Google, the American tech giant, has been feverishly teasing the future goods slated to debut on October 6, and the Google Pixel Watch is the latest to get a great juicy teaser video in anticipation of the imminent introduction of the Google Pixel 7.
Google posted a YouTube video about the Pixel Watch’s design titled The Design of Google Pixel Watch. As Google has already demonstrated the smartwatch, there isn’t anything ‘new’ to see here.
Any device can benefit from an always-on display because it provides useful information without the user having to actively access it; however, a smartwatch can especially take advantage of this feature because it allows the wearable to be used like a traditional watch, allowing the user to quickly determine the time (and sometimes other information) without having to activate the device.
The Google Pixel Watch design video shows a variety of faces for the always-on display, suggesting a high degree of personalization unavailable on most other smartwatches.
But there’s something more in the video—represented by the image above—that we’re not too fond of.
While many (if not most) smartwatches utilize conventional watch bands with a clasp to detach them, the one shown in the Google video appears to feature a new, unheard-of locking mechanism (which likely uses magnets).
Analyze: a focus on exclusivity
It would appear that Google is “doing an Apple” by taking charge of its own accessories, but this might indicate either that or that Apple is doing something very wrong. Since Google is now the only manufacturer of replacement straps, you may expect to pay extra for one.
Second, there won’t be much diversity until independent manufacturers create more possibilities.
Proprietary is a dirty word in the IT industry because when a firm manufactures too many of its physical components, it has too much control over its accessory market, which can be bad for consumers. Look at Apple and its Lightning ports; the European Union has just demanded that the company stop using them in order to safeguard its customers (and the environment).
Do Google and Apple really need more money when they can profitably manage the accessories in addition to the items themselves?
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It’s unfortunate that Google is going with a proprietary system rather than the tried-and-true interchangeable one used by many smartwatches, or even something comparable to it that strap manufacturers can simply imitate. There is currently a dearth of third-party band options, but I anticipate this to change quickly.