Here’s the Pixel Watch 5 has a surprising list of exclusive features
As expected, Google launched its new flagship smartwatch this week alongside the Pixel 11 phones.
The Pixel Watch 5 looks identical to its predecessor, the Pixel Watch 4, apart from new colourways to match the new phones. It looks the same because, in terms of hardware, it is essentially the same watch again.
I’d say that’s understandable after the Pixel Watch 4 got a boatload of upgrades, including a repairable design, new domed screen and faster charging to name three. After all, I called it ‘Pebble Perfection’ in my review.
While it means the Pixel Watch 5 is unlikely to tempt any Watch 4 users to upgrade on that side, Google has added a surprising number of exclusive features as part of Wear OS 7.
Credit: Google
Ahead of the launch, I assumed it would have a few, but most would be trickled down to the Pixel Watch 4 and possibly even earlier models. Examples of new features that will be brought to the Pixel Watch 4 in a free upgrade (as well as the PW3 and Fitbit Air) include Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends.
Google has confirmed with me the list of features you’ll only get on the Pixel Watch 5:
- At a glance
- Smart Replies 2.0
- Gemini Intelligence Proactive Suggestions
- Expanded one-handed gestures
- Smart Wake (Alarm) – also on select Fitbit devices, like Fitbit Air
- Auto bedtime experience improvements
- Weave watch face
- Chronograph watch face
- Multicolor (Semantic Colors)
- Tourbillon – Best in class GPS
- Create Your Watch Face (PW5 first but also PW4 with Q3 OTA)
- Smart-touch & Smart-RSB
- Offline Gemini for device actions
If you’re into software features – after all, what is good hardware without good software – then that’s an impressive list.
Whether it’s enough to convince you to get the Pixel Watch 5 is another matter, especially with a new higher price than last year. It partly depends which smartwatch you’re currently rocking.
There is good news for Pixel Watch 4 owners, or if you’re thinking about getting that model at a much more affordable price now it’s the older generation.
Google said, “We are always looking for ways to bring more experiences to more of our users, especially through Pixel Drops, so previous generations of Pixel Watch keep getting better over time. Stay tuned!”
