One Month With Google’s Pixel Watch 4: The Surprises No One Mentioned

Product Overview - The Pixel Watch 4 features a new UI, improved voice assistant with Gemini, and a new health coach [1] - The watch excels in fitness and health tracking, accuracy, and performance, benefiting from seamless integration with the Wear OS ecosystem [2] - The Pixel Watch 4 includes dual-band GPS for accurate location tracking and satellite connectivity for messaging without a phone, features typically found in more expensive smartwatches (around $700) [3][4] - Available in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with a design that is universally appealing [4] Design and Durability - The Pixel Watch 4 features a bright display with a seamless curve, offering a full 180° view [5] - The screen is prone to scratches [6] - The watch is designed for easy repair, allowing for display or battery replacements at repair shops [7] - The strap system is difficult to use [7] Battery Performance - The watch offers up to 30 hours of battery life [8] - At 15% battery, the watch automatically enables low power mode, which impacts display, notifications, and background activity tracking [9] - The watch charges rapidly, reaching full charge in approximately 40 minutes, and achieving 60% charge in 15 minutes [10] AI and Health Features - Gemini, Google's AI voice assistant, is integrated into the watch, offering a raise-to-wake feature [11][12] - The Pixel Watch 4 includes ECG, irregular heart rhythm detection, crash and fall alerts, and an FDA-approved loss of pulse detection feature [13] - The Fitbit app provides an easy-to-understand UI for health data, including readiness and sleep scores [14] - A redesigned Fitbit app, with a week view of fitness data, is rolling out next year [16][17] - Fitbit Coach, an AI chatbot, requires a $10 per month Fitbit Premium subscription and offers personalized workout plans [17][18]