaceable battery and display, so you don't have to chuck the whole thing if it gets damaged. That said, you'll need to send the device to Google or a certified repair technician; the screen and battery can't be swapped at home. While Google introduced Gemini with the Pixel Watch 3, the company's AI is being further incorporated into the Pixel Watch 4. For instance, the watch will now automatically launch Gemini when you raise your wrist toward your face -- no more saying "Hey Google." Gemini can also be used to provide smarter, contextualized replies to messages. So, if someone texts you "Are you still coming to dinner?", Gemini can look at the time, your calendar, and where you are, and come up with an automatic reply such as "I'm running 10 minutes late." Within the Pixel Watch 4's fitness features, Gemini can automatically (and retroactively) identify workouts. So, if you forget to start tracking your run, the watch will send you a notification after you've finished, saying something to the effect of, "It looks like you went for a run. Do you want me to save this as a workout?" The more activities you log yourself, the more accurate the Pixel Watch 4 will get at automatically detecting what it is you're doing. Hardware-wise, there aren't any huge improvements with the Pixel Watch 4. There are a few upgrades over the previous model that should help with activity tracking, though. The Pixel Watch 4 will feature dual-band GPS, putting it on a par with the Galaxy Watch 8 (and a step ahead of the Apple Watch 10). This should make it more accurate in cities and heavily wooded areas, where GPS signals can often be blocked by tall buildings and/or trees. Also new to the Pixel Watch 4 is an improved skin temperature sensor, which Google says will make sleep tracking 18% more accurate. While it's not new, the Pixel Watch 4 will also have Loss of Pulse Detection -- a feature that launched earlier this year on the Pixel Watch 3. Fall and Car Crash Detection also return with the new watch. The 45mm model of the Pixel Watch 4 has a 455 mAh battery, which Google says will last up to 40 hours with the always-on display, and up to 72 hours with Battery Saver mode. The 41mm model has a 325 mAh battery, good for up to 30 hours with the always-on display, and 48 hours with Battery Saver mode. Those figures are considerably higher than the Pixel Watch 3, which was rated for 24 hours with an Always-On Display and 36 hours in Battery Saver. While we need to test these claims ourselves, the two reasons for the big uptick are the result of larger batteries in the Pixel Watch 4 and a more efficient processor. Of course, if the Pixel Watch 4 is anything like the Pixel Watch 3, the larger 45mm could greatly surpass that rating. After all, the 45mm Pixel Watch 3 lasted an average of 48 hours per charge in our testing. Just as impressive are the claimed recharging times: The Pixel Watch 4 can get a 50% charge in 15 minutes, an 80% charge in 25 minutes, and a 100% charge in 45 minutes. Again, this is something we'll need to test, but in our hands-on time, I put a Pixel Watch 4 in its charger and saw it gain a charge very quickly. If you're out in the middle of nowhere and get into trouble, the Pixel Watch 4 now has emergency satellite communication -- a first for smartwatches, though it's rumored that the Apple Watch Ultra 3 will also have this feature when it ships, which could be as soon as next month. If you try and contact 911, but there's no signal, the Pixel Watch will automatically try and send a text message, along with your GPS coordinates, to emergency responders. Satellite SOS is only available on LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4, but you don't need to have an LTE plan to use it. That said, at launch, the feature is only available in the contiguous United States. With a bigger battery, a larger and brighter screen, better integration of Gemini AI features, and a new, potentially life-saving safety tool, the Pixel Watch 4 looks to be a meaningful upgrade over its predecessor. Of course, the Pixel Watch 3 (in 45mm) remains one of the best Android smartwatches for battery in 2025 (tied with the Galaxy Watch Ultra), lasting roughly two days per charge (one day for the 41mm Pixel Watch 3). However, the Pixel Watch 4 is well-positioned to snatch the longevity crown. This would give Google a serious advantage over the latest Samsung watches, which, in our testing, were good for roughly 30 hours per charge for the Galaxy Watch 8 standard and 40 hours per charge for the Classic. Of course, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic has an arguably cooler design (love that clicky bezel) and comes with some unique health and fitness insights. Stay tuned for our full review of the Pixel Watch 4 to see if it will take the mantle of best Android smartwatch.

Google Pixel Watch 4 announced -- release date, price and new life-saving tech

The Google Pixel Watch 4 has arrived. Debuting at the August 2025 Made by Google event today (August 20), nearly every aspect of the smartwatch has been overhauled -- or at least, tweaked. The list includes bigger batteries, brighter displays, and a new lifesaving tool. Despite these changes, the Pixel Watch 4 is essentially the exact size and weight as its predecessor, and wears similarly on the wrist. A new domed glass display makes interacting with the touchscreen a slightly more fluid and enjoyable experience, though. Read my colleague Mike Prospero's full Pixel Watch 4 hands-on for more handling insights. So, when can you get your hands on the new Google Pixel Watch 4? What are the biggest upgrades, and how much is it going to cost you? Read on. The Pixel Watch 4 has the same starting price as the Pixel Watch 3, $349. That's also how much the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 costs Despite a mid-August announcement, the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't go on sale until October 9. Like the Pixel Watch 3, the new Pixel Watches will be available in 41mm and 45mm with or without LTE. U.S. customers who opt for the LTE version can enjoy two years of free connectivity if they buy the watch through Google or Best Buy. While the Pixel Watch 4 looks an awful lot like the Pixel Watch 3, there are plenty of upgrades that set it apart from its predecessor. I've listed the seven most notable ones below. The new domed display isn't just nicer to interact with; there's also 10% more screen real estate compared to the Pixel Watch 3 for both sizes. This upgrade was made possible by a 16% reduction in the bezel size. The Pixel Watch 4 screen also maxes out at 3,000 nits, the same as the Galaxy Watch 8 and 50% brighter than the Pixel Watch 3. This should make it extremely easy to read, even in very bright sunlight. Google says that the Pixel Watch 4 should offer 25% better battery life than its predecessor, with the 41mm model rated to last 30 hours per charge and the 45mm model rated for 40 hours per charge. Both of these are with the always-on display enabled. These improvements come about from slightly bigger batteries and more efficient processing. The latest dual-chip design uses 50% less power compared to the Pixel Watch 3 and is 25% faster. For reference, the Pixel Watch 3 is rated 24 hours per charge for both sizes. In my testing, the smaller watch met that rating, but the larger model far exceeded it, cruising for roughly 48 hours per charge without issue. If the Pixel Watch 4 in 45mm performs similarly, it may last for up to 60 hours per charge. The Pixel Watch 4 has a new charger. Instead of charging via the rear of the watch, it now sports charging contacts on the side of the device. When set down in the new charger, the Pixel Watch 4 acts as a mini tabletop clock, or at least, that's the idea. Charge times have also been improved. According to Google, you'll be able to get a 50% charge in 15 minutes, an 80% charge in 25 minutes, and a 100% charge in just 45 minutes. Sorry, Apple, it looks like Google beat you to the punch on this much-rumored safety feature. Similar to the satellite SOS feature on last year's Google Pixel 9, Pixel Watch 4 owners will be able to call for help from the device (no phone required) from off-the-grid. There are, however, some notable limitations. To access the feature, you must first try calling 911; if that fails, you'll be presented with the option to attempt a satellite SOS message. Successfully sending one requires a clear view of the satellite's position in the sky. In addition to connecting you with emergency services, the feature will also automatically send a message to your emergency contacts (this can be disabled). The satellite SOS feature is only available in the contiguous U.S., and only the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 4 can access it. However, LTE service is not required -- you just need the internal hardware of that model. Like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8, the new Pixel Watch 4 ships with Google's Gemini AI voice assistant built in. Gemini onboard brings about new context-driven "Smart Replies." There's also a new "raise to talk" gesture -- which involves little more than lifting your wrist toward your face -- to awaken Gemini. This means no more saying, "Hey, Google." The Pixel Watch 4 sports a similar sensor array to its predecessor but does offer an upgraded skin temperature sensor, which should contribute to improved sleep insights. Google says the latest watch is 18% more accurate at detecting sleep cycles than before. Google also upgraded the GPS to a dual-band affair, which should make for more reliable and precise data when exercising amongst tall buildings or trees. Plus, thanks to Gemini, the Pixel Watch 4 is programmed to learn your favorite exercise types. Once it does, the watch should be able to autodetect when you're working out and begin tracking with no user input required. Google has also overhauled the onboard fitness app (Fitbit app) and is launching a new AI-powered personal health coach for Fitbit Premium subscribers. Last, but most certainly not least, the Pixel Watch 4 is Google's first smartwatch designed to be repaired. More specifically, both the screen and the battery can be replaced by Google or a certified technician (sorry, DIYers). The Google Pixel Watch 4 appears to be a comprehensively upgraded version of last year's Pixel Watch 3... for exactly the same cost. Individually, none of the improvements -- minus satellite SOS -- are necessarily earthshattering, but combined, they could add up to the best Android smartwatch of 2025. Stay tuned for a full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4, along with detailed comparison against the competition, walk tests, feature highlights, and more.

The Google Pixel Watch 4 might look similar to its predecessor, but the changes under the hood could make a big difference

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test. As it does each year, Google's releasing its latest crop of hardware, including phones, earbuds - and of course, its next-generation smartwatch, the Google Pixel Watch 4. Similar to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 or Apple Watch Series 10, the latest generation of the Pixel Watch 4 has fewer earth-shattering changes and more refinements to a working formula. It's sticking with the now-iconic and truthfully quite lovely polished pebble circular build that comes in two sizes. The addition of a 45-millimeter alongside the smaller 41-millimeter was the big change last year. That means more choice for you if the Pixel Watch sparks your interest, and ultimately lets you get one that's the right size for your wrist. The Pixel Watch 4 still comes in those same two sizes, 41-millimeter or 45-millimeter, and it's also sticking with the same prices as last year - at least in the United States. However, even with a similar look, it does carry some significant upgrades, including a healthy dose of AI smarts powered by some new silicon inside, a forthcoming AI coach that's part of a larger Fitbit rollout, replaceable parts, a refreshed user interface, and a new domed display that's physically raised to the touch. The first thing I noticed during my hands-on time with the Pixel Watch 4 was that the display itself is not flat like on the Pixel Watch 3. Sure, we've seen smartwatches slope down the sides towards the watch case, such as the Apple Watch Series 10, but the glass display here is actually domed to the point where, as you swipe across the screen, you'll feel the surface rise or lower. This makes the sides of the display and the graphics appearing on the edges even more sloped, a feature the new Material 3 Expressive interface uses in its animations. However, it also noticeably increases the thickness on your wrist. The domed 360 Actua display still looked rich and vibrant with crisp text or numbers, and it got considerably brighter in the demo room. Google says its spec can hit up to 3,000 nits, a jump of 1,000 nits when compared to the Pixel Watch 3. And just like the larger displays on the third-generation Pixel Watch, the fourth generation is continuing this tradition with 16% smaller bezels and 10% larger active area of the display, which Google says is only made possible by the domed display. I think the physical touch and interaction with the watch might take some time to get used to, but the new design delivers a theoretically more durable surface - as is the case with some dome shapes - and more space to hit touchpoints or see items presented on your wrist is certainly a win. It's something I'm eager to spend more time with, and as I said in the Pixel Watch 3 review last year, it aids the idea of Google polishing a pebble with the Pixel Watch's looks. The Pixel Watch 4 still boasts Corning Gorilla Glass to protect against drops or scratches, and the rest of the build here is aerospace-grade aluminum. It's also water-resistant up to 50 meters. Another major change, though, is a redesigned back, which resulted in the moving of the charging ports to make this smartwatch repairable and serviceable. Yes, you'll notice several screws, which allow the battery to be replaced for a more sustainable design. This isn't something common for major smartwatches as most are sealed units, but it's a step in the right direction from Google. This results in a pretty significant change in charger design, as you'll no longer place this on a proprietary puck with prongs like the Galaxy Watch, Apple Watch, or any Pixel Watch before this. The Pixel Watch 4 now charges on its side in a dock, and if you're using this on a nightstand, it should make it easier to use the smartwatch as a small alarm clock - it's even perfectly positioned to tap the crown to snooze. The charger no longer connects at the back of the case due to the need to be able to take the watch apart. Google is also using the new charger and design changes to speed up refueling. You can now charge the Pixel Watch 4 from 0% to 50% in just 15 minutes, and Google is promising longer battery life for both sizes. With the 41mm at up to 30 hours and the 45mm at up to 40 hours, mileage will, of course, vary here depending on usage, but it's a good step beyond the Pixel Watch 3. While I only spent about half an hour with the Pixel Watch 4, it felt like a modern-day smartwatch that was responsive and zippy fast. Under the hood, it's powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform and a next-gen ML CoProcessor, both of which made the new Material 3 Expressive run quite well here. It was easy enough to swipe between the tiles, and I especially liked the more vibrant nature of the colors. You can, of course, customize these, but this watch felt speedy compared to previous years. Along with the likes of PixelSnap, Google's new Smart Replies here could have a major impact ... especially if you're tired of the state of suggested replies, often lacking context and unsuited for the conversation. The Pixel Watch 4's silicon insides can actually power an on-device large language model to help think of an appropriate suggested reply based on whatever the message is. I even tested it with a message that spoke to delays on NJTransit, and the Pixel Watch 4 delivered an appropriate response. It took a few seconds, but it's much better than the list found on previous Pixel Watches, the Galaxy Watch, or even the Apple Watch. We've already seen Gemini arrive on-wrist courtesy of the Galaxy Watch 8, but Google's serving up something special for its watch, and that's a 'raise to talk to the AI assistant' functionality. Simply raise your wrist, and a glowing bar appears at the bottom, which signifies that Gemini is listening, and you can start your request. You don't need to say 'Hey Gemini,' but Google has us pretty well trained in the department - it also worked well in a short demo, quickly pulling up the weather. While I didn't get to try any of the health and activity features, Google's shipping the Pixel Watch 4 with a familiar suite that includes general activity, heart-rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), and sleep tracking. You can also take an ECG or Electrocardiogram, and there's an improved Skin Temperature sensor for more accurate readings. You can also track over 40 workouts with the Pixel Watch 4. The real big potential leap, though, is a promised 'personal AI health coach' that's powered by Gemini and set to arrive at some point in October as a preview in the United States at first. It should go beyond 'Workout Buddy' on the Apple Watch and some AI features on the Galaxy Watch, but we don't know exactly what it entails just yet. Google is promising it to be a coach of sorts that bases recommendations on your health data and that you can chat with, maybe something similar to that of Oura Advisor. It's shaping up to be a pretty strong smartwatch, and while the Pixel Watch 4 doesn't usher in a tremendously radical redesign, it's mostly about polishing and the addition of a healthy dose of AI functionality - something that Google is a big fan of. It's likely that you don't need to rush out for it if you already have a Pixel Watch 3, but those with an older model may want to consider an upgrade. We'll be back with more once we've had time to put it through its full paces and see how the changes perform in the real world. If you're looking to upgrade from, say, a Pixel Watch 2 or 3, maybe another Android smartwatch, or even getting your first one, there is a wait for when you'll actually receive a new Pixel Watch. Google is taking orders right now for the Pixel Watch 4 - it begins on August 20, 2025 - but the smartwatch won't officially launch until October 9, 2025. That's when the first shipments should arrive, depending on demand, and when you'll find it available at retail locations. Unlike other gadgets that have seen price hikes year over year, the Pixel Watch 4 sticks with the same price as the Pixel Watch 3. Meaning it's priced at $349 / £349 / AU$579 for the 41mm Pixel Watch 4 with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, or $449 / £449 / AU$749 for cellular connectivity. The larger, 45mm Pixel Watch 4 is $399 / £399 / AU$669 for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or $499 / £499 / AU$839 for connectivity. Beyond accessing the internet with the cellular connectivity model, you'll also need to spend more to get emergency satellite functionality on the Pixel Watch 4. There isn't an extra monthly or annual cost - at least for two years, that's what Google provides out of the box - but it needs to make use of the bands found in the cellular version of the watch. That could be a reason alone to get it right there.

Google Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: big changes make it compelling

One of the best smartwatches last year was the Pixel Watch 3, as Google's new era of close collaboration with Fitbit yielded major changes that put the Pixel Watch on the map. The Pixel Watch 3 is still competitive against the competition, such as the Apple Watch Series 10 and Galaxy Watch 8, but Google is back with its next edition. The new Pixel Watch 4 introduces several compelling changes to address issues from last year's edition, including the display, battery, and charging. Recommended Videos There's also new integrations with Gemini, a new world-first communications feature on a smartwatch, and a few other tweaks as Google aims to challenge the upcoming Apple Watch Series 11. All of these changes come at the expense of notable fitness upgrades, as Google focuses on addressing the hardware concerns with the Pixel Watch 3. However, that's not a bad thing considering how compelling the Pixel Watch 3 fitness features are. I spent half an hour with Google's new wearables at its event in New York City yesterday, and here's why this could be the best smartwatch this year. The Pixel Watch 4 is bigger, brighter, and better The Pixel Watch 3 has a fairly compelling display, but Google took a significant step closer to its key competition by making the Pixel Watch 4 display 10% larger and much brighter as well. Like Apple's changes with the Apple Watch Series 10, Google achieved this by making the bezels smaller. As a result, the Pixel Watch 4 is a similar size to the Pixel Watch 3 despite the larger display. These changes make for an even more impressive experience, enhanced by the way light reflects off the curved edges of the display. The Pixel Watch 4 also features a brighter display, which has been boosted to a max brightness of 3,000 nits. This puts it on par with the Galaxy Watch 8, and marks a significant improvement over the 2,000 nits display on the Pixel Watch 3. There's one more hardware change that's noticeable. On the right, you'll find the same crown and button for navigating the watch, as well as two metal contacts. The Pixel Watch 4 has much better charging These two contacts represent something key: Google finally fixed the charging with the Pixel Watch 4. Instead of the pogo-pin connector used previously, the Pixel Watch 4 now comes with wireless charging that is faster and more convenient to charge. The new charger positions the watch upright with the display rotated 90 degrees, allowing for easy viewing of the Always-on Display. However, this setup also makes charging on the go less convenient. It's unclear how easily available a second charging puck will be, but you'll want to ensure you use an official charger to take advantage of the faster charging speeds. Google claims the Pixel Watch 4 can charge to 50 percent in 15 minutes, an 80% charge in 25 minutes, and to 100% in just 45 minutes. I've previously tested the Pixel Watch 3 charging speeds, and this is a welcome improvement; we'll have to wait for the full review to test the speeds, but these claims would make it the fastest charging smartwatch amongst its competitors. A bigger battery makes a difference Google didn't just improve the Pixel Watch 4 charging; it included a much bigger battery as well. The Pixel Watch 3 battery is already impressive, but the Pixel Watch 4 battery could prove to extend Google's lead. The 45mm model of the Pixel Watch features a 455 mAh battery, which Google says offers up to 40 hours of battery life, or up to 72 hours if you enable Battery Saver mode. The smaller 41mm model has a 325mAh battery, which drops this to 30 hours and 48 hours, respectively. These are strong claims, but in my testing, both sizes of the Pixel Watch 3 exceeded Google's stated claims, and the 45mm offered the best battery life on a smartwatch. Assuming the Pixel Watch 4 follows suit, Google could have a winner on its hands. New Gemini and Health features Google's broad ecosystem focus on Gemini has also extended to the Pixel Watch 4. Google first launched Gemini for Wear OS as an update to the Pixel Watch 3 last month, but the Pixel Watch 4 makes it even easier to launch Gemini, as it will automatically launch when you raise your wrist toward your face. Yes, you can still say "Hey Google" if you prefer, or press and hold the crown, but this new Raise to Talk method is the easiest. Gemini on Wear OS is exactly the type of helpful AI that we all deserve Gemini on Wear OS now supports LLM-backed responses and can connect with other Google apps like Calendar, Maps, Tasks, and Home. If someone texts you asking where you are, Gemini can look at your calendar, see your location in Maps, and suggest a smart response saying "I'm 5 minutes away." Gemini on Wear OS is exactly the type of helpful AI that we all deserve. The Pixel Watch 4 can now also automatically detect and classify your activity, and "send you a recap so you never miss out on your stats". This isn't groundbreaking, as every wearable maker claims to do this, but we'll see whether the Pixel Watch 4 delivers. Meet your new personal AI health coach There's one major AI-powered addition to the Pixel Watch 4: a new personal AI health coach backed by Gemini. This feature brings "proactive fitness and sleep coaching" and "on-demand guidance tailored to your goals and real-life circumstances." During Google's event, I had a chance to learn more about this feature, and I'm incredibly excited about it. The health coach works by collecting and analyzing information from your Pixel Watch 4, as well as data from other devices that connect to Health Connect, such as your blood pressure monitor, scales, or other health devices. Pixel Watch 4 has the AI health coach I wanted the Apple Watch to have Then it can help you understand specific metrics, the factors that influence them, and how to improve that metric. It can also provide guidance on workouts to help achieve your specific goals. By far the most impressive feature is Gemini's new AI chat, which allows you to ask questions like "How do I improve my VO2max?" and receive the necessary information to answer your question, along with guidance on steps to take. Before WWDC earlier this year, I wrote that I hoped Apple would launch its rumored AI doctor. It turns out that Google was waiting in the wings; the Pixel Watch 4 has the AI health coach I wanted the Apple Watch to have. The companion you want in an emergency There's one last feature that is notable, and could save your life in an emergency: Satellite SOS. If you're out in the middle of nowhere and get into trouble, the Pixel Watch 4 can now connect to satellites in an emergency, even without a connection. If you try to dial 911 but have no signal, the Pixel Watch 4 will automatically try to connect to satellites and send your GPS coordinates to emergency responders via a text message. This makes the Pixel Watch 4 the first smartwatch to offer this feature, although Apple is also expected to offer this feature on the upcoming Apple Watch Ultra 3. This feature is only available on the LTE models of the Pixel Watch 4, but you don't need an active LTE plan to use this. It's only available in the contiguous US -- so it won't work in Hawaii or Alaska -- and it's unclear when this feature will roll out to other countries. I'm very impressed by the Pixel Watch 4 The Pixel Watch 4 could be the most impressive smartwatch this year. Google has made large-scale changes to address some concerns about the Pixel Watch 3, and from my brief hands-on, the result is a smartwatch that has the potential to set a new benchmark. We'll have to wait for the full review before its launch on October 9 to see if it delivers on this potential. Starting at $349 for the 41mm model and $399 for the 45mm model, there's every chance it could deliver. You'll need to pay a $100 premium for the LTE model if the always-connected experience and satellite SOS are features that appeal to you.

Pixel Watch 4: Google's biggest update to a smartwatch ever

Google's fastest charging, longest lasting, most durable, and actually repairable smartwatch The Google Pixel Watch 4 has arrived, launching alongside the Pixel 10 series and Pixel Buds 2a, bringing new features to tempt you to upgrade your wrist-worn wearable. Google says this is its biggest update to Pixel Watch to date, and the Pixel Watch 4 features a few industry first, such as its domed Actua 360 display and the fact it's the first smartwatch to offer standalone Satellite Communication, allowing you to send emergency messages, even if you're off-grid and out of network coverage. When will the Google Pixel Watch 4 be available? The Google Pixel Watch 4 was announced on August 20, 2025, with pre-orders of the smartwatch opening the same day. Recommended Videos However, unlike the Pixel 10 , 10 Pro and 10 Pro XL handsets, the Google Pixel Watch won't be available soon after launch (August 28 for those phones). Instead, the Google Pixel Watch 4 release date is set for October 9. That is more than a month after the launch, and it leaves the door open for Apple to beat it to market with the Apple Watch 11, which we expect to be announced during the iPhone 17 launch sometime in mid-September. How much will the Google Pixel Watch 4 cost? The Google Pixel Watch 4 price starts at $349, which matches the launch price of the Pixel Watch 3. There's no inflation price rise here. With the Pixel Watch 4 available in two sizes, and with the option to have it with or without LTE connectivity - there are four prices to get your head around. 41mm Pixel Watch 4 price: $349 (Wi-Fi only) / $449 (Wi-Fi + LTE) 45mm Pixel Watch 4 price: $399 (Wi-Fi only) / $499 (Wi-Fi + LTE) Google Pixel Watch 4: key specs Google Pixel Watch 4: design Google says the Pixel Watch 4 is made from "Aerospace-grade aluminum" which, along with the custom Corning Gorilla Glass on the screen, should provide decent durability. It might be tough, but Google's also made the Watch 4 easily repairable. The watch has been designed to make it easy to replace the battery or screen, which will put the minds of those more clumsy at ease. A digital crown is found on the right of watch housing, allowing you to scroll through menus, and it doubles as a button so you can select options on screen. There's a second button, located just above this. Google Pixel Watch 4: display Google is petty chuffed with the screen it's put on the Pixel Watch 4. As mentioned in the intro, you get a domed Actua 360 display on the watch - as first of its kind. What does this mean? Well, the screen is actually curved which, Google says, allows for a "10% larger active area" and a 16% reduction in the size of the bezel. The screen is 50% brighter than the one found on the Pixel Watch 3, with the Watch 4 claiming a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. That should mean it's easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Google Pixel Watch 4: connectivity The Pixel Watch 4 is the world's first smartwatch to offer standalone Satellite communications, which has been made possible by Qualcomm's new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset. Leave your phone at home, or in the car, before you venture out on a long off-grid run, trek, or walk, and the Pixel Watch 4 will be able to contact emergency services for you, even if you're not in cell service. Google Pixel Watch 4: interface and AI On-screen, you're treated to the Material 3 Expressive UI, which Google says makes for a more personal and dynamic experience, with the interface able to deliver richer, and more glanceable information. It makes Pixel Watch 4 more colorful, and there is a range of new watch faces for you to pick and customize. The Pixel Watch 4 comes with a new way to interact with Gemini. All you need to do is raise your wrist and Gemini will be ready to listen to whatever is on your mind - just start speaking. There's no need to use a wake word, or press a button. Google says it will make it easier for you to interact with Gemini when you have your hands full. The speaker has also been improved over the previous model, making it easier for you to hear Gemini and other audio. Google Pixel Watch 4 battery and charging Thanks to power efficiencies from the Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset, and further enhancements in compute architecture, the Pixel Watch is 25% faster than its predecessor, while consuming just half the power. That means the Pixel Watch 4 boasts some impressive battery life stats - although you'll have to wait for our full review to see if it can live up to the claims. In fact, this is Google's fastest charging, and longest lasting smartwatch ever. On a single charge, the Pixel Watch 4 can last up to 40 hours, for the 45mm variant. The 41mm model can supposedly last a still-impressive 30 hours between charges. Things become a little odd when it comes to actually charging the Pixel Watch 4, as the connector to do so is located on the left edge of the watch. It means you need the dedicated charging dock which comes with the smartwatch - you can't use a previous watch charger - and it sits horizontally on the dock. We imagine this will look nice on a nightstand, as it can double as a small bedside clock, but you might need to invest in a few of these chargers to place around your home.

Google's New Pixel Watch 4 Is the Most Stylish Smartwatch in Town

The charger now displays the Pixel Watch 4 in an upright position. For my money, Google's Pixel Watch has always been the slickest smartwatch you can buy. The rounded face is more realistic and comfortable than the Apple Watch's square face, while the minimalist design feels more high-tech than the Galaxy Watch. This year, Google's doubling down on aesthetics with a new domed display, alongside a new charger that displays the watch upright while it's docked. And of course, there's more power and AI integration, too. The Pixel Watch 4 improves on previous Pixel Watches with a convex domed display that adds some three-dimensionality to the watch face. The screen now sticks out a little bit more and waterfalls over the side, giving you what Google says is 10% more screen space and a 16% smaller bezel. Still, the device as a whole is the same height as before, at 12.3mm, so you shouldn't have to worry about the new screen being bulky or accidentally bumping into walls. It's a change that I think looks pretty attractive overall. Large bezels have been a consistent issue on circular watch faces, and anything that helps address that is worth it in my book. If you're less certain about the new look, though, there's another benefit. The new display is also much brighter than the old one, with 3,000 nits of maximum brightness as opposed to 2,000. That's probably overkill for more people, but with smartwatch screens being so tiny, every little bit of increased visibility helps. Aside from the new screen, the Pixel Watch 4 is rocking some internal improvements as well. These include new chips, which, when paired with the new, larger battery, should help it be more efficient. Specifically, the Pixel Watch 4 uses a Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 for its main processor and a Cortex-M55 for its co-processor, both of which are generational improvements on what was in the Pixel Watch 3. While you're not going to run the latest and greatest smartphone apps on these, the idea is that these will work together to make for faster stat tracking and more on-device AI, all with less power draw. Specifically, Google is claiming a 25% increase in performance and a 50% decrease in power consumption. Speaking of power consumption, the Pixel Watch 4 has a larger battery across both available sizes, with 455 mAh of capacity on the 45mm model and 325 mAh on the 41mm model. Google is promising 25% longer battery life on both, with 40 hours of total life on the 45mm version and 30 hours on the 41mm one, or two to three days while using Battery Saver mode. As a first, the battery is also now replaceable. Google will do repairs for you if you're in warranty, or you can buy a replacement battery from Google and do it yourself. The company says it will sell replacement batteries up to five years after end of life for the Pixel Watch 4, and that the replacement process does not require adhesive or heat. Screens will also be able to be replaced, too. As someone who's taken to using my smartphone as my alarm clock, this next change is one I really appreciate. Google's redesigned the Pixel Watch 4's charger so the watch now sits upright in it. That makes it easy to place on your bedside table and check at a glance, where you'll see the time, your battery life, how long until you have a full charge, and any alarms you might have set. The new charger is supposed to be 25% faster, too, for those instances where you forget to charge overnight. The catch? Previous Pixel Watch chargers, including third-party options, won't work with the Pixel Watch 4. While both Apple and Google already offer emergency SOS modes on their smartwatches, both require you to have either an active data or wifi connection. The Pixel Watch 4 is the first smartwatch to allow you to contact emergency services directly via satellite, which should give you more peace of mind when going on rural adventures. Google says the feature is free of charge for the first two years after activation, but that it may not be available "in all countries, regions, or circumstances." The company has not yet shared how much emergency SOS via satellite will cost after the initial two-year period is up, and did not that because of hardware limitations, emergency SOS via satellite will only work on the phone's LTE model (although, again, you won't need a data plan to use it). While we're on safety features, Loss of Pulse Detection also makes a return on the Pixel Watch 4 after its U.S. debut on the Pixel Watch 3 earlier this year. With it, if your smartphone detects that you're having a heart attack or other cardiac emergency, it'll sound an alarm and contact emergency services (if you're able and you don't need help, you can dismiss the alarm and call before then). While there aren't currently any stories about the feature having saved a life, it is still relatively new. Note that Loss of Pulse Detection detection is opt-in, so you'll need to turn it on in the Pixel Watch app, under Safety & Emergency. Similarly, the Safety Check feature also makes a return here, allowing you to set a timer that will automatically alert pre-selected emergency contacts of your location if it runs out without any intervention from you. Emergency Sharing also lets you reach out to your emergency contacts with your location, but on demand. As expected, Google's typical Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection features are also present. Despite the Pixel Watch 4's impressive new screen, since smartwatches don't rely on especially powerful processors, it can sometimes be hard to notice hardware upgrades with newer generations. That's why Google's also pushing new on-device AI as a reason to get its latest watch. Perhaps the most useful new AI feature is activity recognition. Now, instead of having to pick a workout on your watch before you start exercising, your watch will automatically recognize your activity and log it for you in the Fitbit app. While this was previously available for basic activities like runs, it can now get as detailed as tracking when you're playing tennis. Google did tell me that you might have to manually log a specific activity a few times before the watch learns to recognize it, but overall, it should still be a convenient change. If you feel the need to argue with your AI, though, you can also use the Pixel Watch's new "Raise to Talk" feature to access Gemini directly, and ask it questions like, "When is my hotel reservation?" or direct it to accomplish simple tasks like building a custom playlist or setting an alarm. Google also says you can use Gemini on your watch as a health coach, bringing in data from your Fitbit app, although how much data it'll have access to will depend on your Fitbit plan. The company will have more to say about this around October, including how much other devices will be able to use the health coach. As for talking with other people, rather than AI, your Pixel Watch 4 will also be able to use its new co-processor to deliver "more contextual" smart replies, which Google says will allow you to respond to texts more quickly using just your watch by clicking on a relevant AI reply suggestion. It might be useful in a pinch, although I'd personally hate to think my friends are consistently forwarding me to a robot. As a bonus, for privacy's sake, the model for drafting these smart replies runs entirely on the watch. Google also told me you should get smart reply suggestions more frequently. On that note, Google also says the Pixel Watch 4 has an improved motor and a clearer speaker, for 15% stronger haptics and better audio while talking to Gemini. The Pixel Watch 4 costs the same as the Pixel Watch 3: $350 for the 41mm version and $400 for the 45mm version. The 45mm model comes in black, silver, and moonstone (a bluish-gray), while the 41mm model is available in black, silver, and gold. Watchbands are interchangeable across models, although your default watchband color depends on the color of your watch (black watches get a black watchband, silver watches get either a tan or blue watchband, gold watches get a lime green watchband, and moonstone watches get a dark blue watchband). The Pixel Watch 4 is available for pre-order today and will hit shelves on Oct. 9.

Pixel Watch 4 Official at $349 With Chip Upgrade, Big Battery Life

We may earn a commission when you click links to retailers and purchase goods. More info. Google has brought back its Pixel Watch line for a 4th year, this time as the Pixel Watch 4. Like with the launch of the Pixel Watch 3, we are once again getting two sizes, as well as a couple of noteworthy upgrades that might get you to slap one on the wrist. For the most part, though, this will be familiar, yet I'd also argue that this is a far bigger set of improvements than we saw last year. Pixel Watch 4 price, release date: For the Pixel Watch 4, Google has priced us at $349 (41mm) and $399 (45mm) for WiFi models. The LTE models, which might be the models to focus on this year, will cost $449 (41mm) and $499 (45mm). The Pixel Watch 4 is up for pre-order starting today, August 20, and will arrive October 9 alongside the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. What's new in Pixel Watch 4 specs: While these new Pixel Watch 4 devices look like previous releases, there are some key areas that Google has improved things. For one, the displays have 10% more screen, 16% smaller bezels, and displays that get 50% brighter (up to 3000 nits now). Google is still using Gorilla Glass 5 for protection, which is unfortunate, but the changes have at least brought a new name for it all as "Actua 360." I asked Google about the "Actua 360" displays and they basically said that the experience is so cool, you really need to see it in person to believe how wild it is. They've made the screen really wrap and flow across the domed panel in a way they weren't able to in previous years. Honestly, when talking about it, they even had me amped to get ahold of one to see it. Outside of the displays, we have a new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip and a new Cortex-M55 co-processor. The W5 Gen 2 has almost nothing new to it, as far as performance or efficiency goes. It's still the same 4nm chip as the Gen 1, but we now get dual-frequency GPS and satellite connectivity on the LTE model. That's it for the big chip. For the new Cortex-M55 co-processor, Google is promising bigger things, like more power for AI computing (Gemini) without any hit to power. Speaking of power, the battery capacities on both watches are increasing this year (specs below) and battery life promises are quite big. Google believes you'll see 40 hours of use on the 45mm with always-on display active, and 30 hours for the 41mm model. Those are large leaps and Google's numbers on those have been pretty accurate in the past. With AOD off, you might get a full 2+ days on the bigger watch. For charging, Google is switching to a side-charging dock method. You'll slap your watch on the included Quick Charge Dock that'll get you 50% charge in 15 minutes. It'll also display the time, battery percentage, time left until charged, and when your upcoming alarm is set for. As for that satellite mention, the Pixel Watch 4 with LTE has satellite SOS calling for emergency situations when you don't have an LTE or WiFi connection. This is powered by the new W5 Gen 2 chip and is an included benefit for the first 2 years after activation. We're still waiting on clarification from Google about what happens after those two years. Finally, we're getting 15% stronger haptics with a new haptics engine, an upgraded "custom" speaker, and a new skin temperature sensor on the bottom of the watch. Pixel Watch 4 specs: * OS: Wear OS 6 * Display: Actua 360 Display, 320ppi AMOLED LTPO (1-60Hz), 3000 nits peak brightness, Custom 3D Gorilla Glass 5 * Processor: Snapdragon W5 Gen 2, Cortex-M55 co-processor * Battery: 455mAh (45mm), 325mAh (41mm) * Memory: 32GB eMMC flash, 2GB SDRAM * Charging: Quick Charge Dock, 50% in 15 minutes * Connectivity: 4G LTE, Bluetooth 6.0, WiFi, NFC, Ultra-Wideband, Satellite SOS, Dual Frequency GPS * Buttons: Side button, Haptic crown, Gen 3 premium haptics * Durability: IP68, 5ATM * Materials: Aluminum * Other: Speaker, microphone * Size: 45mm, 12.3mm thick, 36.7g; 41mm, 12.3mm thick, 31.0g On the software side of things, Google is releasing Wear OS 6 and Material 3 Expressive on the Pixel Watch line for the first time. We're not only getting a big revamp to the UI, but Google is maybe even more excited about what Wear OS 6 brings for power efficiency, thus the big battery life claims above. Google is also introducing a completely re-done Fitbit app near this launch. With that, the Fitbit experience on the Pixel Watch 4 will still have a comprehensive set of health tools, including sleep scores, SpO2, smarter training with readiness/cardio/target load metrics, 50+ exercise modes (with pickleball on the way, Tim), AI run recommendations to help you not overtrain, and Google's "most accurate" heart rate tracking. The sensor there remains the same/similar, but it's now a solid glass back with the charging moved to the side. Of course, Gemini is here and as I mentioned earlier, that new co-processor will work with Gemini to make your watch smarter or more helpful, like with AI smart replies from your phone if it's nearby or done locally without a phone. Google is also introducing a raise-to-talk feature where your watch will recognize that you've lifted it up to your face and will activate Gemini. We'll certainly be testing this to see how often it correctly (or incorrectly) activates, but Google tells me they are giving you plenty of controls to help dial in the sensitivity. For those still worried about durability, this Pixel Watch 4 can be repaired, a first for the Pixel Watch. Google built it so that both screens and batteries can be replaced. Again, Pixel Watch 4 is up for pre-order now and arrives October 9.

Pixel Watch 4 debuts with brighter Actua 360 display

AI features expand with a wrist raise Gemini shortcut smart replies and a personal health coach that launches in preview this October Google has introduced the Pixel Watch 4, a new smartwatch emphasizing enhanced features, at the Made by Google event on Wednesday. The device incorporates a domed display, standalone satellite communication capabilities, and advancements in health and fitness tracking. The Pixel Watch 4 will be offered in two sizes with varying connectivity options. The 41mm model has a starting price of $349 for the Wi-Fi version and $449 for the LTE version. The larger 45mm model starts at $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE connectivity. The Pixel Watch 4 incorporates an Actua 360 display, physically curved to increase the active display area by 10%. This design also reduces the visible bezel size by 16%, creating a streamlined appearance. The display's brightness has been increased by 50% from previous models, achieving a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. A key feature of the LTE-enabled Pixel Watch 4 is its standalone emergency satellite communication capability. This allows users to connect to emergency services, even in areas lacking traditional cellular coverage. The watch connects via a network of geo-stationary satellites, facilitating dispatch of assistance when users are off-grid. Google indicates that this functionality is enabled by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Wearable Platform. Google has integrated a new gesture-based shortcut for its Gemini AI assistant. Users can now raise their wrist to activate Gemini, eliminating the need to press a button or use a verbal cue like "Hey Google." The company anticipates this feature will be practical when users' hands are occupied. In addition to this, the Pixel Watch 4 offers on-device AI capabilities, including Smart Replies. These AI-powered responses are designed to provide contextually relevant suggestions during conversations. The battery life of the Pixel Watch 4 has been improved by 25% compared to previous models. The 41mm version provides an estimated 30 hours of use, while the larger 45mm version is expected to last up to 40 hours on a single charge. The Pixel Watch 4 includes a redesigned fast-charging dock. The Pixel Watch 4 maintains a water resistance rating of up to 50 meters. Google has also made the Pixel Watch 4 serviceable, now allowing for the replacement of both the battery and the display. According to Google, the Pixel Watch 4 incorporates a next-generation machine learning (ML)-powered co-processor. This co-processor is reported to be 25% faster while operating at half the power consumption level compared to previous iterations. The Pixel Watch 4 incorporates advanced health and fitness tracking capabilities. The device improves sleep cycle classification accuracy by 18%, enabling more precise monitoring of sleep stages. The watch also includes a new Skin Temperature sensor, designed to detect potential changes in the user's overall well-being. The inclusion of dual-frequency GPS in the Pixel Watch 4 enhances route tracking accuracy. This is particularly beneficial in challenging environments, such as dense urban areas or heavily wooded trails. The watch also uses AI to automatically detect and classify workouts, even if the user forgets to manually initiate tracking. New exercise options have been added, specifically basketball and pickleball. Google is also introducing a personal AI health coach designed to provide users with access to personalized fitness and sleep guidance utilizing data collected by the Pixel Watch. The goal of this feature is to provide a 24/7 AI-powered health resource that offers tailored advice. This includes answering questions such as, "Is this cold plunge actually good for me?" and "What's the best way to fight jet lag?" The tech company plans to launch a preview of the AI health coach for users of any Fitbit device or Pixel Watch in the United States this October. The Pixel Watch 4 is available for preorder immediately, with in-store availability beginning on October 9.

Pixel Watch 4 Debuts With Brighter Display, Smarter Health Tracking, Longer Battery, And Improved Charging - Starting At $349

Google has finally unveiled the Pixel Watch 4 at the Made by Google event 2025, and while the keynote made some major hardware announcements, it did not fail to build on the momentum in the smartwatch market. The latest wearable brings a refined design, powerful AI-powered features, and improvements in battery life and health tracking, upgrades that users have long sought. Given how the earlier models received mixed reviews from users, Pixel Watch 4 aims to address the pain points and take on the feedback by bringing in meaningful changes while maintaining a sleek, minimalist design that has become its signature. Google seems to be focused on refining its devices this time around by emphasizing significant improvements to make the product more durable and offer better capabilities. The tech giant just unveiled its Pixel Watch 4, which immediately sets a tone for a tracking device that moves away from a passive approach to taking on an active lifestyle coach. For users who are keen on the tech giant's hardware, it would be safe to say that the Pixel Watch is its most compelling wearable yet, one that could finally bring it into the same conversations as the Apple Watch. One of the biggest highlights for the Pixel Watch 4 is that it is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chip and a dual-chip architecture with a Cortex M55 co-processor, immediately boosting the performance of the latest model. This would allow the apps to run more quickly, the animations to be smoother, and the navigation to be more fluid. With the help of Wear OS 6 featuring the refreshed Material 3 Expressive design, users would be able to manage their daily tasks more efficiently through a tightly packed blend of Google services that includes health insights and AI-powered suggestions. At its core lies a domed "Actua 360" AMOLED screen, which is going to help improve visibility by 10 to 16 percent and boost the brightness that can go to 3,000 nits, making it easier to read outdoors. The Pixel Watch 4 also improves battery life over its predecessors, bringing a battery that lasts up to 30 hours for the 41mm model and 40 hours for the 45mm model under typical use. This would allow users to wear the device longer without the constant need to top up the battery. With the support for fast charging, users need to plug in for 15 minutes to reach up to 50 percent charging, coming in handy especially on busy days. The charging has also been redesigned. Earlier, the watch sat flat on a round magnetic puck, but now it can sit on a small rectangular dock sideways, allowing for quick scanning of the screen when charging. The dock is also more compact now. Google brings forward some key advancements in terms of health and fitness capabilities in the Pixel Watch 4, as the wearable is now equipped with next-gen skin temperature sensing that helps improve sleep tracking accuracy by about 18 percent. There is also dual-frequency GPS available for better outdoor accuracy and automatic AI-powered activity detection if you forget to start it yourself. One of the biggest leaps has to be the safety steps taken with the Pixel Watch 4, as it is paired up with Emergency Satellite SOS to let the LTE send emergency messages via satellite. Other life-saving features from previous models are also retained. AI-powered coaching is also one of the compelling upgrades of the Pixel Watch 4. It brings a Gemini-powered Personal AI Coach integrated within a redesigned Fitbit app. The coach can tailor sleep plans according to your routine and offer adaptive fitness by following your goals. It can even act as a real-time guide during workouts. Google seems to be turning heads with the Pixel Watch 4, with its advanced capabilities at an affordable price. The 41mm Wi-Fi model comes in at $349, and the larger 45mm model ranges between $399 and $499, depending on the connectivity. While the wearable is available for pre-orders, the deliveries will not begin until October 9th. The Pixel Watch 4 is available in Polished Silver, Matte Black, and Champagne Gold finishes and can be paired with a variety of band options. With the mix of AI integrations, health and fitness capabilities, and customization options, the new model is now a strong contender in the smartwatch space.