New Pixel Watch 3 leak shows ‘advanced’ health features and watch face improvements
Following leaks about the wristband options, promotional materials for the Pixel Watch 3 have surfaced online, revealing several key features. Chief among them are multiple improvements to the display, including thinner bezels.
According to the images obtained by Android HeadlinesOne of the models will offer “10 percent more screen real estate than the Pixel Watch 2” while the other will offer “40 percent more screen real estate.” The former is presumably the 41mm Pixel Watch 3, since that device is closer in size to the Pixel Watch 2, while the latter is most likely a 45mm Pixel Watch 3.
In addition to the bezel upgrade, both models break new ground by being the first Google smartwatches to feature Actua displays, just like the Pixel 8. It’s unknown whether the Actua display will result in higher resolutions, but they will reportedly reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. That’s double the brightness of the Pixel Watch 2, which sits at 1,000 nits.
The leak states that the displays will be “ultra responsive.” Unfortunately, it doesn’t explain exactly what this means, though we assume the text implies that the wearables will have a higher refresh rate.
Fitness upgrade
So far, it’s been hardware-focused, but things get more interesting when you look at the software. It appears that one of the prominent fitness features on the Pixel Watch 3 is “Advanced Running Metrics,” which allows you to create custom cardio workouts. What’s interesting about the tool is that it can actively guide users during workouts. Using “audio and haptic cues,” Advancing Running Metrics tells you “when to sprint, cool down, or maintain pace” during a jog.
The health features don’t stop there. Morning Brief on the Pixel Watch 3 will reportedly provide a rundown of “your key health metrics” each morning, telling you how well you’ve slept and “your readiness score for the day.” Cardio Load is another metric that measures your heart rate and will presumably let you know if you’ve been pushing yourself too hard or not hard enough lately.
First-party apps
Outside of fitness, Google plans to update some of its first-party apps. The promotional materials say that Google Maps on the smartwatch will be able to work without a connection thanks to offline maps.
Google Home is getting a huge upgrade as it will reportedly allow homeowners with a Google Nest Camera to view a live feed on the watch. The wearable is also getting more control over the Pixel Camera app, giving users a way to quickly switch between photo and video modes.
Battery life is still expected to be 24 hours, but Google will reportedly add a Battery Saver mode that will extend life to up to 36 hours. Charging speeds are said to be 20 percent faster on the 41mm model. There’s no word on how long it will take to charge the 45mm Pixel Watch 3.
As you can see, this was a pretty big leak, though we’re still missing some key information about the smartwatches, like what kind of chipset they’ll use. We won’t have long to wait, as Google is holding its next Pixel event in less than two weeks, on August 13.
Of course, take everything you read here with a grain of salt. Things can always change. In the meantime, check out TechRadar’s list of the best smartwatches for 2024.
