The follow-on record also indicates that Google treated the watch as a continuing product line rather than a one-off: reporting on a second-generation Pixel Watch tied it to new chips and Fitbit Sense 2-like sensors.
First-order effects
Google’s Pixel hardware group gains a reported new device category, extending its product planning beyond phones into a smartwatch intended to carry the Pixel brand.
The reported watch creates a direct route for Google to combine its hardware work with Fitbit’s health capabilities, an integration later reflected in the launched product.
Second-order effects
Google must coordinate its wearable roadmap across Pixel hardware, Wear OS, and Fitbit features; later reporting on battery capacity and cellular support shows that the product decision pulled those system-level choices into scope.
Fitbit becomes more tightly connected to Google’s device strategy as its health features become part of the Pixel Watch proposition rather than a separate wearable offering.
Third-order effects
If Google sustains the Pixel Watch line, its wearable strategy shifts toward controlling the device layer alongside the software and health-feature stack, reinforcing a broader hardware talent moat.
The later move to a second-generation model suggests Google is building an iterative smartwatch platform, where component and sensor upgrades become part of the annual Pixel product cycle.
The trend: Google is turning Pixel from a phone-led hardware brand into a connected device portfolio that combines proprietary hardware with Wear OS and Fitbit services.
SCOOP: Google is ramping up work on its first smartwatch. It just ran another dogfooding test and executives have said they plan to launch the device next year. Details, details, details: https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@alexeheath
Alex Heath on x
⬇️ Corroborating this good scoop by @HughLangley that a Google watch is in the works from its Pixel hardware group. https://www.theverge.com/... https://twitter.com/...
@rakeshlobster
Rakesh Agrawal on x
No mention whether this will include a camera. Apple Watch does note. Reports are that FB has a watch coming with a camera. https://twitter.com/...
@kwuchu
Iheanyi Ekechukwu on x
FINALLYYYYY. BEEN WAITING FOR THIS DAY https://twitter.com/...
@suka_hiroaki
Andreas Proschofsky on x
I don't dare to get my hopes up. But: Please make this be real https://www.theverge.com/...
@dcrainmakerblog
Ray Maker on x
Interesting that this effort is being done by a separate group than Fitbit (which Google owns). https://twitter.com/...
@caro_milanesi
Carolina Milanesi on x
I mean, who did not see this coming? They had Pixel and Buds and the Watch was missing. Most high-end users want that combination of products or at least having an option. It should also be easier from a channel perspective to make it available in more markets too. https://twitte…
@nickstatt
Nick Statt on x
Ah yes the Pixel Watch that's been in development for approximately 1 million years https://twitter.com/...
@nerdyandnatural
Geek on x
“Presenting the Google Watch: Watch it watch you while you're watching it watch you” https://twitter.com/...
@ow
@ow on x
switched away from Pixel to iPhone literally for the Apple Watch so this makes sense but honestly Google has *a lot* of catching up to do here https://twitter.com/...
@techinsider
@techinsider on x
In meetings, senior executives have told employees they intend to launch the smartwatch next year. Two employees said a spring launch was possible if the latest testing round is a success, but details and timelines are subject to change. https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...
@rdrv3
David Ruddock on x
A Google-branded smartwatch is long overdue. I just can't imagine a world where a Google wearable makes me feel like it's worth splitting time between my Apple Watch.
@backlon
Dieter Bohn on x
When I interviewed Osterloh at the Pixel 6 launch, I asked about Fitbit: O: ... No doubt you'll see them build wearables on Wear OS in the future. ... Me: I asked too soon. We'll check in on it next year, maybe O: Yes. Next year. Let's talk https://www.theverge.com/... https://tw…
@grahamstarr
Graham Starr on x
SCOOP from @HughLangley: Google is planning to launch its first branded smartwatch for sometime in 2022. It plans to compete directly with the Apple Watch and include heart-rate and other health monitoring features. https://www.businessinsider.com/ ...