Google just unveiled its Pixel Watch 3, and the new version is poised to correct some of the drawbacks of its predecessor. The third version of the Pixel Watch will comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm version, each sporting smaller bezels and UWB support, with the larger model outfitted with a higher capacity battery.
There are a handful of new features in the Google Pixel Watch 3. Let's look at some of the most noteworthy:
Big display upgrade: Google's Actual display on the Pixel Watch 3 improves on the previous model as it's brighter and more power-efficient (up to a maximum of 2,000 nits) and has an upgraded 60Hz refresh rate, twice as fast as last year's watch. That refresh rate upgrade alone goes a long way to making the watch's display look and feel more premium, with much smoother graphics.
Loss of pulse detection: The Pixel Watch 3 comes with an incredibly useful feature that springs into action if it detects loss of a heartbeat on its wearer. In the event of a heart attack, stroke, or other event that results in loss of pulse, the watch will send an alert to the user. If the user doesn't respond, the watch will automatically notify first responders of the wearer's location.
Morning Brief: The new Pixel Watch 3 takes your health data and translates it into an narrative summary every morning to help the wearer get a clear picture of their day. It summarizes key health metrics like sleep quality, cardio load (a new metric), and other data from the previous day to inform the wearer's recovery status.
App integrations: The Pixel Watch 3 plays nicely with the Google ecosystem, improving on a handful of integrations with other apps such as Google Nest, where you can see a live feed at your doorbell, or Google TV, where the watch can act as a remote control. The watch can also pair with the Google Pixel phone's camera to frame and take shots while the phone is not in-hand.
Display - The display on the third version is twice as bright, with both models sporting a 2,000-nit display. The brighter screen should be easier on the eyes, especially in direct sunlight and similar conditions, as it can still be adjusted down to as dim as 1 nit of brightness in dark conditions.
Colors - No smartwatch would be complete without a choice of colors. The Pixel Watch 3 is offered in a handful of colorways, including a Matte Black case with Obsidian band and a Polished Silver case with a Porcelain band. The 41mm variant comes in a Silver case with a Rose Quartz band and a Gold case with a Hazel band, as well as a Hazel case with a Hazel band.
UWB - Last, but not least is UWB, or ultra-wideband. A low-energy, short-range radio technology used for certain types of connectivity and communications, UWB was initially slated for the Pixel Watch 2 but failed to make the cut. With the Pixel Watch 3, you get UWB support with or without LTE connectivity.
Price - Though the Pixel Watch 3 sounds cool with its larger size and better battery, that also translates to a larger price point. The 41mm version starts at ksh.46000 while the 45mm starts at ksh.48,000 shillings.