Google is working on the first sequel to the Galaxy Pixel Watch, a sequel that might shuffle around some hardware components and suppliers. The Google Pixel Watch 2 might go on sale later this year, and interestingly enough, it might be the first Wear OS smartwatch to boast Ultra Wide Band (UWB) connectivity, beating Samsung to the punch.
Samsung announced its latest smartwatches on July 26 at Galaxy Unpacked. The Galaxy Watch 6 doesn't have UWB connectivity, so there's no chance Samsung will add this feature to its smartwatch series earlier than mid-2024. Google, on the other hand, might bring UWB connectivity to the Pixel Watch 2 this year.
In theory, UWB should allow Google's smartwatch to offer more precise location tracking. The technology could also let Pixel Watch 2 owners use their smartwatches as digital car keys, which is something Samsung smartwatches can't do yet. (via Android Authority)
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Pixel Watch 2 ditching the Exynos chip but gaining a Samsung Display
Aside from the Google Pixel Watch 2 supposedly beating Samsung to the punch with UWB connectivity, the smartwatch may also shuffle things around regarding component suppliers. Most importantly, sources say the Pixel Watch 2 will no longer use an Exynos chip.
The Exynos 9110 already was an outdated chip when the Pixel Watch picked it up, but reports say that the Pixel Watch 2 won't replace it with a newer Exynos W920 or W930 SoC. It won't have an Exynos chip at all but a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 from Qualcomm.
However, as a supplier, Samsung will be in a “lose some, win some” situation. While Exynos will be out, Samsung Display will enter the scene. The Pixel Watch 2 will supposedly replace its BOE-supplied displays with panels from Samsung.
Despite this change, sources point out that the Pixel Watch 2 won't borrow from the Galaxy Watch 6 and have thinner bezels. It will retain the original model's thick bezels and basic specifications, like the 1.2-inch size and 384 x 384 resolution.
