The Pixel 10 phones are here, along with the Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a, and they all look pretty great. However, I’m still waiting for Google to make some other exciting Pixel gadgets.
Google’s new Pixel devices might look very similar to previous generations, but they come with some impressive upgrades. Still, I find myself hoping for something more than another batch of quality phones.
While I understand that Google is focusing on its core products and ensuring that its phone lineup has a lot to offer, I can’t help but wish it would take chances on some other tech. Granted, I would rather have fewer Pixel products that are really good than loads of rubbish ones, but this is a company more than big enough to make these other Pixel devices without compromise.
Pixel Ring
I’ve mentioned this before, and even got Google’s Pixel Studio to generate images of what it could look like (see below), which only made me want it more – but why hasn’t Google made a smart ring yet?
It doesn’t make sense. Oura has proven itself as the go-to smart ring brand and there are plenty of rivals, including the Samsung Galaxy Ring.
They might not be for everyone, but I like being able to track a lot of activity with the benefit of wearing a traditional analogue watch. Plus, a smart ring has superior battery life and I don’t get distracted by a screen on my wrist pinging me notifications.
Chris Martin / Foundry
The thing is, they’re all a bit samey and Google could swoop in with a different take on smart ring design to stand out from the crowd. It has, with the odd exception – cough, Lemongrass Pixel 10, cough – done a very good job of colourways.
Furthermore, it already has the health and fitness tracking clout of the Pixel Watch and Fitbit behind it.
Surely all these years of experience could make for a top-notch Pixel Ring? Make it happen, Google.
Pixel Watch A-series
Hear me out on this one…
While most smartwatch brands have been making some kind of Ultra model as a premium outdoorsy option, Google seems to be more than happy with just a standard smartwatch alongside its Fitbit trackers.
But why doesn’t it go in the opposite direction to rivals and make a more budget-friendly Pixel Watch A-series?
We’ve seen A-series devices for the Pixel phones and Pixel Buds, but I think Google should add the Pixel Watch to the lineup.
I’ve no doubt Google could apply the same principles as it does to other Pixel A-series devices and create a desirable smartwatch at a more accessible price point. Of course, they’d leave more premium specs and features for the flagship.
This could be kept simple – one size, only two colourways, enough specs to make it decent.
Perhaps the spanner in the works here is that Google leaves the previous generation of Pixel Watch on sale at a reduced price, therefore providing a cheaper alternative to the latest model.
However, Samsung has the Galaxy Watch FE as a budget smartwatch option co-existing with its other smartwatches, so surely it’s not out of the question.
Granted, Fitbits are cheaper, but they have a very different look and feel to the Pixel Watch, and it’s one that doesn’t appeal to me. Plus, I know a lot of people who would love a sub-£200/$200 Pixel Watch who wouldn’t want to buy an older model.
Over-ear Pixel headphones
Let’s turn our attention to audio, a category that I’m passionate about. While they haven’t exactly set the market alight, the Pixel Buds have been solid wireless earbuds in recent generations.
We just got the Pixel Buds 2a offering active noise cancelling (and other features) at an affordable price.
But not everyone likes earbuds…
Anyron Copeman / Foundry
For me, most earbuds are a no-go. The shape of my ears and ear canal means that most fall out, especially when I’m talking or eating. Unless I get a perfect fit, they are somewhat pointless.
That means I favour over-ear headphones from the likes of Sony, Bose and Sonos, but Google should definitely get in on this game. Even a comparatively tiny company like Nothing has managed with the Headphone (1) – shown above.
I have a degree in Audio Technology, but it doesn’t take that to tell you that it’s much easier to engineer within the much larger physical space of over-ear headphones compared to tiny earbuds.
Like the previous two wish list devices, if Google put some focus and effort into it, then the result could be incredible.
