The company claims that Pixel Watch 2 will offer upgraded performance, improved battery life (with always-on display), new safety features and sensors that will offer deeper health insights.The latest Pixel Watch also promises to offer most accurate heart rate tracking from Google.
Health sensors in Pixel Watch 2
Pixel Watch 2 has three new sensors that promise to offer deeper insights into users’ health. Powered by Google’s improved AI heart rate algorithm, the smartwatch also features a new heart rate sensor which is backed by multiple LEDs to produce a more accurate heart rate readings.
Google claims that the heart rate tracking in Pixel Watch 2 is up to 40% more accurate as compared to its predecessor and will be able to cover vigorous activities like HIIT, spinning and rowing. This means users will be able to get more accurate readings for other important health metrics including calories burned, Active Zone Minutes, Daily Readiness Score and sleep.
The smartwatch also brings Fitbit’s Body Response feature powered by a new continuous electrodermal activity (cEDA) sensor. This sensor can point to possible signs of stress using a machine learning algorithm that incorporates heart rate, heart rate variability and skin temperature.
When the algorithm picks up on physical indicators of positive and negative stress, including excitement, the Body Response feature will send user a notification. It will then prompt users to either reflect on how they feel at that moment or take actions to reduce their stress, like guided breathing or a mindfulness session. Reflecting on these moments may help users to identify patterns to anticipate potential stress and plan ahead.
Pixel Watch 2 also has a new skin temperature sensor that can reveal insights into user’s sleep and monitor for changes in their overall wellness.
Users will also be able to get other important health and fitness information using their voice. Open the Google Assistant app and ask “How did I sleep last night?” to get a daily Sleep Score or weekly average, or ask to start a workout. With the new Google Assistant tile, users can also set up shortcuts for their most-used queries.
Fitness features in Pixel Watch 2
Google’s latest smartwatch also makes it easier to train with the new Heart Rate Zone Coaching and Pace Training features. These features can help users to stay on track with their workout goals.
Pixel Watch 2 will alert users about a heart rate zone change during a HIIT workout and will also offer real-time feedback on pace goals while marathon training. Meanwhile, automatic workout start and stop reminders are also available for seven exercises which includes running and outdoor cycling.
All the Fitbit features from the original Pixel Watch will also be available on Pixel Watch 2. This includes Daily Readiness Score, Sleep Profile, Sleep Score, Active Zone Minutes and 40 workout modes. Google is also offering six months of Fitbit Premium susbcritopion with the new Pixel Watch 2. Fitbit Premium offers a deep insight into health and fitness goals.
