At the latest Made by Google event, Google revealed not just an impressive lineup of Pixel 9 phones but also introduced two exciting additions: the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Ace 2. Let’s dive into what’s new, intriguing, and noteworthy about these products beyond their AI-enhanced capabilities.
Pixel Watch 3: Redefining Smartwatch Capabilities
The Pixel Watch 3 boasts a wealth of features tailored for fitness enthusiasts, smart home integration, and AI-powered functionalities. One standout new feature is the Pixel Recorder, which allows you to capture notes, conversations, or even snippets of songs directly from your wrist without seeming intrusive. Once recorded, you can easily play back the audio and view the transcription on your Pixel phone, making it a versatile tool for both personal and professional use.
Another exciting addition is the use of UWB (ultra wideband) technology for unlocking your phone with the watch. This feature ensures quick and responsive unlocking, provided you’re within a reasonable distance from your device.
Design-wise, the Pixel Watch 3 is available in two sizes: 41 mm and 45 mm. It features 16% smaller bezels, offering 40% more usable screen space on the larger model. The watch supports Nest Cam and Doorbell notifications, allowing you to communicate through them, though this will depend on connection quality. Offline access to Google Maps is also a significant addition, alongside a battery life of 24 hours in always-on mode, or 36 hours in battery saver mode.
For fitness aficionados, the watch includes more advanced features than ever. It offers six months of Fitbit Premium and provides detailed tracking of your running cadence, stride length, and overall motion. The cardio load tracking feature assesses your fitness efforts against recovery needs, sleep patterns, and heart rate metrics.
Pixel Buds Ace 2: A Leap in Audio Technology
Alongside the watch, Google unveiled the Pixel Buds Ace 2, designed with the same cutting-edge AI features. These earbuds have been re-engineered with a new Tensor AI chip, reducing their size by 27% and enhancing battery life, allowing for up to 8 hours of active noise cancellation (ANC).
The Silent Seal 2.0 technology offers superior noise reduction, blocking out twice as much ambient noise compared to previous models. This upgrade includes a wider range of frequencies, making it a more immersive audio experience.
The Pixel Buds Ace 2 are designed to deliver exceptional sound quality, boasting 11 mm drivers. The Tensor chip enhances audio performance by providing an additional pathway for music, bypassing the traditional noise processing chain. This results in richer and clearer sound, whether you’re listening to music or making phone calls.
The Clear Calling feature enhances call quality by minimizing noise on both ends of a conversation. Additionally, the Conversation Detection feature automatically pauses your audio when you start speaking and resumes playback once you stop, a functionality that many competitors’ products do not offer.
Availability and Pricing
Google’s new Pixel products are set to hit the market next month with the following prices and release dates:
- Pixel Watch 3: Priced at $349 for the 41 mm version, $399 for the 45 mm version, with an additional $100 for LTE capability. Available from September 10.
- Pixel Buds Ace 2: Available for $299 starting September 26.
These innovative devices are poised to enhance the way we interact with technology daily. With their focus on AI integration, improved design, and user-friendly features, the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Ace 2 are set to make a significant impact.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 13th August 2024