Pixel Watch leak: 4 eye-opening takeaways
1. Goldilocks size
The redditor (u/tagtech414) who came into possession of the Pixel Watch, organized an AMA, offering enthusiasts hands-on details regarding build quality and form factor.
While the overall design appears less substantial alongside the much heftier 46 mm Galaxy Watch, the leaker adds that the Pixel Watch is in fact a bit larger than the 40 mm Apple Watch. Coming in at 36 g, the Pixel Watch is just a couple of grams heavier than a 41 mm aluminum Apple Watch Series 7.
2. Thicker than thick bezels
Early renders from leaker Evan Blass and 91mobiles depicted a nearly bezel-free display on the Pixel Watch. However, in this latest leak the bezels we see on Google’s first-gen smartwatch appear to be some of the thickest bezels on any modern smartwatch. Though the Pixel Watch adopts a form factor that looks much like a rounded Apple Watch, its bezels are a far cry from the ultra-thin infinity pool-esque screen borders users will find on the Apple Watch Series 6 or Series 7.
While round screens do not typically give way to seamless experiences on list-based interfaces, it will be interesting to see how Google optimizes its Wear OS platform to take advantage of the limited screen real estate depicted in these leaked photos.
3. Proprietary charging mechanism?
The reddit user who leaked the Pixel Watch has confirmed that the device is not compatible with Samsung PowerShare and does not support Qi charging. Could Google have a first-party inductive charging cable in the works for the new smartwatch?
Currently the open source nature of Android has many users comfortable with the idea of widely supported charging and I/O standards. Will Google rip a few leaves out of Apple’s walled garden by requiring an entirely separate charging cord for the Pixel Watch?
4. Uniquely unoriginal strap
Reminiscent of Apple Watch Sport bands and Fitbit straps, the band for the Pixel Watch features a clip-and-tuck mechanism that is confirmed to be packaged separately in the case of this leak.
Similar to the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch features a release button for removing bands that slide and click into place via two distinctly shaped grooves on the outer casing.
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