Google Pixel Watch seen in the wild, iPhone 4 style

In 2010, an engineering prototype of the iPhone 4 was left at a bar by an Apple engineer, giving the world a glimpse a few months before the phone’s official debut. Now, a test unit of Google’s upcoming Pixel Watch was reportedly dropped at a restaurant, and we now have our first detailed look at the smartwatch from various angles.

So far, a barrage of leak-based renders has painted a picture of a round dial with curved perimeter. The new set of real-life images, which come courtesy of Android Central, show a screen that is dramatically curved and emulates the “waterfall” curved screen aesthetic that smartphone makers like Vivo were following a few years back. were.

But given the massive glass curvature, Google can use the curved edges to shine information lights without disrupting the on-screen content. Relatedly, another leaked image that appeared last week clearly showed the Pixel Watch’s home screen with some kind of Fitbit (which is owned by Google) integration.

Images leaked on Android Central reportedly show the long-rumored Pixel Watch.

It looks like the case is metal with a glossy finish, and the sensor array is neatly arranged in a rectangular bar in the centre. The revolving crown also sports a metallic finish. There are reportedly two physical buttons on the main body of the Pixel Watch – one on either side of the crown. It is not clear whether these buttons are for interacting with the user interface or for health-related features.

The Pixel Watch in question was apparently devoid of functional software as pressing the button reportedly only showed the boot screen with the ‘G’ logo. The unit, which could be “a test model for the internal Pixel team,” also relies on proprietary connection points to attach a strap, just like the Apple Watch. This means that buyers will not be able to buy any standard 22mm strap for the Pixel Watch to match their style. The leaked live images only show a blue strap with what appears to be rubberized silicone, but more color options are likely on the table.

Currently in development under the codename Rohan, Google’s first smartwatch will reportedly rely on a custom chip that shares its DNA with Samsung’s Exynos family and will also support cellular connectivity. However, there is no word on the size and case material options.

Likely side of Pixel Watch with strap, as leaked on Android Central.

The box in which the Pixel Watch was found states that the unit is for “internal testing and development only” and may not be the final design for the retail package. However, it’s curious whether someone (read: Google employee or contractor) would take the packaging box public while secretly testing a much-anticipated product.

Rumors suggest that the Pixel Watch will feature a supercharged version of the Google Assistant, and that means faster response times and some exclusive features like the Pixel smartphones. Whether it will bundle advanced health-focused capabilities like an electrocardiogram facility and blood oxygen-saturation level measurement remains to be seen.

Google hasn’t said a word about the Pixel Watch yet, but rumors suggest it may debut alongside the Pixel 6a at the I/O event in May. However, if Google decides to launch it alongside the Pixel 7 series of phones, we may have to wait until the fourth quarter of 2022 to find out what Google has to offer with its first smartwatch.

Until then, look at this leak with a skeptical (albeit curious) lens.

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