In reality, my main cellphone is an iPhone, so the one cause I get to maintain utilizing my Pixel Watch 2 is as a result of I’ve Android telephones sitting on my desk (the Pixel 8 Professional specifically). The $1,000 Pixel 8 Professional that sits on my desk syncs with the Pixel Watch 2 and… makes it work. In any other case I’d have to modify to Android, and nobody is loopy sufficient to do this! Duh…
Jokes apart, I actually did develop to love my Pixel Watch 2, so it’s not a shock I’m now moderately excited to search out out the Pixel Watch 3 may convey a bunch of upgrades that’d make me… improve.
Pardon my French, however the Pixel Watch 1 kinda sucked, which isn’t the case with the Pixel Watch 2. That being mentioned, I’ve a protracted record of “issues that also want fixing”, and I believe the Pixel Watch 3 could be the one to handle my complaints as a Pixel Watch 2 consumer.
Right here’s why…
The drastically improved Pixel Watch 2 is popping me right into a “smartwatch particular person”, however can Pixel Watch 3 assist me transition absolutely?
My 2023 Pixel Watch 2 has the identical bezel dimension because the 2019 Galaxy Watch Energetic, and that’s… not cool.
Evidently, the Pixel Watch 1 had many flaws I outlined in a number of tales right here on PhoneArena, which is why I used to be prepared to go away it (and the concept of the Pixel Watch) behind… if the Pixel Watch 2 didn’t ship. Nevertheless it did!
Google put collectively a strong Pixel Watch 2, with far longer battery life, a correct charger, and a processor that doesn’t decelerate throughout fundamental duties. However this didn’t make my Pixel Watch 2 excellent in any respect, and I did what I normally do once I don’t like a chunk of tech – I obtained paid to complain:
Right here’s a throwback to my Pixel Watch 3 wishlist from November 2023:
- Two Pixel 3 watches in two completely different sizes
- Bigger shows, slimmer bezels
- Even longer battery life (lasting three full days sounds nice)
- New band swapping mechanism
- New speaker(s)
Quick ahead to at present, the most recent leaks and rumors across the Pixel Watch 3 appear to vow (just about) what I requested for! And I’m really (like genuinely) wanting ahead to the rumored 45mm Pixel Watch 3, which appears like one thing a “smartwatch particular person” would say. And as we already established, I’m undoubtedly not that man.
I already love the concept of the brand new 45mm Pixel Watch, however my up to date Pixel Watch 3 wishlist is for much longer now
Gemini on the Pixel Watch 3? Feels like a no brainer.
Anyway… Whereas the rumored 45mm model of the Pixel Watch 3 already sounds thrilling (given how small the 41mm watch is), having spent much more time with the Pixel Watch 2, I’ve a number of extra recommendations for Google.
Right here’s my up to date Pixel Watch 3 wishlist for 2024 – this is able to make the proper Pixel Watch:
- Google, please, don’t ship the Pixel Watch 3 with the identical low cost silicone strap; it collects dust and sweat, and it… stinks (like actually); I purchased the most cost effective material wristband I may discover on eBay, and it’s 1,000,000 occasions cleaner, extra comfy, and doesn’t retain any foul odor
- Give me an precise Pixel charger; though I really like how robust the magnets are, it’s clear that the charger shipped with the Pixel Watch 2 is an affordable unbranded charger, and that’s a disgrace for a $350 product; to not point out, the charger is white, which is unnecessary as there isn’t a single white spot on the watch or any of the bands you possibly can decide; the charger needs to be black, and even higher – match the colour of the watch (gold could be superior)
- To get much more sensible, I set loads of timers, so I can’t keep away from mentioning that the timer interface/expertise on the Pixel Watch may (and will) be a lot better; because it stands, it’s not essentially buggy, nevertheless it’s glitchy and never on the extent of the equally costly Apple Watch
- Let me see the entire calendar as a substitute of solely my upcoming occasions; if I’m my calendar, I in all probability wish to see an precise calendar
- Getting much more particular, the Pixel Watch 2 doesn’t at all times connect with my Wi-Fi within the morning, and it doesn’t at all times give up the “Bedtime mode” when it’s speculated to (which might be associated to the Wi-Fi inconsistencies)
- I do know the FitBit subscription is non-compulsory and the Pixel Watch doesn’t want it to work, however let’s attempt to make the watch even much less reliant on a premium FitBit subscription for “premium” health options; I do know I’m pulling the Apple card once more, however… Apple doesn’t try this, and the Apple Watch prices the identical
- Whereas Google sends quarterly “Pixel drops” to Pixel telephones with new options, I’d prefer to see related quantity of affection for the Pixel Watch; for instance, a few of my (software-related) complaints in regards to the Pixel Watch 2 may simply be solved with a software program replace
- Talking of software program, longer software program assist is a should; particularly since Pixel 8 now will get 7 main Android updates, 3 years of OS updates for the Pixel Watch appears to be like a bit shabby
- And at last, what’s a sensible wearable with out… AI? Let’s convey Gemini on board!
Pixel Watch 3 could be getting nearer to turning into “the default Android smartwatch” however don’t sleep on the OnePlus Watch 2 (with 2-4-10 day battery life)
The VivoWatch 3 took main inspiration from the design of the Pixel Watch, however did one factor higher – the thinner bezels. That’s precisely what the Pixel Watch 3 ought to appear like too!
Even when I’ve small fingers (and I actually do), the 41mm Pixel Watch 2 has been method too small, and a few UI components are simply exhausting to hit – just like the tiny button that brings again your ongoing timers. Severely, it’s the dimensions of a booger. A small booger.
The plain apart, addressing the entire particular needs in my upgraded Pixel Watch 3 wishlist could be the various cherries on high of the Pixel Watch cake ( hate the cake reference however I couldn’t give you something higher).
Let’s be clear, Google’s solely objective needs to be to make the Pixel Watch 3 the default Android smartwatch for me, and (extra importantly) precise Android customers. So, let’s hope the Pixel Watch 3 can get there! That being mentioned, the competitors isn’t sleeping.