Pixel Watch 4 hands-on: Can Google take the lead in wearables?

Hardware & Design - The Pixel Watch 4 features a new domed display called Actua 360, with 15% thinner bezels resulting in approximately 10% more active screen area [3][4] - Display brightness has increased by 50% to a maximum of 3,000 nits [4] - A new side-charging design is introduced, although it's the third proprietary charger in four years, it functions as a desk or nightstand display [6][7] Battery & Repairability - Battery life is estimated at up to 30 hours for the 41mm watch and 40 hours for the 45mm watch [7] - Battery saver mode extends battery life up to 2 days on the smaller watch and 3 days on the larger one [8] - The Pixel Watch 4's display and battery are now designed for easier repair and replacement, using standard screws [9] Software & AI Features - Material 3 Expressive on Wear OS 6 is optimized for the circular display, emphasizing glanceable information [5] - Gemini is integrated into the Pixel Watch 4, powered by a new Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 co-processor for enhanced AI capabilities [11] - Contextual smart replies are expanded beyond yes/no answers and are supported in third-party apps [12] - Standalone SOS satellite communications for emergencies will be available without an extra subscription cost [13][14] - Dual-frequency GPS and improved activity recognition are included, with a personal AI health coach coming in October [14] Pricing & Market Positioning - The price remains the same as the previous year, starting at $34999 for the 41mm and $399 for the 45mm [15] - Google is positioning itself as a leader in the smartwatch space by introducing first-to-market features like Satellite SOS and focusing on repairability [2][16][17]