Google is ready for the launch of the new Pixel smartphone series on October 4, and the highly anticipated Pixel Watch 2. This marks a significant milestone as Google ventured into the smartwatch realm with the original Pixel Watch in 2022, albeit with a limited market release primarily in the US. However, in an exciting development, Google has now confirmed that the Pixel Watch 2 will have a more extensive international launch, including the Indian market.
All You Need to Know about Pixel Watch 2 Upgrades
According to 9to5Google, the upcoming Pixel Watch 2 may feature major upgrades such as a thermometer and other Fitbit-inspired features. One of the significant improvements expected on the Pixel Watch 2 is the inclusion of features originally introduced on the Fitbit Sense 2. Google revealed the design of the Pixel Watch 2, highlighting changes to its sensor capabilities. An EDA sensor can be seen on the back of the watch.
The Pixel Watch 2 also has a skin temperature sensor, a feature of the Fitbit Sense 2. This sensor will allow users to check their skin temperature on demand, with previous readings accessible via the Fitbit mobile app. Notably, this feature goes beyond the Fitbit Sense’s limit, which mainly focuses on overnight temperature fluctuations as part of a broader health profile. The Pixel Watch 2’s skin temperature sensing could also be employed to track menstrual cycles, similar to features seen in other smartwatches like the Galaxy Watch 5 and 6.
Google’s effort into body temperature tracking might include the Pixel 8 Pro, which is rumored to come with a thermometer. Moreover, the Pixel Watch 2 is expected to revamp Fitbit’s on-watch exercise user interface, aligning it more seamlessly with Google’s smartwatch design philosophy.
The Personal Safety app, another integral component of the Pixel Watch 2, is rumored to work in conjunction with the car crash detection feature found on Pixel phones. In the event of an accident, critical medical information of the user will be displayed on the watch, facilitating swift action by emergency responders.
Furthermore, the wearable version of the Personal Safety app is set to gain full support for Emergency Sharing, a feature allowing users to share their location with trusted contacts. This functionality will work even without the paired phone, provided that the Pixel Watch 2 is equipped with LTE and an active data plan.
Users may also have the ability to schedule a Safety Check, a feature currently available on Pixel phones. After the set countdown elapses, the Personal Safety feature attempts to verify the user’s well-being. If no response is received, the user’s emergency contacts are notified of their location. The Safety Check feature is likely to extend to the Pixel Watch 2, contingent on the presence of LTE and a data plan.
Additionally, Google may reintroduce translation capabilities to Wear OS through Google Assistant’s interpreter mode. This feature will facilitate real-time translations between the user’s default language and a secondary language of their choice, with the watch audibly conveying the translations.
