Google announces the smarter and brighter Pixel Watch 4 and the Gemini-toting, affordable Pixel Buds 2a

Today’s hardware announcements from Google are about not just the Pixel 10 smartphones but the new Pixel Watch 4 and the Pixel Buds 2a, both seeing marked improvements over their previous generations..

Available for pre-order now and hitting shelves on October 9, the Pixel Watch 4 retails for RRP $579 and $679 (WiFi versions) and $749 and $849 (LTE versions) for the 41mm and 45mm sizes respectively, while the Pixel Buds 2a will retail for RRP $239.

PIXEL WATCH 4

Google may have been late to the smartwatch hardware category, but they are making up for lost time with the Pixel Watch 4 arriving just 12 months after the third generation.  Just as the third-gen Pixel Watch saw upgrades over the second, the fourth sees some significant upgrades as well.

The display once again sees a significant improvement with the new domed AMOLED LTPO display, called the Actua 360 display, sporting 16% smaller bezels, resulting in a significantly larger active area (10%).  Not only is the display bigger, but also brighter, at 3,000nits – 50% brighter than the Pixel Watch 3. 

To protect your new Pixel Watch 4, it is covered with Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5. 

The Pixel Watch 4 is once again available in two sizes, 45mm and 41mm, with the bigger 45mm size featuring a larger battery to compensate for the larger, more power-hungry display.  The battery life has been improved across both watches, with the 45mm designed to deliver 40 hours of use and the 41mm 30 hours.

The charging system has also been revamped, with the watches now arriving with a side-mounted Quick Charge Dock, where the watch sits on its side while being charged, allowing you to view it while charging.                                        

The new Pixel Watch sees a lot of software enhancements with the whole watch system built for Gemini.  Gemini, through the new speaker and haptic engine, delivers more precise answers to your questions – simply raise your wrist to talk to Gemini.

The powerhouse of the Pixel Watch 4 features a more powerful co-processor to enable more AI computing for more advanced, contextual and tailored Gemini experiences.

The Pixel Watch 4 builds upon the enhanced fitness features of the Pixel Watch 3 with even more accurate heart rate readings during activities.  This gives it even more accurate knowledge of your fitness and health data.

As part of the new redesigned Fitbit app, the Fitbit Morning Brief will help you plan your day by including a summary of your most important health and fitness metrics, including sleep stats, body readiness, and your progress towards your goals.  It summarises all of these stats to give you personalised training insights and an idea of how to tackle your goals to achieve them sooner without overtraining.

The Pixel Watch 4 includes more than 40 exercise modes, including yoga, HIIT, kickboxing and more and captures metrics relevant to the activity being undertaken.  Fitbit Premium delivers an enhanced experience with a personal AI coach using Gemini to provide run recommendations, personalised fitness routines and sleep plans to help you achieve your goals.

“Metrics that inspire, not just measure.”

Health insights are also improved with accurate ECG tracing, AFib and other irregular heart rhythm assessment, and notifications when they are out of range.

The various sensors on the watch also measure SpO2, heart rate variability and body stress and will help you incorporate mindfulness activities into your routines if required.

The new Google Pixel Watch 4 will be available starting October 9 in 41mm and 45mm sizes at RRP $579 and $679 (Wi-Fi versions) and $749 and $849 (LTE versions) respectively.  All are available for pre-order now and will hit shelves on October 9 from the Google Store, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, The Good Guys, Telstra, Optus and Vodafone.

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 4 will also be available in Satin Moonstone aluminium case paired with a Moonstone active band.  The 41mm now also comes in a Champagne Gold aluminium case with a Lemongrass active band and a Polished Silver aluminium case with a new Iris active band.

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

Pixel Buds 2a

The Pixel Buds 2a are designed to give you the best of Pixel Buds at an impressive value.  Their design is inspired by Pixel Buds Pro 2 with the twist-to-adjust stabiliser to provide a comfortable and secure fit.

The Buds 2a are the smallest and lightest Pixel Buds A series to date, with the charging case being more compact to enable it to fit into even smaller pockets and bags. 

The Pixel Buds 2a are IP54 sweat and water-resistant to endure tough workouts or walking in the rain.

Powered by the Tensor A1 chip, just like the Pixel Buds Pro 2, to deliver active noise cancellation for the first time in an A-series Buds.  The Buds 2a have 1.5x the noise cancellation as the original Buds Pro, making for a much more immersive sound experience.

Google AI and wind-blocking mesh covers help the buds provide for excellent voice quality, even in the windiest conditions.

The Pixel Buds 2a deliver seven hours of listening on a single charge with ANC on, with the case holding another 13 hours of listening in reserve.

A new product from Google would not be complete without Gemini integration and the Pixel Buds 2a are no exception, delivering hands-free support with Gemini to help you get things done on the fly.

The new Buds from Google come in Iris and Hazel colours to complement your phone and style.  Priced at just $239, you can pre-order from today, with the Buds 2a hitting shelves on October 9.

But wait, there’s more….

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are now available in a new Moonstone colour.  New features are also rolling out to the Buds Pro 2 later this year, including Adaptive Audio, Live with Gemini (even in noisy environments), gesture support for answering or rejecting calls and more.