I just returned from the official Pixel Watch 3 launch event held at Google's headquarters in Mountain View, California, and I'm thrilled with what I saw. While the new device doesn't tick every box on my Pixel Watch 3 wish list, it does meet four of my top five requests.
Google also gave the updated smartwatch some cool new features that I wasn't expecting, including one that could potentially save your life. Of all the major upgrades and improvements, here are the five that have me most excited for the Google Pixel Watch 3.
1. More screen space
Google has finally caught up with the competition by launching a second, larger 45mm Pixel Watch 3 model to accompany the 41mm variant. This version offers 40% more screen real estate than the Pixel Watch 2. In addition to the larger case to accommodate the larger display, the bezel has also been slimmed down by 16% on the Pixel Watch 3 (both models) compared to the Pixel Watch 2.
While I tend to prefer smaller smartwatches, I found myself leaning toward the 45mm model when I tried both versions. The larger touchscreen is more immersive and easier to use. The two sizes also wear fairly similarly. This surprised me at first, but then again, they're the same thickness, and the 45mm version is only 6g heavier than the 41mm model.
2. A brighter and smoother screen
The screen improvements don't stop there. Google has also doubled the brightness and refresh rate of the Pixel Watch 3's display. Peak brightness increases from 1,000 nits on the Pixel Watch 2 to 2,000 nits on the Pixel Watch 3, which is the same as the new Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and the latest Apple Watch 9.
The refresh rate on the latest Pixel Watch is now 60Hz, up from 30Hz on the Pixel Watch 2. This makes for a much smoother viewing experience when using the watch, while the increased brightness should make it much easier to use in daylight. The Pixel Watch 3's display can also be dimmed to just 1 nit.
3. Improved energy management
The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 has the same battery capacity as its predecessor, but despite needing to power a significantly brighter display, battery life is on par with the Pixel Watch 2 at 24 hours. The larger 45mm model has a larger battery capacity for its larger display and also offers up to 24 hours of battery life.
New features and tools should help Pixel Watch 3 users get past the 24-hour mark, however. A battery-saving mode automatically activates when the charge drops to 15%. This mode has no impact on the device's health and safety tracking features.
Users who choose to keep the Pixel Watch 3 in power saving mode at all times should enjoy up to 36 hours of battery life.
The Pixel Watch will also automatically go into bedtime mode when a user has fallen asleep, dimming the screen brightness and pausing notifications, which should also help save battery life.
Finally, the latest Wear OS 5 operating system is expected to improve the device's power efficiency. Specifically, Google claims that the latest operating system will allow the Pixel Watch 3 to save up to 20% more power when used to track a long GPS-enabled workout, such as running a marathon.
4. Nest Cam live stream support
I'm in the process of upgrading my home security camera setup and am now seriously considering going with Nest because of the Pixel Watch 3's integration with Google's line of home monitoring devices. The Nest Cam also happens to be the best indoor security camera on the market right now.
Owners of the latest Google Watch and compatible Nest Cams will be able to monitor and record their device's live feed from their wrist. Better yet, you'll even be able to communicate with the people on the other side of the camera, in real time, like a real-life George Jetson.
5. Pulse loss detection
Smartwatches have been able to monitor your pulse for anomalies for a while now, but Google is taking the concept a step further with the launch of a new pulse loss detection feature that can automatically contact loved ones or an emergency medical responder if triggered, similar to Google's fall detection.
As someone who lives thousands of miles away from my retired parents, I’d love to have a Pixel Watch 3 on my wrist and have this feature enabled for peace of mind. However, at launch, access to pulse loss detection won’t be available in the US, but people in the UK and some EU markets will be able to use it from day one.
Other Pixel Watch 3 improvements worth highlighting
These aren’t the only improvements to the Pixel Watch 3 that I’m excited about. I’m also excited that owners of the wearable device will get free access to some of Fitbit’s best premium training tools, like a daily readiness score and target load. Google Maps now works offline, too.
And while I don't own a BMW or Mini Cooper, and probably never will, it's cool to see that people with compatible models will be able to lock and unlock their cars from their wrist thanks to the Pixel Watch 3's Ultra-widband chip.
What’s your favorite new feature on the Google Pixel Watch 3? Let us know in the comments below.