The Google Pixel Watch 3 has made a significant leap forward, offering features that could finally challenge the Apple Watch’s dominance in the smartwatch market. While the previous Pixel Watch impressed with its sleek hardware and Fitbit’s robust health tracking capabilities, it never quite managed to dethrone the Apple Watch. However, the Pixel Watch 3 brings to the table a handful of innovative features that have me reconsidering my smartwatch allegiance.
One standout feature is the enhanced running data. Similar to the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch 3 now allows you to create custom running workouts. But the real difference lies in how Google presents your running data. The Fitbit app provides a comprehensive view of your running history, allowing you to analyze your distance, duration, pace, and various running form metrics across different timeframes. This level of organization surpasses what’s available in the Apple Fitness app, offering a more insightful look into your performance.
The Pixel Watch 3 takes it a step further by providing contextual information about your runs. For example, you might see a note indicating if you were faster than your target pace during a specific run. The app also includes insightful observations about your overall running trends, such as noting if your ground contact time is improving.
For runners seeking in-depth analysis, the Pixel Watch 3 tracks advanced metrics like stride length, cadence, and ground contact time, similar to the Apple Watch. However, the Pixel Watch 3 excels in presenting this data in a more user-friendly manner. The Fitbit app shows how these metrics compare to your previous six months of running data, making it easier to understand your progress and identify areas for improvement. This detailed breakdown of data is invaluable for runners looking to optimize their performance and understand their body’s response to training.
The Fitbit app also introduces AI-powered daily run recommendations, taking the guesswork out of your training regimen. Based on your past running activity and recovery status, the app suggests various types of runs, including sprint intervals, easy runs, and tempo runs. You receive a detailed explanation of the recommended run, including a breakdown of intervals, and have the option to customize it or follow the outlined plan. This feature is a boon for runners who often fall into a routine, providing personalized guidance and adding variety to their workouts. While it requires a Fitbit Premium subscription, the value it offers could justify the cost for serious runners.
Beyond running, the Pixel Watch 3 introduces two new health metrics: Readiness score and Cardio load. The Readiness score, similar to features found on the Oura Ring and Galaxy Watch Ultra, analyzes your heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep data to provide a 1-100 rating of your body’s readiness for the day ahead. This insightful metric helps you understand your overall physical state and adjust your activity levels accordingly.
The Cardio load metric takes a holistic approach to activity tracking, providing personalized workout goals based on your Readiness score and other health factors. Your Cardio load is accumulated through all your daily activities, from walking around the house to intense workouts. The app sets a personalized target for you to aim for each day, ensuring you strike a balance between challenging yourself and allowing your body adequate recovery. This system is more nuanced and motivating than the simple ring system found on the Apple Watch, encouraging a more sustainable and well-rounded approach to fitness.
The Pixel Watch 3 also introduces a clever feature called Auto Bedtime Mode. Based on your body movements and heart rate, the watch automatically engages Bedtime Mode when you fall asleep, disabling notifications and the always-on display to avoid disruptions during your sleep. This feature eliminates the need for manual adjustments to Sleep Mode, providing a seamless transition into sleep and ensuring a more restful night.
While my time with the Pixel Watch 3 has been limited, the initial impressions are promising. The innovative features, coupled with the already strong foundation of Fitbit health tracking, make the Pixel Watch 3 a compelling alternative to the Apple Watch. Whether it’s enough to finally dethrone the reigning champion remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Google has made a bold statement with the Pixel Watch 3, creating a smartwatch that pushes the boundaries of fitness and health tracking, and challenging the established order in the smartwatch market.
