Following last week’s confirmation of its “Made By Google” event, expectations were high that the Pixel Watch 2 would be one of the products launched. Not only did Google confirm the products being launched, it also offered more details on its second wearable.
The design details come in the dedicated teaser trailer for the Pixel Watch 2. In it, the familiar domed display can be seen, alongside a similar ‘Active Band’ watch strap, can be seen. We can also see the changes that will improve the next Pixel Watch’s user experience.
The rotating crown of the watch is a vital part of the interface, allowing quick and accurate scrolling of lists. The crown’s size has been enlarged for the Pixel Watch 2, which should allow for more fidelity but also the potential for quicker navigation through a list.
You’ll find the sensor array at the rear of the watch. Last year’s watch featured EKG electrodes around the outside and the standard optical sensor for detecting heart rate and blood/oxygen levels. These can be seen in the Pixel Watch 2, albeit in a smaller configuration. The Pixel Watch 2 is also expected to ship with continuous electrodermal activity, and the redesigned sensors look to accommodate this technology.
Finally, you can see the Pixel Watch 2 has an IP68 rating. While Google announced that last year’s Pixel Watch was rated “for five atmospheres”, roughly 50 meters of water, there was no certified protection against water, let alone dust. That’s clearly changed; IP68 is the highest IP rating offered, confirming the device is protected against dust and can be immersed in 1.5 meters of water for thirty minutes. Of course, the physical design could go much higher.
The most significant change isn’t on show yet: the move away from Samsung’s Exynos chipset to Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Plus. We’re waiting to see how much performance, endurance and potential the new silicon delivers.
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