At its Google I/O event on 11 May, the Mountain View company announced a raft of new software to simplify the use of Android and the galaxy of related products. In addition to optimised software such as Google Maps and Google Translate, Google has partially lifted the veil on some eagerly awaited products, starting with the American firm's first connected watch, the Google Pixel Watch. The latter had already been the subject of leaks, which have now been confirmed. Like a brief preview of the Pixel 7 range of smartphones, but you'll have to wait until autumn to buy your future must-haves.
Of course, on the product side, Google presented its Pixel 6 mid-range rangea, which is less expensive but also less generous than the premium versions Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 6. However, these two 5G models are equipped with Google's in-house Tensor chip and the Titan M2 security co-processor, complete with fingerprint reader. The screen is smaller, though, at 6.1 inches compared with its 6.4-inch big brother. The whole package comes with limited storage capacity, as well as 6 GB of RAM, not to mention more limited photo equipment. The whole package is on pre-order for the end of July at €459. Far from being a premium smartphone, less suitable for business travellers who will have to wait for the new Premium Pixel 7 range, including the Pixel 7 Pro, expected this autumn.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro appear to be promising, given the first visuals shown at the Google keynote. Only their design was quickly revealed, with the choice of aluminium covering the rear photo strip for a more qualitative look. The Pixel 6 Pro and Pixel 7 Pro appear to have similar rear camera units. To put it plainly, Google's keynote was just about make our mouths water a littleNo technical details have been revealed. Nevertheless, Android 13, with its charge-saving features, and above all the Google Wallett payment system, will be part of the Pixel 7 series.
The launch of a Google connected watch has been a long time coming. Its operating system, launched in 2014 and named Android Wear before being renamed Wear OS, was already being used by many brands, starting with Samsung for its connected watches. L'acquisition of Fitbita major manufacturer of connected watches, for some 2 billion dollars in January 2021 confirmed Google's strategy of developing its own ecosystem.
Google sets the time with its Pixel Watch
Unveiled at the keynote event on 11 May, the Google Pixel Watch is the the firm's first connected watch to run on Android Wear. With a round screen measuring 40 mm in diameter and a crown on the side like a conventional watch, its silicone strap is reminiscent of the connected watch accessories from health and connected sports specialist Fitbit. Fitbit has brought all its expertise in sports monitoring and well-being for this new Google Pixel Watch, which also benefits from the Google environment.
This connected watch made in Google is equipped with not just touch controls, but also voice commands. In addition to its Android Wear3-based OS, it also incorporates Google Assistant services. So you can start your run after starting your route on Google Maps, or come home and start your heating via your connected home on Google Assistant. On the health front, Fitbit's expertise is on show with the health monitoringfrom continuous heart rate to sleep monitoring and training analysis.
However, we'll have to wait for its launch to find out about all the features on offer in terms of connected health, such as the possibility of connecting to the Internet.to draw up electrocardiograms (ECG) or blood oxygen saturation measurement, as on Withings watches, or blood pressure measurement, available on the latest generation of Samsung Galaxy Watches.
Similarly, in view of optimised equipment interoperability GoogleThe Google Pixel Watch will be available this autumn, alongside the Pixel 7 series of premium smartphones. The Google Pixel Watch will go on sale this autumn, in parallel with the Pixel 7 series of premium smartphones, which should confirm the success of the Pixel Watch. top-of-the-range positioning for this first Google Pixel Watch connected watch.
