Wearable know-how was a significant focus of Google 1/O 2021, and this yr’s convention is anticipated to observe in its footsteps. Google I/O 2022 is scheduled for tomorrow, May 11, and a number of other rumors, experiences and leaks point out the search big’s first smartwatch — more likely to be known as the Pixel Watch — may lastly make its debut. The firm can be anticipated to share updates about its Wear OS smartwatch software program, which it overhauled final yr in collaboration with Samsung.
Only Google is aware of what’s in retailer for its annual convention. But the corporate sometimes makes use of its opening keynote as a chance to preview developments throughout its main merchandise. That often contains platforms like Android and Wear OS, and apps equivalent to Google Photos, Maps and Search.
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Aside from saying updates, Google’s keynote often says lots about its total method and imaginative and prescient. We’ll possible get a glimpse of how Google plans to make its units and companies stand out from opponents, like Apple, Samsung and Amazon. If the rumors transform true, the corporate’s stance on smartwatches could possibly be a giant a part of this yr’s occasion. A Pixel Watch announcement can be greater than a brand new product; it might inform us about what Google sees as being the perfect Android smartwatch expertise.
Read extra: Google’s Rumored Smartwatch Should Take a Page From Its Pixel Phones
Here’s what we’re anticipating to see from Google because it pertains to smartwatches and wearable know-how at I/O 2022.
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The Pixel Watch may arrive
There’s an opportunity Google may lastly introduce its first shopper smartwatch. Google hasn’t stated a phrase about plans to launch a watch of its personal, but it surely is likely to be the corporate’s worst-kept secret. Reports from Insider and tech YouTube character Jon Prosser and up to date leaks claiming to point out pictures of the watch counsel a Pixel Watch is certainly coming.
Google I/O looks like an excellent time to make such an announcement. However, it is attainable we would not get the total story at I/O. Prosser suggests Google will tease the watch at its convention reasonably than reveal all the small print. Instead, the corporate may launch the Pixel Watch within the fall alongside the Pixel 7, Prosser says.
Google made an analogous transfer with the Pixel 6 final yr. It introduced sure tidbits concerning the cellphone in August however saved the total reveal for its October launch.
So what do we all know concerning the Pixel Watch to this point? Everything but additionally nothing, it appears. Reddit person “tagtech414” leaked pictures to Android Central and on Reddit that declare to point out the watch itself. Both units of pictures are in step with earlier rumors and renderings indicating it’ll have a spherical design.
We additionally anticipate Fitbit to be integrated into the Pixel Watch in a roundabout way, though we cannot know for positive till the watch turns into official. Fitbit additionally beforehand stated it is engaged on a high-end Wear OS watch of its personal, but it surely’s unclear whether or not this Fitbit watch and the Pixel Watch can be the identical machine. Pricing is one other thriller.
Read More: Pixel 6A Rumors: Possible FCC Filing, Benchmarks, Box Tease the Android Phone
Wear OS updates
Google may also possible have common updates to share on Wear OS, the software program it supplies for smartwatches made by Fossil, Samsung and different corporations. Google introduced a brand new model of Wear OS throughout final yr’s I/O that brings higher integration with the corporate’s apps and smoother efficiency amongst different enhancements. It developed the software program in collaboration with Samsung, the world’s second-largest smartwatch maker when it comes to market share, in keeping with Counterpoint Research.
But to this point, we have solely seen the software program on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4, which nonetheless depends closely on Samsung’s personal apps and companies. It does not really feel very Google-like, so it is laborious to inform how a lot of a distinction the refreshed software program makes. Google Assistant is coming to the Watch 4 in a future replace, though a agency date hasn’t been introduced.
Wear OS can be anticipated to return to Fossil wearables and Mobvoi’s TicWatch units in mid-2022. Fossil tweeted in March that the replace would arrive to eligible watches within the midle to second half of the yr, however we’ve got but to listen to extra specifics. A Google spokesperson stated the corporate is working to carry Wear OS 3 to extra units this yr, however has nothing to share about its associate roadmap at the moment. Now that we’re approaching the center of the yr, hopefully we’ll study extra about timing and availability at I/O.
It’s attainable that Google may announce the Wear OS Fitbit watch we have been listening to about, however Fitbit product bulletins often occur nearer to the autumn. Google may additionally unveil new options and different refinements to Wear OS now that it has been virtually a full yr for the reason that software program’s reveal.
Read More: I Want More From the Apple Watch in 2022
Google’s plans for Fitbit
Perhaps the most important query is whether or not we’ll study extra about how Google intends to fold Fitbit into its Wear OS platform. Fitbit plans to launch a model of its app for Wear OS, as my colleague Scott Stein reported final yr, though the timing is unclear. A Google spokesperson stated it is working to carry the Fitbit expertise to Wear OS this yr and can share extra particulars nearer to the launch.
It’s been greater than a yr since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit closed; it is attainable we may hear extra about how the 2 manufacturers plan to work collectively. There’s already some proof of this in sure Google merchandise. For instance, the second-generation Nest Hub’s sleep monitoring options would require a Fitbit Premium subscription in 2023. But Google and Fitbit nonetheless supply two distinctly completely different experiences, so it’s going to be fascinating to see how they finally unite.
Google has made a reputation for itself in smartphones and laptops due to its Pixel model, but it surely has but to department out into smartwatches. While promoting stays the most important a part of Google’s enterprise, the corporate has made a push to compete with Apple and Samsung as a number one maker of shopper tech devices in recent times. It even opened its first brick-and-mortar retail retailer final yr.
Acquiring Fitbit was a giant step in increasing Google’s footprint within the wearables market, however Apple and Samsung nonetheless lead the business. Apple accounted for 30.1% of the worldwide smartwatch market in 2021, in keeping with Counterpoint Research, whereas Samsung got here in second with 10.2%. Depending on what Google broadcasts at I/O, we may study extra about how the corporate hopes to alter that.
For extra, take a look at all of the rumors it’s best to find out about Android 13 and the Pixel Fold.
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