Hey Google, here’s a blueprint for a Pixel smartwatch to rival the Apple Watch


The cat’s out of the bag, once more. After a few years of silence, we are again seeing reports about Google working on its own Pixel-branded smartwatch. We just know a few details about the rumored new device, and some folks are already declaring it an “Apple Watch” competitor.

I think it’s a bit far-fetched, given Wear OS’ and Google’s hardware history. Why do I think so? Let’s dive into some reasons.

What do we know?

Last night, Insider first reported about the watch, noting that the device’s internal codename will be ‘Rohan.’ Whose Indian parents pressurized the company to do this?

Apart from this silly name, we know that it’ll have a round dial. Plus, it’ll offer basic fitness tracking capabilities like heart rate monitoring, step count, and calorie count.

To be clear, this won’t be built on Fitbit’s platform (acquired by Google for $2.1 billion in 2019), but will have some integration to the fitness company’s features through a product called ‘Nightlight.’

Later, The Verge reported that this new watch might cost more than current FitBit models and will directly compete with the Apple Watch.

What will it need to do to lure consumers?

Industry figures suggest that Apple holds a giant lead over others in the global smartphone market. The company has beaten out the competition repeatedly over the last several years, with improving health and fitness features in its wearable.