Google Pixel Watch 3: Exciting Display Upgrades Amidst Familiar Hardware
As Google's Made by Google event on August 13 approaches, leaks about the upcoming Pixel Watch 3 continue to surface, painting a picture of both exciting upgrades and potential disappointments.
Display Improvements Take Center Stage
The most significant upgrade appears to be in the display department:
- Doubled refresh rate: The Pixel Watch 3 is rumored to feature a 60Hz display, up from 30Hz on previous models. This should result in noticeably smoother animations and improved responsiveness.
- Brighter screen: Peak brightness is expected to reach an impressive 2,000 nits, doubling the 1,000 nit maximum of the Pixel Watch 2. This enhancement should greatly improve outdoor visibility.
The upcoming Google Pixel Watch 3 boasts significant display upgrades, including a smoother 60Hz refresh rate |
Familiar Hardware Under the Hood
Despite the display improvements, other core specifications seem largely unchanged from the Pixel Watch 2:
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100 (same as Pixel Watch 2)
- RAM: 2GB SDRAM
- Storage: 32GB eMMC
Battery Life: A Mixed Bag
- 41mm model: Only a minor bump to 307mAh (from 306mAh)
- New 45mm option: Rumored to house a larger 420mAh battery
- Expected battery life: 24 hours with always-on display enabled (for both sizes)
New Software Features
Leaked images reveal some exciting new capabilities:
- Nest integration: Users may be able to view live video feeds from Nest cameras and doorbells directly on the watch face.
- Two-way communication: A microphone icon suggests the ability to speak with visitors through the watch.
- Morning Brief: A new feature providing a daily activity summary and personalized recommendations.
Design and Customization
- New watch faces: Likely leveraging the Watch Face Format introduced in Wear OS 5
- Expanded band options: New colors matching other Pixel devices, including Rose, Porcelain, and Mint
While the Pixel Watch 3 brings some notable improvements, particularly in display technology and software features, the lack of major hardware upgrades may disappoint some potential buyers. As always, it's important to wait for official announcements and hands-on reviews before drawing final conclusions.