Google Pixel Watch 3 rumoured to receive UWB connectivity upgrade for improved Watch Unlock functionality

The next Pixel Watch release likely remains months off, assuming Google sticks with its autumn refresh schedule. Nonetheless, 9to5Google has been gradually revealing details about the Pixel Watch 3 series, including that it will be available in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes. Now, the same website has noticed a potential hardware upgrade over the current Pixel Watch 2 (curr. $349.99 on Amazon).

Supposedly, Google has added ultra-wideband (UWB) support for Watch Unlock within the Play Services app with the following strings:

The website adds that Google will automatically disable UWB where the technology has not been approved, which includes the majority of post-Soviet states, as well as Indonesia and Nepal. Incidentally, we have been here before with the Pixel Watch series and UWB support. While there were claims that the connectivity standard is making its way into the Pixel Watch 2, the FCC's certification documents extinguished this rumour before the smartwatch was even released.

This time, the appearance of new references to UWB connectivity within the Play Services app suggests that the feature is at least being developed for Pixel Watch 3 models. Currently, the functionality is expected to replace Bluetooth when using Watch Unlock, which is less reliable and slower than UWB connectivity. Unfortunately, other Pixel Watch 3 details remain unknown for now. However, the smartwatch will likely be the first to launch with a stock Wear OS 5 experience after the Galaxy Watch7 series arrives this summer sporting a One UI-themed version of the same underlying software.