After announcing a new series of Pixel 9 phones including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google has also unveiled their latest wearables with the Pixel Watch 3 announced in two sizes, alongside the new Pixel Buds Pro 2 which brings back a small wing for better positioning, and a new custom chipset for AI.
The Pixel Watch 3 will be on sale starting September 10 while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will go on-sale on September 26.
Pixel Watch 3
After much feedback from the public, Google has announced the Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes, a smaller 41mm size similar to the last two, as well as a new, larger 45mm option.
The Pixel Watch 3 is the first watch to use Google’s Actua Display tech, which can ramp up to an impressive 2,000 nits peak brightness for better viewing in direct sunlight, as well as Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) able to go as low as 1Hz, saving power.
The new Pixel Watch 3 display has 16% smaller bezels, while the new 45mm size offers 40% more screen real-estate.
The smaller Pixel Watch 3 will include a 306mAh battery, while the larger model will use a 420mAh battery. Google is telling us that both watches will last a full 24 hours when using the Always-On Display, with a battery saver mode that can eke out 36 hours of life from just 15% power, which Google says won’t compromise ‘health, fitness or safety capabilities.”
The new Pixel Watch 3 will use the same charger as the Pixel Watch 2, with the 41mm model able to charge 20% faster.
The Pixel Watch 3 will still track fitness stats including Heart Rhythm, SP02 stats, Stress levels and more, with a comprehensive dashboard offering a health score based on your results, including your rest.
Google is also bringing a UltrawideBand Chip to the Pixel Watch 3, allowing you to quickly unlock your Pixel phone using presence detection.
For fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch 3 already offers over 40 different exercise modes, however this year there’s a focus on running. Google will utilise Fitbit’s health tracking nouse to offer a ‘comprehensive running experience’ which includes an AI Plan Builder and Running Dashboard, which Google says will help plan, perform and progress your running.
Google says the Watch 3 will also be more compatible with other devices including gym equipment to help track your workouts more accurately.
The Pixel Watch 3 will launch with WearOS 5.0, first launched a few weeks ago on the Galaxy Watch 7.
Wear OS 5 brings a few improvements including offline Google Maps, as well as easier access to your media controls even in your workout screen, and there’s also a Google TV remote built-in to make everything smoother there.
Google says Wear OS 5 also includes call assist, aiding in spam detection and managing calls on hold – and for the first time, Google is bringing their Pixel Recorder app to your wrist, offering accurate recording and transcriptions right on your wrist.
Owners of the Nest Doorbell will also be able to see who’s at the door on their wrist.
The Pixel Watch 3 will be on sale starting September 10 in both 41mm and 45mm sizes.
| Pixel Watch 3 – 41mm | Pixel Watch 3 – 45mm | |
| Wifi | $579 | $699 |
| LTE | $749 | $839 |
Google will be offering the 41mm and 45mm Pixel Watch 3 in Matte Black Aluminium Case with an Obsidian Active Band and Polished Silver Aluminium Case with a Porcelain Active Band.
There will also be size exclusive combinations including a Matte Hazel Aluminium Case with a Hazel Active Band for the 45mm, while the 41mm will see additional options including Champagne Gold Aluminium Case with a Hazel Active Band as well as Polished Silver Aluminium Case with a Rose Quartz Active Band.
You will also be able to check out a full range of accessories to style the watch to your personal taste.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
It’s been two years since Google launched the Pixel Buds Pro, but the follow up is here with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 announced with a custom Tensor A1 chip offering improved AI including Gemini in your ear.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than the original Buds Pro, but they’ll also be more secure in your ear, with Google bringing back a small stabiliser fin with twist to adjust.
The new Tensor A1 silicon is Google’s first attempt at bringing Tensor beyond their phone and tablet eco-system. The custom silicon allows Google to offer faster audio processing, improved Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and offering a ‘better sound stage’.
The ANC has been improved with minimal distortion using a sine-wave cancellation that can activate at three million times per second, with the Silent Seal upgraded to 2.0 to improve occlusion.
The big news for Google is the inclusion of Gemini on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, with the new “Gemini Live” experience offering a conversational AI assistant. Like the ‘Hey/Ok Google’ inclusion on the original buds which would summon Google Assistant, you can talk to Gemini without taking your phone from your pocket.
Google says the Gemini Live service will require a Google One subscription, which you get a 12 month subscription to the 2TB Google One AI plan – normally worth $124.99 per month – included with the Pixel 9 Pro model phones.
Google says you’ll get Conversation Detection and Clear Calling on the Pixel Buds Pro 2, and you’ll also be able to find the Buds if you lose them with the Pixel Buds Pro 2 included in Google’s Find My Device Network.
You’ll be able to get your hands on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $379 from September 26th in four colours: White, Hazel, WinterGreen and Peony. They’ll be available through the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.
