Google Pixel Watch 2

Google Pixel Watch 2

From €400

Google’s first Pixel Watch was, by and large, a good first effort for the tech company. Introduced last year, the watch was a much anticipated showcase for what Wear OS could do. After all, it had worked for Apple, so why not Android?

And the minimalist watch gave it a good shot. I liked the original Pixel Watch. It looked a regular watch, and it didn’t weigh a ton. But there were some minor issues that could have been solved. Battery life was far from stellar, lasting less than 24 hours, and while the design was sleek, it was also less rigged than other Android watches. There were some grumbles about performance, too.

Sony WF-1000XM5 wireless earbuds: another leap forward in quality and comfort

---

Fujifilm Instax Mini 99: The most creative and best instant film camera in the line to date

---

Filterworld and Code Dependent: potentially devastating outcomes of algorithmic technology

---

Virgin Media Streaming TV: Compact and convenient but you’re tied to the provider for broadband

---

Enter the Pixel Watch 2. Faster chip, better battery life, still the same minimalist design. But Google has also made strides in the software, and added better Fitbit integration for good measure. Google, it appears, was listening and taking notes.

If you are in a rush, you can drop it on the charger for half an hour and get enough to go for a quick run

You get all the usual monitoring: heart rate, sleep, steps, ECG plus some extras. The Pixel Watch 2 has a skin temperature sensor and monitors your skin response for stress and so on. It covers almost all its bases when it comes to daily and health tracking use.

But with the Pixel Watch 2, the automatic exercise recognition is better, prompting you to record an outdoor walk or run more quickly than before. You get better training tools too, with heart rate zones included this time around.

The new chip is more efficient, so you won’t have to charge the watch before the end of the day; use bedtime mode and you can monitor your sleep overnight without draining the power too much. When you do need to charge, though, the good news is that Google has built faster charging into the new watch. If you are in a rush, you can drop it on the charger for half an hour and get enough to go for a quick run.

The Pixel Watch 2 also ships with the new Wear OS4 software, which is not only easier on power but also means new apps for Google services such as Gmail and Calendar so you can manage your digital life from your wrist. And there is a WhatsApp app that allows you to send messages without having to pick up your phone, a significant advantage when you spend so much time on Meta’s service rather than using text messages.

The watch is lighter than its predecessor, shaving a few grams off the overall weight

There are other new things to look at too. Safety Check is a new feature that allows users to set a check-in timer; when it ends, you get a prompt to say you are okay, and if you can’t, an emergency message with your location is shared with your chosen contacts.

There are some caveats. You’ll need location service and either a 4G LTE service on your watch – rare in Ireland at the moment, thanks to a lack of support – or a wifi connection. The latter is rarely available on a walk outside the house, unless you hotspot your phone’s data connection.

It’s not cheap, at just shy of €400. And Google is competing with a fairly well-established Galaxy Watch from Samsung, which comes with different options and sizes. On the other hand, you can have any Pixel Watch you want as long as it’s 41mm, although there are a few colour options available to break it up.

One good move on Google’s part was keeping the compatibility with the previous Pixel Watch’s straps. It means there is a whole ecosystem of compatible straps out there from day one, rather than having to wait for third-party producers to get on it.

Battery life is definitely improved, but unlike other smartwatches, it won’t last you several days

Good

The watch is lighter than its predecessor, shaving a few grams off the overall weight. It may not sound like much, but on your wrist, the difference is noticeable. Battery life is better too, and the watch itself will charge faster.

Fitbit fans will like the tighter integration with the fitness services, and better exercise tracking. The addition of heart rate zones is also welcome.

Bad

There is still only one size available – 41mm and round – so if you prefer a chunkier watch, you are out of luck.

Battery life is definitely improved, but unlike other smartwatches, it won’t last you several days. You’ll get more than a full day out of it, which is okay if not outstanding.

Everything else

The watch is supported for at least three years of software updates, which doesn’t seem like much in the grand scheme of watch-buying, but is solid when it comes to smart watches.

The watch supports safety features such as Safety Check and auto calling emergency contacts.

Verdict

The sequel has surpassed the original.

google.com