Google denies the report of Pixel-branded smartwatch launch later this year. The firm will continue developing the software for the watch but won’t get into the
“For the time, Google will continue to provide software support for the smartwatch to its partners”
If you recall, there were reports earlier that Google might introduce its Pixel-branded smartwatch alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones. That report can now be laid to rest as the company has decided otherwise. In an interview with a tech blog Tom’s Guide, Google’s Director of WearOS, Miles Barr, replied, “I don’t think we’re there yet. Our focus is on our partners for now” when asked about the release of Pixel watch.
The representative further added that the company will continue to provide software support for the smartwatch to its partners. “Instead of making its watch, Google will focus on improving Wear OS and working with smartwatch maker to approve designs and suggest new features,” he said.
Apart from that, Google is also considering ditching version numbers when it comes to Wear OS to provide updates more frequently. As per Miles Barr, “Version numbers led us into a trap where we can only update once a year. Wear OS experience is evolving, and this is the start of that evolution. We want to keep rolling out improvements on a regular basis, so users aren’t pent up waiting.”
All this doesn’t mean that Google won’t be releasing its smartwatch ever. It’s just that there isn’t going to be one this year. If a Pixel watch is released in the future, it’ll rely heavily on Google Assistant and include AI and machine learning, which is Google’s Forte, as per Miles Barr.
Meanwhile, Google is reported to host its hardware event on October 9th where it’s expected to launch the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL smartphones of which we have already heard a lot.
