Wearable expertise was a serious focus throughout final yr’s Google I/O, and the identical could also be true in 2022. Several rumors, stories and leaks point out the search large’s first smartwatch — prone to be known as the Pixel Watch — would possibly lastly make its debut. The firm can be anticipated to share updates about its Wear OS smartwatch software program, which it overhauled final yr in collaboration with Samsung.Only Google is aware of what’s in retailer for its annual convention. But the corporate sometimes makes use of its opening keynote as a chance to preview developments throughout its main merchandise. That often consists of platforms like Android and Wear OS, and apps equivalent to Google Photos, Maps and Search.Aside from saying updates, Google’s keynote often says lots about its total method and imaginative and prescient. We’ll probably get a glimpse of how Google plans to make its gadgets and providers stand out from opponents, like Apple, Samsung and Amazon. If the rumors turn into true, the corporate’s stance on smartwatches could possibly be a giant a part of this yr’s occasion. A Pixel Watch announcement can be greater than a brand new product; it will inform us about what Google sees as being the best Android smartwatch expertise. Read extra: Google’s Rumored Smartwatch Should Take a Page From Its Pixel PhonesHere’s what we’re anticipating to see from Google because it pertains to smartwatches and wearable expertise at I/O 2022.

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The Pixel Watch would possibly arriveThere’s an opportunity Google might lastly introduce its first client smartwatch. Google hasn’t stated a phrase about plans to launch a watch of its personal, however it could be the corporate’s worst-kept secret. Reports from Insider, tech YouTube character Jon Prosser, and up to date leaks claiming to indicate photographs of the watch point out a Pixel Watch is certainly coming. Google I/O looks as if a really perfect time to make such an announcement. However, it is doable we would not get the total story at I/O. Prosser suggests Google will tease the watch at its convention somewhat than reveal all the main points. Instead, the corporate would possibly launch the Pixel Watch within the fall alongside the Pixel 7, Prosser says.Google made the same transfer with the Pixel 6 final yr. It introduced sure tidbits concerning the telephone in August however saved the total reveal for its October launch.So what do we all know concerning the Pixel Watch to this point? Everything but in addition nothing, it appears. Reddit consumer “tagtech414” leaked photographs to Android Central and on Reddit that declare to indicate the watch itself. Both units of pictures are in step with earlier rumors and renderings indicating it would have a spherical design. We additionally anticipate Fitbit to be integrated into the Pixel Watch not directly, though we can’t know for positive till the watch turns into official. Fitbit additionally beforehand stated it is engaged on a high-end Wear OS watch of its personal, however it’s unclear whether or not this Fitbit watch and the Pixel Watch can be the identical system. Pricing is one other thriller. Read More: Should You Upgrade to the Pixel 6? We Compare It to 3 Older Pixel TelephonesWear OS updatesGoogle may even probably have basic updates to share on Wear OS, the software program it offers for smartwatches made by Fossil, Samsung and different corporations. Google introduced a brand new model of Wear OS throughout final yr’s I/O that brings higher integration with the corporate’s apps and smoother efficiency amongst different enhancements. It developed the software program in collaboration with Samsung, the world’s second-largest smartwatch maker when it comes to market share, in keeping with Counterpoint Research. But to this point, we have solely seen the software program on Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 4, which nonetheless depends closely on Samsung’s personal apps and providers. It would not really feel very Google-like, so it is laborious to inform how a lot of a distinction the refreshed software program makes. Google Assistant is coming to the Watch 4 in a future replace, though a agency date hasn’t been introduced.Wear OS can be anticipated to come back to Fossil wearables and Mobvoi’s TicWatch gadgets in mid-2022. Fossil tweeted in March that the replace would arrive to eligible watches within the mid to second half of the yr, however we’ve got but to listen to extra specifics. A Google spokesperson stated the corporate is working to convey Wear OS 3 to extra gadgets this yr, however has nothing to share about its accomplice roadmap at the moment. Now that we’re approaching the center of the yr, hopefully we’ll study extra about timing and availability at I/O. It’s doable that Google might announce the Wear OS Fitbit watch we have been listening to about, however Fitbit product bulletins often occur nearer to the autumn. Google might additionally unveil new options and different refinements to Wear OS now that it has been virtually a full yr for the reason that software program’s reveal. Read More: I Want More From the Apple Watch in 2022  Google’s plans for FitbitMaybe the most important query is whether or not we’ll study extra about how Google intends to fold Fitbit into its Wear OS platform. Fitbit plans to launch a model of its app for Wear OS, as my colleague Scott Stein reported final yr, though the timing is unclear. A Google spokesperson stated it is working to convey the Fitbit expertise to Wear OS this yr and can share extra particulars nearer to the launch. It’s been greater than a yr since Google’s acquisition of Fitbit closed; it is doable we might hear extra about how the 2 manufacturers plan to work collectively. There’s already some proof of this in sure Google merchandise. For instance, the second-generation Nest Hub’s sleep monitoring options would require a Fitbit Premium subscription in 2023. But Google and Fitbit nonetheless provide two distinctly completely different experiences, so it’s going to be fascinating to see how they finally unite.Google has made a reputation for itself in smartphones and laptops because of its Pixel model, however it has but to department out into smartwatches. While promoting stays the most important a part of Google’s enterprise, the corporate has made a push to compete with Apple and Samsung as a number one maker of client tech devices in recent times. It even opened its first brick-and-mortar retail retailer final yr. Acquiring Fitbit was a giant step in increasing Google’s footprint within the wearables market, however Apple and Samsung nonetheless lead the business. Apple accounted for 30.1% of the worldwide smartwatch market in 2021, in keeping with Counterpoint Research, whereas Samsung got here in second with 10.2%. Depending on what Google proclaims at I/O, we might study extra about how the corporate hopes to vary that.

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The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is available in two seems and many colours

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