The rumor mill has been speculating on the arrival of Google’s smartwatch since 2019. The year 2021 is coming to an end and it appears that the search engine won’t be launching a Pixel smartwatch this year. However, a new report by the Insider states that Google is working on a smartwatch codenamed ‘Rohan’ and it plans to launch it in 2022. Reliable tipster Jon Prosser first revealed the details of the ‘Rohan’ smartwatch back in April this year. At that time, he shared the 3D renders based on the actual device to showcase the Pixel Watch’s design.
While the codename of Google’s first smartwatch is now known, there is no word on whether it will be debuting in the market with the ‘Pixel Watch’ moniker. In 2022, Google will have a renewed approach in the wearable tech space in 2022 and that is when it plans to launch the alleged Pixel Watch.
The Google Watch is expected to rival the Apple Watch. Internal documents accessed by the publication shows that it will be driven by Google’s latest smartwatch software. The artistic renders have revealed that the Pixel Watch will have a round-shaped dial with no physical bezel, and it will be able to provide users with health and fitness data.
The report said employees outside the smartwatch team have tested and given their feedback on the Pixel Watch. One of the feedback sessions was held in November. In January this year, Google acquired the Fitbit wearable tech brand. Google’s SVP of Devices and Services, Rick Osterloh had told The Verge earlier confirmed the existence of Google’s in-house wearable device powered by the WearOS. He had also said that Fitbit will build wearables on WearOS in the future. However, it is not clear whether he was talking about the Rohan smartwatch or some other wearable device.
Coming back to the Pixel Watch, the new report revealed that the Rohan watch has a heart rate monitor and is capable at tracking basic health activities like step counting. It is said to come with proprietary watchbands. Some people who tested the device said that it requires daily charging, and its charging speed was slow. An early document viewed by the Insider states that Google’s watch ‘would be comfortable to wear for at least 90 percent population.’ However, it is unclear whether it will come in multiple sizes.
The publication has learned from the employees at Google that it aims to launch the Rohan watch as early as spring next year. However, they added that the launch time will be decided based on the feedback from the people who are testing it.
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