By incorporating GenAI into the Pixel Watch 2, Google is poised to strengthen its standing within the competitive smartwatch arena. The recent unveiling of the Pixel Watch 2 at the prestigious Made by Google event marks a pivotal moment.
According to Ardit Ballhysa, technology analyst at GlobalData, Google's freshly unveiled Pixel Watch 2 marks a commendable leap forward from the company's first smartwatch iteration. Specifically, it boasts improved health and fitness sensors, and built-in generative AI, putting it in a better position to inherit Fitbit's legacy and outperform its predecessor. However, unlike its competitors, the smartwatch still faces certain limitations, particularly in terms of size options and durability.
The introduction of new sensors puts the Pixel Watch 2 in close competition with smartwatches from industry giants such as Apple, Samsung, and Garmin. Google's previous attempts to gain traction in the smartwatch market have fallen short, but these enhanced health and fitness features could potentially propel Google's smartwatch into more prominent relevance in the market.
Google's strategic decision to integrate generative AI capabilities into the Pixel Watch 2 via the Fitbit app is a clear differentiator. This move sets the device apart from its smartwatch counterparts. While Garmin offers similar capabilities with its Training Readiness and Health Snapshot, which pull data from various metrics to provide users with comprehensive health insights, Fitbit Labs uses generative AI to provide more personalized and conversational insights, as opposed to presenting raw data that can sometimes be challenging → difficult to decipher.
While these new features and capabilities will likely bolster Google's positioning alongside its smartwatch competitors, certain decisions may temper their impact. In particular, the Pixel Watch 2 disappoints consumers with larger wrists or hands by offering only a 41mm diameter display. By restricting limiting display size to a single, relatively small option, Google inadvertently weakens its position in the smartwatch arena, especially when competing brands cater to a wider range of user preferences.
Ballhysa added another suboptimal decision that may hinder Google's quest for relevance in the smartwatch space is the decision to exclusively offer an aluminum case, as opposed to the more premium and durable stainless steel found in the original Pixel Watch and most competing smartwatches. Some users prioritize aesthetics and demand premium materials, and aluminum does not meet these expectations. In addition, users focused on fitness activities, subject their smartwatches to rigorous use, and value durability, where aluminum again falls short compared to stainless steel. The lack of a stainless steel variant is a strategic misstep that could result in Google losing customers, revenue, and market share.
Furthermore, limiting accessibility by not offering options that appeal to a broader user base gives the impression that Google is still cautiously gauging the desirability of its smartwatch. It raises questions about the company's strategic direction. We hope the Pixel Watch 3 will provide users with more diverse options.
