Google didn’t just announce new phones today, but also new accessories to go with them. Like the Pixel 9 Pro, the Pixel Watch 3 is also finally giving users more sizing options, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are setting themselves up to solve one of wireless earbuds’ biggest problems.
Ever since it bought Fitbit in 2021, Google’s been positioning itself as a major player in the smartwatch industry, but it has yet to offer a pro model like Apple or Samsung, or even multiple sizes. That changes with the Pixel Watch 3.
While there’s still not a Pixel Watch Pro or Pixel Watch Ultra, the Pixel Watch 3 comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. That puts it roughly on par with the Apple Watch SE and Apple Watch Series 9’s options, as well as the Galaxy Watch 7's.
Also new here are bezels that are 10% smaller and what Google promises is 10% more screen space on the 41mm model and 40% more screen space on the 45mm model (both compared to the 41mm Pixel Watch 2).
That’s a big boon for the circular watch, which has less screen space than Apple’s square design by nature. An extra 10% still won’t bring it close to the 1.7-inches on the Apple Watch Series 9’s 41mm option or the 1.9-inches on the 45mm option, but it should be a noticeable improvement over the 1.2-inches on the Pixel Watch 2.
Google also promises that both models of the Pixel Watch 3 should be twice as bright, although like on past models, responsive brightness can dim them when you’re not looking, to help improve battery life while using the always-on display.
Speaking of battery life, the 45mm option’s increased size means it can fit a 35% bigger battery, with Google saying it can last up to 36 hours on one charge in battery saver mode. When you do need to charge it, Google is promising a 20% faster charge time.
All of these promises will need to be tested to hold up, but it’s clear that this year is seeing major improvements to the Pixel Watch’s hardware.
That’s not to say software has been ignored, though. The Pixel Watch 3 is introducing a new algorithm that does away with static fitness rings for daily recommendations. Now, it’ll track your heart exertion throughout your workout history to give you insight on your training status and a personalized target load each morning. It’ll also give you a “Morning brief,” which will give you a daily readiness score (for how intense your fitness routine should be), weather, and more.
For instance, if you really pushed yourself a lot one day, your watch might advise you to chill out a bit more after.
All of these features will be available without a Fitbit Premium subscription, as will a new auto bedtime mode, which temporarily turns off notifications and the always-on display (as well as a few inputs you might accidentally press) when the watch detects you’re sleeping.
Outside of fitness, Google is introducing ways to use the Pixel Watch 3 as a Google TV remote and as a screen for watching your smart home cameras. There's also a way to screen calls with some AI assistance that helps label which calls might be spam. Plus, there’s finally an official audio recorder app for Pixel Watch, and improved watch unlock for Pixel Pro phones and certain cars.
With the Google Pixel Buds Pro 2, Google is leading less with hardware improvements and more with a better fit.
The headlining feature here is a new twisting mechanism that “locks” the earbud in your ear to keep it from slipping out while exercising. It took a few tries for me to get used to them when I demoed the earbuds behind closed doors, but it was comfortable and they did feel secure. I didn’t have an opportunity to exercise with them on, but if the locking feature works, it should be a big improvement over my AirPods Pro, which get slippery during long workouts.
To lock the Pixel Buds Pro 2 in your ear, simply insert them naturally and then give them a downwards twist. It sounds harder than it is, and any difficulty I had was because I was overthinking it. You also don’t have to worry about the buds getting stuck in your ears—just remove them normally and they’ll come right out, even without needing to be twisted again.
Aside from the fit, the drivers and the equalizer options are on par with the original Pixel Buds Pro, as is the wireless charging. Google promises the active noise cancellation (ANC) is twice as strong thanks to the improved fit and some better processing courtesy of a new Tensor A1 chip, the first tensor chip built specifically for audio.
Battery life is also improved, with Google saying you should get about eight hours with ANC on and 31 hours if using the charging case while not listening. That’s about a one hour improvement for the buds alone and an 11 hour improvement with the case thrown in.
Google also pushed Gemini Live for use on earbuds, saying that it works entirely over audio, so you can interact with your phone without taking it out of your pocket.
Pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 3 (shipping on September 10) and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 (shipping on September 26) are online now. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 costs $349 for the wifi model and $449 if you want the option to connect it to a network. The 45mm watch ups those prices to $399 and $499, respectively, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost $229. Multiple watchbands are available in different colors, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 come in white, black, green, and pink.
