Google announces the Pixel Watch 3, now in two sizes, and the rebuilt-from-the-ground-up, Pixel Buds Pro 2

Alongside their multiple Pixel 9 smartphones Google has also launched the Pixel Watch 3, now in two different sizes, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 with an all-new design and chipset built for AI use.

Coming in Spring, the Pixel Watch 3 will retail for RRP $579 and $669 (WiFi versions) and $749 and $839 (LTE versions) for the 41mm and 45mm sizes respectively, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will retail for RRP $379.

Pixel Watch 3

The Pixel Watch 3 now comes in two sizes, a smaller 41mm size which is the same as previous generations, and a new, bigger 45mm size.  Not only is there a bigger watch but the bezels on both watches are 16 percent smaller resulting in 40 percent more screen on the bigger Watch 3 (10 percent on the classic size).

The new Actua display is bigger, two times brighter and more responsive than the Pixel Watch 2.  The peak brightness is an impressive 2000 nits and being Actua display it comes with a Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) offering the ability to drop the refresh rate down to 1Hz and the brightness to 1nit to save battery life.

The charger this time is the same as the previous generation but this time the Watch 3 will charge 20 percent faster and offer up to 24 hours of battery life with always-on display.  Switch to Battery Saver mode at 15 percent left and you’ll get 36 hours of use “without compromising health, fitness or safety capabilities.”

This year’s Pixel Watch 3 offers an even more advanced fitness experience with over 40 different exercise modes.  It will also track stress, SpO2, heart rhythm and more offering advanced reflection on your health and exercise results.

Running is improved with a more accurate heart rate measurement and a set of new features such as a workout builder (schedule workout, set intervals etc) with the ability to make your own or use the AI workout builder to help you achieve the goal you are looking for.  

The running watch interface has also been improved with a new experience which acts as a running coach – help you keep your workout on track, and help you execute the plan that you have set beforehand.  The Watch 3 will also continue to have compatibility with other devices and gym equipment to allow you to track all your workouts.

The new WearOS 5 now also allows for offline Google Maps and easier media control access and use.  Once the workout is finished Fitbit now has a new Run dashboard to allow you to reflect on your workouts, track your progress, recovery and more.

Other inclusions are call assist capabilities (spam detection, put a call on hold), a new UWB chip inside to allow for presence detection and the ability to unlock your “Pro Pixel phones” from a simple swipe on your watch and Google Recorder is now available on the watch as well.

Google Home devices will now also be easier to use along with the ability to view your Nest Doorbell video feed on your watch.

The new Google Pixel Watch 3 will be available starting September 10 in 41mm and 45mm sizes at RRP $579 and $669 (Wi-Fi versions) and $749 and $839 (LTE versions) respectively.  Both sizes will be available in Matte Black Aluminium Case with an Obsidian Active Band and Polished Silver Aluminium Case with a Porcelain Active Band.

The 45mm Watch 3 will also be available in Matte Hazel Aluminium Case with a Hazel Active Band and the 41mm in  Champagne Gold Aluminium Case with a Hazel Active Band as well as Polished Silver Aluminium Case with a Rose Quartz Active Band.

There will be more accessories available including metal links and metal bands so you can style the watches to your liking and your fit.

Pixel Buds Pro 2

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 bring Gemini into earbuds and are redesigned from the ground up to not only be more comfortable and secure but incorporate real time Gemini conversation.  

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are also 27 percent smaller than their predecessor and are 24 percent lighter and are thus more secure in your ear than before thanks to the new size and design and also a new twist-to-adjust stabiliser. 

Inside Google has included their own all-new, in-house, Tensor A1 silicon processor, the first expansion of the Tensor past the phone and tablet and designed specifically for this form factor.   The result is faster audio processing, better noise cancellation and an overall “better sound stage.”

The audio passes from the source to your ears with minimal distortion thanks to noise cancellation that adapts to your sound environment up to three million times per second and is able to cancel two times more midband noise with Silent Seal 2.0. 

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the first buds to be built ready for the “Gemini era” with a new “Gemini Live” experience, a conversational AI assistant.  You will not have to take your phone out of your pocket and instead ask your AI a question, get an answer and refine it with further prompts to Gemini.  

Gemini Live will require a subscription to Gemini Advanced – available from Google and free for 12 months with some of the new Pixel 9 smartphones.

Other software features include Conversation Detection, Clear Calling and the compatibility with the Find My Device network.

The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be available from September 26 in four Colours: White, Hazel, WinterGreen and Peony for RRP $379 from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.