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Pixel Watch announced: Google and Fitbit make it the best smartwatch for Android users

Samsung has been leading the smartwatch market for Android phone users for a long time, but the first Pixel Watch is ready to take the reigns with deep Google and Fitbit integration.
Written by Matthew Miller, Contributing Writer
Google Pixel Watch in white
Jason Cipriani/ZDNET

Last month we saw Apple release its first rugged smartwatch, the Apple Watch Ultra, and now Google, along with the new Pixel 7 lineup, has revealed the details of its first-ever Pixel Watch. Google leaps over Samsung in the Wear OS market with this watch thanks in large part to its deep Fitbit integration.

The Google Pixel Watch is an elegant smartwatch with a smooth, domed, circular design and unique band connection system. It is not going to challenge the Apple Watch Ultra or Galaxy Watch 5 Pro for those rugged outdoor adventures, but it will serve as the best Fitbit wearable and the best Google smartwatch for most Android smartphone users.

Also: Google Pixel Watch vs Apple Watch Ultra: Which should you buy?

While there is a large Gorilla Glass 5 display, the watch is made with 80% recycled stainless steel and has a 5 atm water resistance rating. The 320ppi AMOLED display with up to 1,000 nits of brightness should be great for outdoor use, and the always-on feature is just as practical. Testing will show if the 294mAh battery is adequate for a full day of use.

Google Pixel Watch - October Event 2022

The Google Pixel Watch on the wrist. 

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

From Google we have Google Wallet, Maps, Assistant, Home, Photos, YouTube Music Premium (three months free included), and all of the third-party apps supported by Wear OS. Fitbit enhances the experience by providing Daily Readiness Score, Active Zone Minutes, ECG, Sleep Score, and Fitbit Premium (six months free included). 

Also: Google Pixel Watch vs Galaxy Watch 5 Pro: Did Google just beat Samsung?

The recent Fitbit Sense 2 with its Tiles and updated Fitbit application interface gave us an advance peek at the latest UI of the Google Pixel Watch. The Pixel Watch does not have the Sense 2's electrodermal activity (EDA) feature, but the Pixel Watch does support optical heart rate and blood oxygen measurements.

The Pixel Watch will be available in one size, 41mm diameter, starting at $349.99, and $399.99 for the model with integrated cellular support. Emergency SOS and fall detection will be coming later this year.

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