Ever since a rumor surfaced this past May, it's been expected that Google would debut its first Pixel-branded smartwatch alongside the Pixel 3 this fall (a Pixel Watch, if you will). Recent developments in Wear OS have led us to believe that 2018 would finally be the year, and now...
... it's been confirmed that there is no Pixel Watch.
During IFA in Berlin, Tom's Guide got confirmation from Wear OS's director of engineering (Miles Barr) that Google will not be releasing a Pixel Watch this year. According to Barr:
To think of a one-size-fits-all watch, I don't think we're there yet. Our focus is on our partners for now. Our Google Pixel line of phones is the best experience and Google's take on it, so I imagine we would focus heavily on the Google Assistant to integrate AI and machine learning into the device, which is Google's forte.
It's certainly disappointing to hear that we're still no closer to a Google-made smartwatch, but even so, there's plenty to still be excited about for Wear OS as a whole. Along with a slew of exciting watches from Skagen, Diesel, and Casio at IFA this week, Google also announced a brand-new UI for Wear OS that puts a big emphasis on the Assistant and the revamped Google Fit.
Additionally, we're just a few short days away from Qualcomm's September 10 event where we'll learn about the company's new smartwatch chipset and possibly see new hardware that's powered by it.
2018 is still a big year for Wear OS, just not quite as magical as we had originally thought.
Google debuts all-new Wear OS interface with Google Assistant feed, coming to watches in September
