The Google Pixel Watch 3 could be imminent – with a key upgrade included
Ultra-wideband spotted
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Googlehasset a date in Augustfor the unveiling of thePixel 9 series, and we could well see thePixel Watch 3then as well: the smartwatch just passed a key regulatory hurdle in the US, and it looks as though at least one key upgrade is incoming.
The arrival of thePixel Watch3 at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the US was spotted byAndroid Police, and these filings usually happen close to the launch of the relevant devices – making an August debut now very likely.
There are four models in total here, codenamed GBDU9, GRY0E, GG3HH, and GGE4J. Two have LTE cellular connectivity, while the other two stick to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so it looks like we’ll get 41mm and 45mm variants of the watch (as hasbeen rumored).
There’s apparently going to be support for both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi bands, plus Wi-Fi 6 – more upgrades over the currentPixel Watch 2, which should improve connectivity and performance when connected to wireless networks.
Ultra-wideband ready
Significantly, all four models have ultra-wideband (UWB) technology, which upgrades close-range connectivity and location tracking. It’s a handy feature that’s already available in theApple Watch 9,Apple’s AirTags, and the latest iPhones.
One of the ways UWB can be used is to give more precision when locating a lost device, although Google’sFind My Device networksadly doesn’t support it yet. It could also help with improved integrations with other devices, potentially including Chromebooks and Pixel phones. It’s an upgrade that’sbeen rumoredbefore, too.
Most of the Pixel Watch 3 leaks so far have been focused onthe new larger modelthat’s supposedly coming this year, giving users a choice of sizes for the first time with the Pixel Watch. There’s alsobeen talkof new sensors being fitted inside the smartwatch.
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The big event day has been set for Wednesday, August 13, and as well as the Pixel Watch 3 we should get a few other shiny new gadgets, too. We’ll of course bring you all the news from the show – as well as any more Pixel Watch 3 leaks that appear in the meantime.
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Dave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you’ll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.
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