Google is reportedly adding a Pixel-branded smartwatch to its hardware portfolio this Fall. The search giant, at its I/O 2018 developer conference announced it is introducing a couple of changes to its Wear OS by Google Developer Preview 2 (DP2) for wearables. Also, enhanced Google Assistant integration for Wear OS-powered smartwatches was released last week. Qualcomm also confirms that it is now working on new chips for Wear OS smartwatches. And now, 'Pixel Watch' rumours have hit the Internet.
In March this year, Google replaced its Android Wear brand that it had introduced in 2014 with a new name - Wear OS. There was no new hardware or software, but only the OS got rebranded. However, a Pixel-branded smartwatch could be a game changer for Google on this platform. Popular tipster Evan Blass has claimed that alongside the Pixel 3, Pixel 3 XL, and next-generation Pixel Buds, Google will unveil a 'Pixel Watch' at its annual hardware event. Though Google has not announced a date for the event yet, it has been held in October the last two years.
Meanwhile, another report in WinFuture has corroborated the information, while also adding that there could be three models of the Pixel-branded smartwatch. The report claims that these devices have been codenamed as 'Ling,' 'Sardine,' and 'Triton,' but there is no information about the design or how they are different. However, some of the specifications include Bluetooth with apt-X, GPS, and Voice over LTE (VoLTE) support. Additionally, health features include step tracking and a heart rate monitor.
The WinFuture report also claimed more details around Qualcomm's new wearable SoC whose existence has already been confirmed by the company. Reportedly launching as the Snapdragon Wear 3100, it will focus on battery savings, but appears to be keeping the same 28nm process as 2016's Snapdragon Wear 2100. The quad-core SoC is said to use the ARM Cortex-A7 and Adreno 304 GPU.
According to the report, these products have been delayed due to a number of factors. Earlier, a March 2018 launch date was planned, but the new date is later this year.
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