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The Pixel Watch 3 is barely two weeks old, but I’m already thinking about what comes next. That’s in large part due to this year’s update — outside of the larger screen and smaller bezels — being driven by software.
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I think it’s about time for a new Qualcomm chip, with Google partnering on a RISC-V SoC for Wear OS. However, I’d be as happy if the Pixel Watch 4 just introduced an updated co-processor that is much more modern and capable. Google has stuck to the Cortex-M33 for three generations now, while continuing to offload more functionality (health tracking, AOD, connectivity, and ML algorithms) to it. How would battery life improve with a more efficient chip?
Design-wise, I think the 45mm model could definitely fit a second side button that end users can customize to launch apps or activities. I feel like the 41mm case could also squeeze that in if both band ejection buttons — along with the microphone hole — were placed on the same side.
Otherwise, I’m happy with the domed design of the Pixel Watch, with this year’s sleeker bezels helping prolong that look, and looking forward to another one next year.
Looking at the smartwatch landscape, “Ultra” variants are all the rage, with Apple finding success in a rugged tool watch that’s billed for more extreme instances of running, cycling, swimming, hiking, and driving.
