The Google Pixel Watch 4 will not arrive for one more yr, however we have already got some key information from trade sources and Google hints for what to anticipate from the Pixel Watch 3 successor in 2025.
Even although I gave the Pixel Watch 3 a glowing overview, due to a number of key upgrades over the Watch 2 like the brand new 45mm dimension choice and new Google-ecosystem apps, it is nonetheless a piece in progress with room to develop.
Though the Pixel Watch 4 probably will not arrive till late summer season or fall subsequent yr, we have heard from a Qualcomm supply about some potential paths Google might take with the subsequent watch’s {hardware}. And Google itself claimed that future Pixel Watches ought to have a design change to enhance repairability.
Otherwise, this early Google Pixel Watch 4 information will talk about Google and Fitbit patents that would affect its design, in addition to our wishlist for what Google ought to change for the Watch 4.
Google Pixel Watch 4: What we all know up to now
The Pixel Watch 2 and three use the 4nm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset with Arm cores. But in 2023, Google and Qualcomm introduced a RISC-V partnership, the place they’d coordinate on creating the subsequent Snapdragon Wear chipset utilizing open-source, customized RISC-V cores.
This yr, we interviewed Qualcomm VP of wearables Dino Bekis in regards to the Qualcomm-Google partnership, when he mentioned the “feature-focused” and “AI-driven” Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 chipset coming “subsequent yr” (that means 2025). According to Bekis, this chip would ship”extra compute functionality” and “headroom” for a big enhance over the Gen 1.
He says Qualcomm and Google are at the moment “engaged on” making Wear OS software program suitable with RISC-V, which has the potential to make Wear OS watches final for much longer with the identical capability. In idea, this new system and improved battery life would apply to the Pixel Watch 4!
Bekis additionally talked about that Qualcomm’s new customized Oryon cores could possibly be scaled right down to the wearable stage, that means future Pixel Watches might get related customized silicon cores as these discovered within the Snapdragon 8 Elite. But we do not know the timeframe for this, and it will not be prepared for the Pixel Watch 4.
In October, an inner Google doc leaked suggesting that the Pixel Watch 5 (no, not the 4) might use a customized wearable Tensor chip with one ARM Cortex-A78 core and two ARM Cortex-A55 cores. For context, the Galaxy Watch 7’s Exynos W1000 SoC makes use of these identical cores, however has 4 A55s, making the Watch 5 preemptively underpowered.
This information shocked us as a result of it suggests Google may abandon RISC-V in trade for cheaper, self-designed Tensor that aligns extra with Galaxy Watches. A Pixel Watch 4 with a brand new 3nm Tensor chip would nonetheless be quicker than the 4nm Snapdragon chip, if Google goes this secure route as an alternative — even when it might be disappointing.
Outside of the processor, the one different official Pixel Watch 4 trace comes from Google, which responded to criticism that the Pixel Watch 3 is unrepairable; if a display screen cracks or the internals break and it is underneath guarantee, Google will ship you a brand new watch and throw the faulty one away.
After individuals argued that this was unsustainable, a Google rep at a local weather panel mentioned they’re “enthusiastic about” make the Pixel Watch design repairable to align with their environmental insurance policies. Hopefully the Pixel Watch 4 would be the first to obtain that redesign, however there isn’t any timetable for it.
Google Pixel Watch 4: Rumors and patents
Google patents dozens of concepts per 30 days, a lot of which can by no means see the sunshine of day in a industrial product. That mentioned, there are a couple of Pixel Watch and Fitbit patents we have noticed that we would like to see within the Pixel Watch 4, in idea.
The most weird and intriguing Pixel Watch patent is one the place Google turns its rounded-edge bezel right into a squeezable, touch-sensitive management interface. In the reveals under, you may see how Google envisions you tapping or sliding particular parts of the Pixel Watch edge to set off actions like music controls, a flashlight, or a favourite app.
You might squeeze the display screen to pause a tune or open a notification, probably as an alternative of utilizing the Pixel Watch 3’s trademark crown. The patent features a lengthy checklist of potential actions based mostly on the size, route, velocity, or location of your swipe or squeeze, which sounds a bit too difficult to work in observe however nonetheless sounds intriguing.
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We extremely doubt the Pixel Watch 4 would ditch its crown, however utilizing the bezel edge for controls is not that totally different from what Samsung does with its digital contact bezel on the Galaxy Watch 7.
Another intriguing patent comes from the Google-owned Fitbit, claiming the thought for a smartwatch “Fit Score” that informs the person how properly the watch’s backside sensors can learn your well being knowledge based mostly on how snugly you are carrying it, in addition to “variations in wrist dimension, pores and skin coloration, hair density, BMI, fats share, and the likes.”
The Pixel Watch 4 would want a “Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS)” that might modify your knowledge if it detected that your watch wasn’t fitted correctly; for instance, it might disregard low SpO2 warnings in case your watch comes unfastened when you’re sleeping.
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Another Fitbit patent that makes use of on-wrist video games to watch your psychological well being could possibly be a pleasant characteristic, however we’re focusing extra on potential Pixel Watch 4 {hardware} modifications. On that be aware, Fitbit has patented a number of blood strain monitoring programs previously few years, together with one this August. We know Google desires to implement these sensors quickly; we simply doubt it’s going to be consumer-ready by the Pixel Watch 4.
We additionally noticed a Fitbit patent for detecting arterial stiffness as a warning signal for cardiovascular points.
Beyond these long-term plans and concepts, we do not know but what Google has deliberate for the Pixel Watch 4; Google itself most likely does not know but. So let’s talk about what they ought to do.
Google Pixel Watch 4 wishlist
The Google Pixel Watch 3 nonetheless ranks second among the many greatest Wear OS watches, carefully matched to the Galaxy Watch 7. But if Google desires to surpass its Wear OS accomplice with the Google Pixel Watch 4, it ought to enhance on its predecessor with our solutions under.
Better battery life
The Pixel Watch 3 makes use of the Wear OS Hybrid Interface and environment friendly XML watch faces to increase its battery life; despite the fact that it is solely rated to final 24 hours with AOD, we have discovered the Watch 3 45mm can final two days in regular situations.
Still, in comparison with the very best Android watches, you may discover loads of rival choices just like the OnePlus Watch 2 or Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra that final three or 4 days per cost. They could have bigger capability, however the reality stays that folks need constant battery life, which is why many individuals purchase health watches that final per week or two.
If Google can enhance Wear OS’ effectivity even additional with a brand new chipset, that might be a big game-changer.
Add a brand new CPU
We already introduced this up within the first part, however we’re anticipating Qualcomm to announce a brand new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 SoC in 2025, both with RISC-V or Oryon cores. That could be a pure candidate for the Pixel Watch 4, with Google serving to to code Wear OS for brand spanking new {hardware}.
Google might additionally go the Tensor route, including a extra highly effective (however outdated) Arm Cortex-A78 just like the Galaxy Watch collection makes use of. This would enable Google and Samsung to proceed to coordinate carefully on software program, since their {hardware} would stay aligned.
Whatever alternative Google makes, it cannot preserve utilizing the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 in 2025; it wants so as to add a brand new chipset to maintain including new software program capabilities and (ideally) add extra NPU processing energy to allow new Gemini AI tips in your wrist.
Dual-band Location Services and new sport focuses
The Pixel Watch 3 has some unbelievable running-focused software program like customized run exercises, Fitbit Premium AI-generated each day run exercises, weekly cardio load monitoring versus your goal load, working kind evaluation, and a Morning Brief showcasing your Daily Readiness to work.
Unfortunately, Google did not give the Pixel Watch 3 dual-band Location Services, so it struggled with location accuracy throughout our checks and gave inaccurate mileage outcomes. Since Samsung and Apple have begun so as to add dual-band capabilities to their watches, we actually hope the Pixel Watch 4 follows go well with.
Google might additionally piggyback on its new offline Google Maps capabilities (added with Wear OS 5) and provide correct downloadable programs on the Pixel Watch 4 for runners, hikers, and cyclists.
We additionally wish to see Fitbit’s capabilities enhance for indoor exercises. Compared to Garmin or Samsung watches that may depend your reps for energy coaching, the Pixel Watch 3 can solely observe fundamentals like energy and time; the Watch 4 ought to put better focus on this space.
A correct wheelchair mode
It’s unconscionable that so few smartwatch manufacturers and working programs have carried out a wheelchair mode. Folks like Android Central’s Jerry Hildenbrand cannot get enthusiastic about watches that solely provide “steps” as an alternative of “pushes” and have transfer alerts that insist you get up when you may’t.
That’s why the Garmin Venu 3, with its devoted wheelchair mode that judges issues like cardio vitality otherwise to take incapacity into consideration, is such an ideal choice. And it is disappointing that we have not seen an identical tack taken by different watch manufacturers. Ideally, when the Pixel Watch 4 tracks your Fitbit Active Zone Minutes, it’s going to give wheelchair-bound of us a tailor-made expertise.
New well being knowledge
Watch On
While the Pixel Watch 2 added some thrilling health-tracking tips like steady physique response (cEDA), passive irregular coronary heart rhythm warnings, and pores and skin temperature, the one new well being characteristic the Pixel Watch 3 presents is the Loss of Pulse characteristic that makes use of the PPG and put on detection to find out if you happen to’re experiencing a cardiac occasion and name emergency providers for you.
We love this characteristic, however we hope that Google and Fitbit can carry new well being knowledge with the Pixel Watch 4 exterior of emergencies. We wrote above about Fitbit patents for blood strain or arterial stiffness, that are doable candidates.
Samsung not too long ago gave its Galaxy Watch 7 blue, yellow, violet, and ultraviolet LEDs to allow new well being knowledge just like the AGEs Index, that are “merchandise fashioned when sugar interacts with proteins or fat within the bloodstream.” A excessive Index corresponds with potential “diabetes, coronary heart illness, and renal failure” points, making it helpful as a preventative metric.
The Pixel Watch 4 does not have to trace AGEs particularly, nevertheless it’s the kind of factor we might like Google to concentrate on so rivals do not go away it behind. It might additionally copy Samsung’s BIA sensor for physique composition knowledge.
We have loads of different potential requests for the Pixel Watch 4. One colleague with the Pixel Watch 2 says he desires Google to enhance notifications, making them seen with out all the time having to show your wrist or faucet the display screen. Another mentioned jokingly that he desires the Pixel Watch to morph into a sensible ring at night time; we all know there is a potential Fitbit Ring in improvement, so perhaps we’ll see that alongside the Watch 4.
The Pixel Watch 3 succeeded on the energy of its enticing design, glorious software program, dependable well being sensors, and first rate battery life. The Watch 4 can provide a really related expertise and preserve individuals comfortable, as long as it delivers a correct {hardware} enhance to maintain it related.
No want to attend
The Google Pixel Watch 4 may make among the fixes above, however the Pixel Watch 3 is already an ideal enchancment in its personal proper. You get a brand new dimension choice, revamped show, quicker wi-fi downloads, quicker charging speeds, and different upgrades. It’s considered one of our favourite watches of the yr up to now.
