Pixel Watch 5 Adds Gemini Support and 36-Hour Battery Life
Google's latest smartwatch integrates AI assistance and extends battery performance beyond its advertised limit.
Key points
- The Pixel Watch 5 works with any Android 12+ smartphone, not just Google devices.
- Battery life reached 36 hours in testing, exceeding the advertised 30-hour limit.
- Advanced health coaching features require a separate paid subscription.
Google has released the Pixel Watch 5, its latest smartwatch that integrates Gemini AI to assist with daily tasks. The device is designed to work with any Android smartphone running version 12.0 or later, removing the previous restriction to Google-made handsets. This broader compatibility aims to make the wearable more accessible to a wider audience while maintaining deep integration with Google services.
During hands-on testing, the watch demonstrated robust fitness tracking capabilities, offering over 50 activity categories including running and hiking. Users can monitor heart rate, calories burned, and aerobic intensity in real time. The device also tracks sleep stages and respiratory rate, providing a comprehensive view of health metrics that are best reviewed on the companion smartphone app for clarity.
AI features enhance daily interactions
The integration of Gemini allows users to process various requests through voice input, adding an intelligent layer to the standard smartwatch experience. The home screen features dedicated buttons for accessing these AI capabilities alongside fitness tools. While this adds functionality, it requires users to log into their Google accounts to fully utilize services like device location tracking.
Battery performance exceeds official claims
Google advertises a battery life of up to 30 hours with the always-on display enabled. However, real-world testing revealed that the watch lasted nearly 36 hours during continuous wear. Charging is also rapid, restoring 65% of the battery in just 15 minutes and reaching a full charge in under 50 minutes, which significantly reduces downtime for users.
Despite the strong hardware performance, some advanced health features come with a caveat. Specific tools within the Google Health ecosystem, such as health coaching, are offered as paid services rather than being included in the base price. The Pixel Watch 5 starts at 62,800 yen, a price point that reflects its premium positioning in the market.
Accessibility and app ecosystem
The watch supports a wide range of applications, including Google Home and Google Maps, as well as third-party apps from Google Play. This ecosystem allows for greater customization compared to previous iterations. However, the small screen size can make detailed data reading difficult, reinforcing the need to rely on the smartphone for in-depth analysis of health and fitness data.
