Google will finally pull the trigger on a Pixel-branded Wear OS smartwatch this autumn, according to reports.
Noted leakster Evan Blass says a ‘reliable source’ informs him the watch will be unveiled alongside the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones, as well as new Pixel Buds earphones.
Blass’ tweet comes at a crucial point for Wear OS, as it struggles to remain relevant among smartwatch fanciers.
Whether Google’s smartphone hardware division will be making the watch itself, or whether it’ll be relying on a partner like LG remains to be seen.
Besides the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and second-gen Pixel Buds, a reliable source tells me — with high confidence — that Google's fall hardware event will also introduce a Pixel-branded watch. Have a great summer!
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) May 10, 2018
At Google I/O this week, the company made some minor tweaks to the operating system formerly known as Android Wear.
The firm is looking to optimise the Google Assistant for wrist-based use, while there’s also an effort to be more inclusive of iPhone owners.
Related: What is Wear OS?
Google has also promised more frequent software updates, as well as making the watches more efficient in terms of power consumption.
However, it’s the news Qualcomm is entering the smartwatch game could provide a major boon to the firm’s struggling wearable division.
Earlier today, we reported on the new chipsets, which will enable smartwatches to be smaller, with improved battery life.
In an interview with Wareable, Qualcomm’s wearable director Pankaj Kedia said the chipsets will also improve performance from always-in displays.
Those chips are likely to be available to manufacturers by the time Google’s next Pixel event rolls around.
If the company follows recent form, we can expect the next ‘Made by Google’ event to take place in October.
Will you be buying the Pixel Watch if Google introduces a branded device later this year? Drop us a line @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
