TL;DR
- Google’s Pixel Watch will likely ship with USB-C charging.
- The device will be manufactured by the same company that manufactures the Apple Watch.
A new report suggests that Google’s upcoming Pixel Watch will include a USB-C charging system at a time when manufacturers are under increased pressure to standardize peripherals.
After years of speculation and rumors, Google finally confirmed at I/O 2022 that it is, indeed, preparing to release its long-fabled Pixel Watch. The new smartwatch is reminiscent of the popular Apple Watch, but it puts a few unique spins on the design, such as the circular face in place of Apple’s rectangular one. Even more significantly, FCC filings first spotted by 9to5Google indicate the Pixel Watch will likely have USB-C charging.
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Google’s decision to go with USB-C is not all that surprising. The company already uses the port on its Pixel line of smartphones. What’s more, the EU is passing legislation that would require all manufacturers to standardize around USB-C. While exceptions are made for smaller devices that can’t physically support USB-C, such as smartwatches, it appears Google isn’t interested in taking advantage of that loophole. Instead, similar to the Apple Watch, the Pixel Watch is expected to use a magnetic puck that plugs into a charger via a USB-C cable. This should provide fast charging and the ability to quickly top off the battery.
According to 9to5Google, Google is using Compal Electronics to manufacture the device. This is good news for customers, as Compal is one of the longest-running manufacturers of the Apple Watch. As a result, the Pixel Watch should be a relatively solid product out of the gate, benefiting from Compal’s long history of making similar devices.
