It feels rather inevitable that Google will give in to the whole “Ultra” smartwatch fad, and when something along the lines of a “Pixel Watch Ultra” does arrive, I really hope it pulls influence from Fitbit Air.
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If it weren’t clear, I don’t get the whole obsession with “Ultra” smartwatches. I’m glad something as advanced as the Apple Watch Ultra or the Galaxy Watch Ultra exists, but let’s be honest: 80% of the customer base buying these don’t need everything these products have to offer, and they know it. In that sense, I’m glad Google hasn’t jumped into this market yet. But with Pixel Watch 5 starting to feel like it’s at a wall of either needing to change or at least expand, it’s all the more likely Google might move into this market – it’s certainly popular.
The Pixel Watch sits in a weird spot as it stands today. Google has been continually pushing this as a fitness-focused wearable, but its premium design almost feels out of place in sporty or demanding environments. The domed glass isn’t as scratch-resistant as sapphire, and it’s fully exposed. Back before Google got around to making this design repairable, I was actually wary of wearing my Pixel Watch in those kinds of settings. It’s a gorgeous smartwatch, don’t get me wrong, but it’s certainly more stylish than it is sporty.
