Google confirms the Pixel Watch is real and it’s coming this fall

The worst–keptsecret in tech is a secret no more. At its I/O 2022 developer conference today, Google just confirmed the existence of the much-leaked Pixel Watch. Not only that, the company showed pictures of the device, and it looks a lot like a bezelless Samsung Galaxy Watch. 

The Pixel Watch has a domed, round face and, like most Google hardware, appears to have a pastel-based color scheme. There is a “tactile crown” and customizable bands will be available, too. The device will run Wear OS 3, which the company launched last year in collaboration with Samsung, but with updates we heard about earlier during today’s keynote. Some features we already knew about, like offline Maps directions on your wrist, are finally arriving for real. Emergency SOS and a new Google Wallet are also coming to Wear OS on the Pixel Watch.

Google is also promising deep integration with Fitbit, which it recently acquired, for health and fitness-tracking features. Wear OS has long lacked comprehensive activity and biometric tracking tools, and now, the OS will better. Google had already said it was working with Fitbit and learning from Samsung on how to efficiently implement constant heart rate monitoring and sleep tracking. It appears the Pixel Watch, with the latest Wear OS, will offer that.

It will also have a Fitbit app that lets users collect “Active Zone minutes” that fans of the activity band maker will find familiar. You’ll also be able to log your progress against preset goals. It’s not yet clear how the Fitbit app will work with Google’s own Fit, or if there will be any overlap.

In fact, not much else is known about the Pixel Watch itself, except that more details will be released in the coming months and that it will launch in the fall with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. We don’t know what chipset Google is using, or what battery life to expect. One thing worth noting is that the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which was the first smartwatch to run the new Wear OS, does not work with iOS. The Pixel Watch won’t either. But most iPhone users will likely opt for the Apple Watch, which to this day is the best smartwatch available.

The Pixel Watch is an intriguing offering from Google, but until we have more information, it’s hard to know if the company will be able to steal Apple’s crown. For now, after having had to wait so long, we’ll still have to wait a little longer to get all full details.

Follow all of the news from Google I/O 2022 right here!

Google expands emergency SOS and earthquake warning features

Google is expanding two of its personal safety features: the “SOS” alerts and its earthquake warning system. The company announced the updates during its I/O 2022 developer conference.Google’s emergency SOS features have already been available for Pixe…

End-to-end encryption is coming to Google Messages group texts

Almost a year after Google switched on end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for one-on-one chats in the Messages app, it says it’s bringing those protections to group texts. The expanded feature will be available as an open beta later this year, the company said today at its I/O 2022 developer conference.

Google hasn’t revealed more details about E2EE in group chats, but it will surely be similar to how the option works in one-on-one conversations. Everyone in the group will need to have RCS chat functions switched on to use the feature. You’ll be able to tell if a message you’re about to share with the group is encrypted if there’s a lock icon on the send button.

The Messages app now has more than 500 million monthly active users with RCS. So, there’s already a large number of people who’d be able to take advantage of E2EE in group chats. If everyone does enable RCS and E2EE, it’ll be much more difficult for snoopers to see the messages the group members are sharing with each other.

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Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s first earbuds with active noise cancellation

On top of all of today’s other big I/O news, Google is adding a new set of true wireless earbuds to its lineup of audio accessories. The Pixel Buds Pro are the first earbuds from the company with active noise cancellation (ANC) and soon they’ll support spatial audio when paired with a compatible Pixel phone. However, noise blocking and immersive sound aren’t the only big features Google has packed into these $199 buds. 

Inside, there’s a new custom-built six-core audio processor powered by Google algorithms that blasts sound through custom drivers. The company says all aspects of the setup, including the active noise cancellation, were tuned by its in-house audio engineers. A feature called Volume EQ feature adjusts lows, mids and highs when you change the volume level to maintain a balanced sound profile. If you turn down the volume, for example, the buds automatically increase the bass while also keeping mid-range and treble in check. Touch controls give you the ability to play/pause, skip tracks, adjust volume and activate (or deactivate) noise cancellation. Like both the Pixel Buds and A-Series, the Pro is IPX4 rated so you shouldn’t have any reservations about using them during a workout.

Google has also accounted for the fact that everyone’s ears are different. Even though the company says it scanned thousands of ears to find a shape with the most comfort for the most people, the included tips may not work perfectly for all users. With a tool called Silent Seal, Pixel Buds Pro can adapt to your ears to maximize the effectiveness of the ANC. Google says the earbuds also monitor pressure inside your ear canal and they can relieve it as needed to keep you comfy. 

Multipoint connectivity is a must for earbuds and headphones these days, allowing you to switch seamlessly between your phone and a computer or tablet. Pixel Buds Pro offer this feature, swapping from the last two Bluetooth devices you’ve connected them to — including TVs and iPhones. There’s also hands-free access to Google Assistant so you won’t have to reach for your phone to summon some help with a range of tasks. And yes, the list of chores still covers real-time translation for 40 languages. Transparency mode is another handy feature, allowing outside noise to come in when you need to be aware of your surroundings or have a quick chat. 

Pixel Buds Pro
Google

Speaking of voice, Google has employed bone conduction to help pick up your speech during calls. Combined with beamforming microphones, a voice accelerometer and wind-blocking mesh covers, the company says you can expect clear calls even in less than ideal environments. Mileage varies greatly claims like this from earbuds companies, so we’ll hold off on any proper judgement for now. 

Google promises up to seven hours of use with ANC on or up to 11 hours of listening with it turned off. That second figure is more than double the battery life of both the 2020 Pixel Buds and the Pixel Buds A-Series, neither of which have true noise cancelling abilities. Even if you opt for ANC mode, you still get two more hours than Google’s previous two sets. The case, which looks similar to one that came with the most recent models, supports wireless charging (Pixel Stand or Qi-certified accessories) and adds 13 hours of noise-cancelling use. Lastly, there’s a quick-charge feature that gives you one hour of ANC listening time in five minutes. 

The Pixel Buds Pro will be available for pre-order on July 21st for $199. They’re expected to start shipping on July 28th. And if you do decide to make a purchase, you’ll be able to choose from Coral, Lemongrass, Fog and Charcoal color options. 

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Update 4:06PM ET: This post has been updated with correct pre-order and launch dates. We apologize for the error.

Google teases the Pixel 7 with next-gen Tensor chip at I/O 2022

Ahead of its release sometime later this year, Google just provided an early preview of the Pixel 7 at its I/O 2022 keynote. While the company didn’t reveal much in the way of detailed specs or components, Google did show off the Pixel 7’s design which is retaining the prominent camera bar that debuted on the Pixel 6. For 2022, one improvement for the Pixel 7 is a new frame made from recycled aluminum, which now extends seamlessly across the camera bar.

As before, the standard Pixel 7 will feature two rear cameras, while the more premium Pixel 7 Pro will get a triple camera array. Meanwhile, on the inside, the phone will pack a second-gen Tensor chip designed to enhance a range of features including speech recognition, photos, videos and security. And to top it all off, the handset will debut alongside Android 13, which is slated for release sometime later this autumn.

While the Pixel 7 features a similar design to last year's phone, it's getting a new chassis made from recycled aluminum along with a refreshed camera system.
Google

Unfortunately, there’s no word yet on pricing or an official launch date, so stay tuned for more info as we get closer to the fall.

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Google Pixel 6a 採用與 6 Pro 一樣的 Tensor 處理器，定價才 US$449 起（更新：NT$13,990）

Pixel 6a 在背後有一橫條突出的「護目鏡」，而正面也是平面的玻璃，並且在上方中央有著前鏡頭，也配置了屏下指紋辨識器。不過 Pixel 6a 採用的是 6.1 吋 20:9 的面板，比 Pixel 6 還是要小一點，而且它僅為 60Hz 的更新率。…

Android 13 Beta 2 is available today

You won’t have to wait much longer if you want to check out some of the Android updates that Google plans to roll out later this year. The company revealed at its I/O 2022 developer conference today that the second public beta of Android 13 will be available starting today.

Google said it designed the latest version of the OS around three big themes: doing more with your phone at the center; going beyond the phone to other devices like tablets and watches; and making all those devices work together in harmony.

You should expect privacy and security upgrades, along with more ways to personalize your device with the likes of app icons. There’s a big focus on Android tablets this time around, with features such as a new taskbar at the bottom of the home screen and redesigns for more than 20 Google apps, including Messages, Maps and YouTube Music.

It was already expected that Google would release the second beta this month as it moves towards a final Android 13 release later this year. The first beta, which followed two developer previews, was mostly about behind-the-scenes backend improvements, though there were some welcome UI updates, such as a refreshed media playback box.

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Google’s Pixel 6a offers Tensor power for $449

By this point, we all know what to expect from Google’s “a” phones: Last year’s hardware for a much lower price. In that respect, the Pixel 6a isn’t a huge surprise. The phone, which was announced today at Google’s I/O 2022 keynote, is powered by Google’s first “Tensor” AI chip, just like the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro before it. It will cost just $449 when it hits shelves on July 28th. But unlike the previous Pixel 5a, which was a slightly boring rehash of the Pixel 4a 5G, Google’s new mid-range phone actually offers some useful upgrades.

For one, the Pixel 6a offers the same unique two-tone case as the Pixel 6, something that helps it to stand out in the crowded field of boring smartphones. Google also shrunk the screen down to 6.1 inches, whereas the 5a had a 6.34-inch display. Because of that decision, along with smaller enclosure materials, Google says it’s roughly the size of the Pixel 5. If anything, it’s nice to have a modern Pixel phone that’s a bit more compact for smaller hands.

Pixel 6a
Google

Most importantly, though, Google’s Tensor chip delivers all of the same features as the more expensive Pixels. There’s support for 5G, Titan M2 security and enough speed to power complex tasks like Google’s Live Translate. According to Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP of Devices and Services, the Tensor chip is a “big deal for a phone at this price.” It’s certainly more impressive than the aging Snapdragon chips mid-range phones are typically stuck with.

Pixel 6a
Google

The Pixel 6a features dual rear cameras, just like the 5a, but now there’s a 12 megapixel ultrawide sensor alongside the 12-megapixel main camera. It still has the same 8MP front-facing camera as before, but we’re hoping Google’s upgraded software can do more with that lens this time. Pixel 6a comes with an enhanced version of Google’s Magic Eraser photo editing tool, and its Real Tone feature will also better capture the nuances of skin tones. 

Google says the Pixel 6a will receive five years of security upgrades, making it a solid investment if you don’t plan to upgrade too often. It will be available in charcoal, chalk and sage cases, and you’ll be able to pre-order Pixel 6a phone on July 21st.

Follow all of the news from Google I/O 2022 right here!