What if the Pixel Watch was the most “premium” watch that Fitbit engineers have worked on? It is quite possible, if we are to believe the words of the head of the connected watches division of Google.
After long months of rumors and a prototype forgotten in a bar, Google has finally formalized the first connected watch from the Pixel range at the recent I/O conference. This watch will be marketed in the fall, at the same time as the future Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (also partially unveiled), which James Park spoke to our colleagues at cnet. An interesting interview insofar as the founder of Fitbit, who has become responsible for connected watches at Google since the takeover of his company, provided some additional information on this future watch (taking care to guarantee that Fitbit will continue to exist and innovate) .
We learn in particular that the range positioning, but also the price of the Pixel Watch should be higher than that of Fitbit watches. A simple reason for this: it will take over the main features of Fitbit products, while adding 4G connectivity, a new, more modern interface. “super fluid”and ultimately health sensors “most advanced”. Asked about the sale price of the watch, James Park indicates that the range of Fitbit and Google watches are divided into different price points and that it is not impossible that the Pixel Watch is considered as a product there. “super premium”implied quite expensive.
You should know that the recommended retail price of a Fitbit Versa 3 was around 330 € when it was released. We could therefore see the Pixel Watch land with a superior positioning. As a reminder, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4 was launched from €269 (Wi-Fi) and €320 (4G). At Apple, the Watch Series 7 is sold from €429 with the smallest case (€529 with 4G). Google may have in mind to insert its Pixel Watch between these two price ranges.
A four-year-old chip?
To prevail, especially at this price, the Pixel Watch will therefore have to put forward solid arguments and will not only be able to rely on a new version of Wear OS particularly adapted to its operation. A point which currently worries, because 9to5Google mentions the use of a Samsung Exynos 9110 processor. This aspect of the technical specifications has not been confirmed, but it is a four-year-old smartwatch chip used by Samsung in the first Galaxy Watch under Tizen OS. But there is no doubt that future purchasers of a Pixel Watch expect better. Case to follow.