Pixel Watch 5 teaser comes with a joke against Apple
Just like its earlier videos, Google’s latest trailer shows its upcoming smartwatch as a gem hidden in the shadows, allowing us to see only its outline. The lack of details is intentional, and the main goal of the teaser is to remind us about the August 12 event, and point out the device will have Gemini Intelligence integration.
Unlike the other videos, this trailer comes with a direct jab at competing products. Alongside the basic smartwatch features, like sleep and fitness tracking, the narrator in the video says the Pixel Watch 5 “still has the decency to look like a watch.”
This is a very obvious jab against the Apple Watch, which has always had a rectangular design. It can also refer to the Galaxy Watch 9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, which look more like classic watches, but are still relying on the so-called squircle shape.
Which smartwatch design do you like more?
More of the same
Pixel Watch 4 | Image by PhoneArena
This is an especially brave move from Google, considering the Pixel Watch 5 appears to retain the same design used in the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Watch 3. However, this is far from the only thing that is rumored to remain unchanged in the new model.
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A recent leak revealed that the Watch 5 will feature the same display, chipset, and sensors. The most notable upgrade may be a jump from 32GB to 64GB storage space, though the battery will also get a tiny upgrade.
Google is expected to focus completely on the new Gemini Intelligence features. Part of the leaked promotional materials says that the watch will be able to “anticipate your needs and deliver helpful information at just the right moment.”
Sticking with the same design may not be such a big issue, but it has its downsides. On the one hand, in his in-depth review of the Pixel Watch 4, my colleague Peter raved about the “spectacular” design language. On the other hand, Pixel Watches have been prone to scratches, as there’s nothing to protect them from the inevitable accidental hits and bumps into walls and furniture.
Undeserved criticism
I never understood why anyone would want to buy a smartwatch that does its best to imitate a completely different thing. Circular watches with a “classic” design have always looked like poor imitations of valuable items to me, which is why I appreciate the definitely-not-a-classic-watch design of the Apple Watch.
Learn more about what's coming at Google's August 12 event:
Ilia, a tech journalist at PhoneArena, has been covering the mobile industry since 2011, with experience at outlets like Forbes Bulgaria. Passionate about smartphones, tablets, and consumer tech, he blends deep industry knowledge with a personal fascination that began with his first Nokia and Sony Ericsson devices. Originally from Bulgaria and now based in Lima, Peru, Ilia balances his tech obsessions with walking his dog, training at the gym, and slowly mastering Spanish.
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