Google Pixel Watch, Pixel 7 phones and tablet take on Apple, Samsung

Google has outlined a significant in-house hardware expansion, highlighted by its first branded smartwatch to compete with Apple’s popular product.

The Google Pixel Watch, in contrast with the Apple Watch, has a circular screen, mimicking most classic wristwatches. The device was primarily developed by Fitbit, which Google acquired in January 2021, and includes Fitbit-based health tracking integration. 

At its annual I/O developer conference Wednesday, the search giant also introduced high-end earbuds, new smartphones and its first tablet since exiting the category three years ago.

Google says its Pixel Watch, due for release later this year, will be a 'premium-priced' device.

Google’s watch will run its Wear OS software and support tasks like tap-to-pay, finding directions in Google Maps and receiving notifications.

It will also be controlled by Google’s voice assistant and a tactile crown on the side – similar to the Apple Watch with digital assistant Siri and its Digital Crown. Like Apple, Google will also offer a version with 4G cellular connectivity. 

Unlike other smartwatches running on Wear OS, Google’s Pixel Watch won’t be compatible with Apple’s iPhones.

The Google Pixel Watch is built on the foundations of the Fitbit series and will run Wear OS.

Google’s Pixel Watch will be released in the US fall, but the company didn’t provide information about the cost to consumers.

In an interview, Rick Osterloh, Google’s head of hardware, said it would be a “premium-priced” device. Apple’s stainless steel Apple Watch starts at US$749 and the company is planning new watches later this year.

Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro

Osterloh also previewed the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, the company’s next high-end smartphones planned for release in the fall. The devices will have an updated design for the back camera system and a faster processor. The company didn’t disclose pricing. 

Coming sooner will be two products: the Pixel 6a and the Pixel Buds Pro.

The Pixel 6a is a lower-cost version of last year’s Pixel 6, priced at US$449 instead of US$599. It has cheaper materials like aluminum edges, a smaller, 6.1-inch screen, lesser 12 megapixel cameras, but the same custom Tensor processor inside.

Google's hardware line-up for 2022 spans from earbuds to tablets.

The new Pixel Buds Pro will rival Apple’s AirPods Pro and Samsung’s Galaxy Buds Pro. Like with rivals, the main new feature is noise-cancellation, a transparency mode to hear outside noise and a stronger ability to limit background noise during calls.

The earbuds also have seven hours of battery life with noise-cancellation turned on. 

Google is also working on a Pixel Tablet and plans to launch it next year. The company didn’t disclose pricing, specific release details or unique capabilities, but Osterloh said its size would be on the larger side.

Apple sells tablets from about 7-inches to 13-inches in size, while Samsung makes a large 15-inch device. Google had stopped designing new tablets in 2019 to focus on laptops.