A Google-branded smartwatch had been rumoured for many years, but now Google has formally announced the Pixel Watch, its first hardware device.

After years of plans, cancellations, rumours, gossip and everything else, there's finally a Google wearable. Called the Pixel Watch, it will launch running WearOS and offer what Google is calling a "stock" experience - but will also have a number of exclusive features.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Pixel Watch.

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Google Pixel Watch

With its combination of great design, fluid software and comprehensive fitness tracking, the Pixel Watch is a great first home-made option from Google.

Pixel Watch release date and price

  • Google I/O 2022 tease
  • 6 October launch
  • 13 October availability

Google first teased the Pixel Watch during Google I/O 2022 but the device saw a complete launch in 6 October at the Made By Google event.

The Google Pixel Watch is available for pre-order immediately, priced at £339 for the Wi-Fi version and £379 for the LTE version. We will update with international prices as soon as we have them.

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Pixel Watch design

  • 41 x 12.3mm, 36g (without band)
  • Stainless steel case
  • 5ATM proofing

The Pixel Watch is round with a button and crown on one side and uses 3D domed glass for the top. It's a seamless design, minimalist, avoiding the sometimes-chunky looks that smartwatches go far as they try to replicate traditional divers watch aesthetics.

The watch will come in three colours - gold, black and silver - although all models are stainless steel.

There's a clever mechanism for strap attachment. This unique connection sees you sliding the strap into place and it locks in, with a button to release it. That means it will only work with straps designed for the Pixel Watch, rather than accepting universal straps.

There will be a range of styles available, including an active band, leather, metal and fabric options, with Google saying there are seven different styles at launch.

The rear of the Watch reveals the optical sensors, as expected, so it can monitor things like heart rate.

Pixel Watch display

  • Gorilla Glass 5
  • 320ppi AMOLED
  • 1000 nits
  • Always-on

Google is keen to show off the custom 3D domed glass on the top of the display. This gives it a smooth and seamless aesthetic, while it's made from Gorilla Glass 6. There's obviously no real bezel around the display edges.

The display itself is AMOLED offering a high 320ppi, which is about the same pixel density as the Apple Watch. It's a 41mm diameter, we don't have the official figure for screen diameter.

The 1000-nit brightness should ensure visibility in all conditions - again matching the Apple Watch Series 8 - while it also offers always-no functions. It supports touch as well as button and voice inputs.

Pixel Watch hardware 

  • Samsung Exynos 9110, Cortex M33 co-processor
  • 2GB RAM, 32GB storage
  • 294mAh battery
  • Wi-Fi and LTE versions
  • HRM, GPS, ECG
  • NFC

The Pixel watch is loaded with sensors, with Google saying that this is going to be Fitbit's most advanced heart rate tracker yet.

These sensors will feed the fitness functions, with GPS for navigation, an accelerometer to track motion and the ECG to track other heart functions.

Charging the battery will take place wirelessly, with the promise of 24 hours of battery life - and quick charging so you'll get 9 hours of use from 45 minutes on the charger. There is a 294mAh battery.

There will be both Wi-Fi and LTE versions of the watch, so you can have the option to stay connected without your phone - including the ability to make and receive calls.

The whole thing is powered by the Exynos 9110, supported by the M33 co-processor, which Google says will take care of many of the tracking functions while being more power efficient.

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Google

Software and features

  • WearOS 3.5
  • Fitbit integration
  • Exclusive functions

The Pixel Watch will run WearOS 3.5 and Google says that it's a "stock" expression of WearOS, so it won't be exactly the same visually as what you find on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5. There will be unique features in the software that only the Pixel Watch will get.

There will be options for customisation of the faces, with 18 watch faces unique to Pixel Watch and options to use things like Google Photos to make your own.

You'll get the Fitbit experience through your watch with seamless integration, with support for things like music, as well as offering sleep tracking - a loved feature of Fitbit's software. There will also be a Daily Readiness report, which will tell you how prepared you are for the day based on your sleep and previous activity.

You'll get access to all the Google services you'd expect, with navigation from Google Maps with haptic guidance, you'll have Google Wallet for mobile payments and access to Google Assistant.

You'll get access to all the WearOS 3 apps, like Spotify and Strava, so you can continue to tailor the experience to your preference.

There's also a fun feature for Pixel phone owners - the Pixel Watch can be used as a remote shutter.

Google Pixel Watch rumours: A timeline of the story prior to launch

Here is everything we heard about the Google Pixel Watch before it was officially announced.

03 October 2022: Biggest Pixel Watch leaks yet show colour options and official ad taglines

A couple of leaks reveals the Pixel Watch bands as well as more details for the device.

26 September 2022: Pic of Google Pixel Watch box hints at earlier on-sale date than previously thought

A hands-on photo of the Google Pixel Watch retail box appeared online.

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@xXavi3rx (Reddit)

23 September 2022: Official Google Pixel Watch video shows it from every angle

Ahead of its product launch event on 6 October, Google posted a video showing its first in-house smartwatch from just about every angle imaginable.

20 September 2022: Google Pixel Watch price leaked along with colour options

A report from 9to5Google - with information from retail sources - said the Pixel Watch will be $349.99 in the US for the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth model and $399.99 for the cellular/LTE version. Each model is also said to come in three colourways too.

17 June 2022: Google Pixel Watch to be available in a wide range of bands and straps at launch

According to the report, the Pixel Watch will launch with two types of leather bands, a link bracelet, a fabric strap and a silicone band. Reminiscent of the Apple Watch, Google is also set to offer a Milanese-style bracelet, as well as a stretchable band akin to Apple's Solo Loop.

9 June 2022: The Google Pixel Watch will have its own dedicated app at launch

9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch will launch with its own app alongside the wearOS app. There's said to be a feature called "Smart Unlock" that enables you to automatically unlock your Android phone, when your watch is unlocked, on your wrist and close to your phone.

1 June 2022: Google Pixel Watch battery will only last a day

9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch will have a battery capacity of just under 300mAh, which is said to allow it to last a day.

23 May 2022: Pixel Watch to come with huge RAM for a smartwatch

9to5Google reported that the Pixel Watch would come with more than 1.5GB of RAM, 32GB of storage and run on Samsung's Exynos 9110.

11 May 2022: Google Google teases its first-ever smartwatch

Google uses Google I/O to tease the Pixel Watch, confirming that it will be on sale later in 2022.

29 April 2022: Pixel Watch to feature 300mAh battery and cellular support

A rumour from 9to5Google suggests the Pixel Watch will come with a 300mAh battery which - for a smartwatch - is quite generous. It'll also feature cellular support. 

28 April 2022: Google Pixel Watch could come in three models

A listing appeared on Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG) and it refers to a device called BT Wearable Design-Controller Subsystem, which is thought to be the Pixel Watch. The listing mentions three models - GWT9R, GBZ4S, and GQF4C. 

27 April 2022: Pixel Watch leaks again: Latest images show Google's smartwatch on a wrist

Having shared details about the Pixel Watch left in a restaurant, the guy who has it has started sharing photos of it.

25 April 2022: Google's Pixel Watch breaks cover in real world photos

The Pixel Watch has surfaced in real world photos after apparently being found in a restaurant.

23 April 2022: Google files trademark for 'Pixel Watch' ahead of I/O: Is a launch imminent?

The name "Pixel Watch" is official as a trademark gets filed.

20 April 2022: Pixel Watch breaks cover as Google preps online store for launch

91Mobiles published a face-on image of the Pixel Watch, showing a crown on the right, domed glass on the top and the Fitbit logo in the centre, suggesting the platform will be integrated properly.

9to5Google also reported that the online Google Store is being redesigned to make space for the new smartwatch, suggesting a launch is imminent.

25 March 2022: Google Pixel Watch to be teased at I/O but launched with Pixel 7 in October

Leaker Jon Prosser claims the Pixel Watch will be teased at Google I/O 2022, before launching properly in October.

2 March 2022: Google Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch could be imminent after carrier listing found

The Google Pixel Watch appeared on a US carrier's inventory and it's claimed to come in grey, black and gold colours, aloong with 32GB on on board storage.

22 December 2021: Google Pixel Watch tipped to feature Exynos chip and next-gen Google Assistant

9to5Google has uncovered various strings of code hinting that the Pixel Watch will feature the next-gen Google Assistant and may be powered by Exynos.

6 December 2021: New Google Pixel Watch renders give us our best look yet at the rumoured smartwatch

Jon Prosser has shared some alleged marketing images of the Pixel Watch, showing a circular design. 

3 December 2021: Google's in-house smartwatch, aka Pixel Watch, could launch in 2022

According to a report from Insider, Google is working on a smartwatch. It is internally codenamed Rohan, and it's being worked on by Google's Pixel hardware group, which is separate from Fitbit. 

It is expected to cost more than a Fitbit, competing directly with the Apple Watch. It's also said to have basic fitness tracking features, such as step counting and a heart rate monitor and may have Fitbit integration into Wear OS, thanks to an effort codenamed Nightlight.

11 October 2021: Pixel Watch likely delayed

Leaker Max Weinbach claimed on Twitter that while he was told the Pixel Watch was coming about six months ago, but could be delayed because of chip shortage, he is assuming it has been delayed and is unsure if it will be revealed with the Pixel 6 on 19 October or next year.

25 May 2021: More Google Pixel 6, 6 Pro and 5a 5G details revealed in leak

Max Weinbach revealed some details about the Pixel 5a 5G, Pixel 6 and 6 Pro in a podcast. He also claimed the Google Watch would be revealed in October 2021 alongside the Pixel devices though.

18 May 2021: Google redesigns Wear OS with Samsung and Fitbit

Google announced a redesigned Wear OS in collaboration with Samsung and Fitbit.

9 April 2021: Apparent Pixel Watch design revealed in new leak

Jon Prosser revealed the apparent design of the long-rumoured Pixel Watch in a video. It has a circular face, bezel-free design and a physical crown. It's claimed to be codenamed Rohan and the renders were created based on images provided by a source.

19 May 2020: Pixel Watch could have a gesture feature

Google filed a patent with the US Patent Office in May 2020 that suggests the company is working on bringing hand gestures to a smartwatch.

19 September 2019: Why Google Pixel Watch was cancelled at the last minute

A new report on Business Insider has claimed Google cancelled plans to launch a Pixel Watch at the last minute because Google's hardware chief, Rick Osterloh, was of the opinion at the time that it "didn't look like what belonged in the Pixel family." 

The report also said that a former employee stated that the syncing between the Pixel smartphone and smartwatch also "didn't work that great", making for another reason to pull the launch. There were fears that with this and the smartwatch not quite looking right, it would "...bring down the name of the Google hardware brand." 

Instead of killing the watches completely, Google is said to have decided not to launch them under its own brand name as originally planned, and instead launched them under LG in the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style. 

The report adds that while there are still rumours Google is working on its own-branded smartwatch, sources claim that there will be no smartwatch launching alongside the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL at its event on 15 October.

3 September 2019: Google Pixel Watch with built-in camera appears in patent

A patent filed by Google called 'Camera Watch' has been approved. The patent shows a watch with a round face and a camera built-in, though it is not clear from the patent whether the camera is a hole-punch design or under the display.

There are no buttons on the design sketches, suggesting the Pixel Watch could feature some form of rotating or touch bezel.

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LetsGoDigital

4 April 2019: Possible Pixel Watch tech pops up in patent

A recently approved patent reveals Google has been working on several quick release watch band mechanisms. Several options are shown in the patent images, one of which is a tradition quick release pin method, while the others appear a little more complex. 

8 February 2019: New job listings suggest Pixel Watch still happening

Two job listings at Google for a "Vice President, Hardware Engineering, Wearables" and "Wearables Design Manager, Consumer Hardware", suggest Google continues to have major hardware ambitions for wearables.

25 January 2019: Possible Pixel Watch codenames appear online

9to5Google reported on two codenames - Medaka and Salmon - which appeared online and are suggested to reference the Pixel Watch. The codenames appeared in AOSP alongside evidence suggesting they are smartwatches but no further details were offered.

17 January 2019: Google and Fossil enter into $40 million agreement

Google and Fossil Group enter into a $40 million agreement, in which Google will acquire some of Fossil's smartwatch technology, along with members of the Fossil's research and development team. While details are scarce, it suggests Google is still serious about Wear OS.

3 September 2018: No Pixel Watch in 2018

Tom's Guide reported that the rumoured Pixel Watch would not launch in 2018. 

Miles Barr, Google's director of engineering for Wear OS, said in an interview with Tom's Guide: "To think of a one-size-fits-all watch, I don't think we're there yet. Our focus is on our partners for now," he explained.

The Pixel Watch will likely place a special focus on Google Assistant and AI learning when it finally arrives though as Barr told Tom's Guide his ideal Pixel Watch would offer these. 

A separate Google spokesperson also confirmed that the company would not be announcing its own smartwatch in 2018.

10 May 2018: Three models of the Pixel Watch claimed to be in the works

WinFuture reported that there are three models of Pixel Watch in the works, but these might just be prototypes with a plan to only release one.

10 May 2018: Google's fall event expected to feature Pixel-branded watch

Notorious leakster Evan Blass tweeted that a reliable source told him "with high confidence" that a Pixel-branded watch would appear at the 2018 fall hardware event alongside the two smartphones and second-gen Pixel Buds. Of course, that wasn't the case in the end.

15 March 2018: Google rebrands Android Wear to Wear OS

Google's smartwatch platform, Android Wear, first arrived in 2014. In 2018, Google ditched the name and branding, relaunching the software as Wear OS.

10 February 2017: LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style launch

LG announced the LG Watch Sport and the LG Watch Style, backed by Google as the poster watches for Android Wear 2.0 with their rotating dials. They put an end to the Google-branded smartwatch...for a while.

23 December 2016: Google to launch two Android Wear watches in 2017

The Verge reported that Jeff Chang, product manager of Android Wear, said Google is planning to launch new watches that will be flagship Android Wear 2.0 devices.

Chang said the device wouldn't be Pixel branded however, despite the Pixel and Pixel XL launching two months earlier, replacing the Nexus line. Instead, the watches would take the name of the manufacturer that makes them.

12 July 2016: Renders appear of Google's Nexus smartwatches

Android Police published some renders of Google's Android Wear smartwatches. The larger device, known as Angelfish, is said to be on the left, while Swordfish, the smaller device, is on the right.

6 July 2016: Google working on Nexus-branded smartwatches

Android Police reported that Google was working on Nexus-branded smartwatches. The two devices were claimed to be Google-made and they had codenames of Angelfish and Swordfish.

Rumours suggests Angelfish was a larger, sportier model which would come with LTE data, GPS and heart rate. Swordfish meanwhile was said to be smaller and miss LTE data and GPS off its features list. 

Both watches were claimed to feature circular displays.