Google Pixel Watch 2 to launch new lightweight and more scratch-prone aluminium housing

The release of a second-generation Pixel Watch remains months away. Nonetheless, 9to5Google has revealed new information about the unreleased smartwatch, which is thought of as the Pixel Watch 2 for now. For reference, 9to5Google is one of the only sources for Pixel Watch 2 details for the time being, with Jon Prosser also mentioning release details earlier this year. Surprisingly, Google is alleged to have moved away from a key Pixel Watch design aspect after just one generation.

According to the website, the Pixel Watch 2 will rely on an aluminium housing, eschewing the stainless steel equivalent in the current Pixel Watch. As far as we can tell, the switch will yield to tangible changes, other than likely reduced materials costs for Google. However, there is no suggestion that the Pixel Watch 2 will be cheaper than its predecessor. On the one hand, the Pixel Watch 2 should weigh less than the current model. Unfortunately, 9to5Google has not given an indication of how much the Pixel Watch 2 will weigh.

On the other hand, aluminium is more likely to scratch or dent than stainless steel. Thus, the Pixel Watch 2 may well be less durable than the Pixel Watch. Purportedly, the Fitbit app will soon gain 'Coach' functionality, an apparent re-branding of in-house workouts. 9to5Google expects Fitbit to roll out this new functionality when the Pixel Watch 2 debuts, which is rumoured for this autumn alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.   

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