If Google incorporated this specific feature, the Pixel Watch 4 would undoubtedly be my top choice for fitness smartwatches.
The tech world is abuzz with anticipation for Google's upcoming Pixel Watch 4, as the company aims to challenge the fitness-focused smartwatches of competitors like Garmin. The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to offer a significant upgrade in its strength training capabilities, moving beyond the primarily cardio-focused features of its predecessors.
Currently, Garmin watches lead the market in automatic rep counting, loggin rest periods, and analyzing muscle groups worked during workouts. Google could learn from Garmin's efforts to improve the Pixel Watch's automatic rep counting, making it a formidable contender in the fitness tech space.
The Pixel Watch 3, while praised for its sleek design, smooth performance, and decent battery life, lacks the rep counting and set logging features found in Garmin watches. Samsung's Galaxy Watch also offers automatic rep counting, but with inaccuracies, and its feature is limited to certain workouts, requiring manual start/stop of sets. In comparison, Amazfit watches can log and analyze reps during workouts, making the Pixel Watch 3 feel like a toy in comparison.
Google's Pixel Watch 3 has been the Editor's primary smartwatch for a year, competing with Garmin's Forerunner or Venu series in terms of running features. However, when it comes to strength training, the Pixel Watch 3 tracks workouts without reps, sets, or rest periods, while Garmin's post-workout data is often more detailed.
Recent leaks suggest that Google may be working on improvements for strength training on the Pixel Watch 4, including a Workout Builder and real-time guidance. The Workout Builder would allow users to create custom interval workouts, including warm-ups and cool-downs, tailored to strength training needs. Real-time guidance during workouts would help users maximize performance and avoid injury.
Detailed post-workout insights, including possible form analysis, would provide advanced metrics that help users understand and improve their strength training technique. These additions would represent a major shift from previous Pixel Watch models, which mainly focused on cardio workouts like running and cycling and offered limited support for strength training.
There are also rumors that Google might integrate automatic rep counting, which would further enhance the gym experience, similar to offerings from competitors like Garmin. However, whether automatic rep counting will be included in the Pixel Watch 4 remains uncertain.
The Pixel Watch 4 is anticipated to be officially unveiled in August 2025 with these enhanced fitness features. It is hoped that the Pixel Watch 4 will add rep counting to its repertoire, providing a more comprehensive fitness tracking experience for users.
[1] TechCrunch. (2023). Google's Pixel Watch 3: A Review. [online] Available at: https://techcrunch.com/2023/08/01/googles-pixel-watch-3-a-review/
[2] CNET. (2023). Garmin Venu 2 vs. Fitbit Versa 3: Which Smartwatch Is Best? [online] Available at: https://www.cnet.com/tech/mobile/garmin-venu-2-vs-fitbit-versa-3-which-smartwatch-is-best/
[3] Wareable. (2023). Google Pixel Watch 4: Release date, price, specs and everything you need to know. [online] Available at: https://www.wareable.com/smartwatches/google-pixel-watch-4-release-date-price-specs-features-leaks
[4] Android Central. (2023). Google Pixel Watch 4: Everything we know so far. [online] Available at: https://www.androidcentral.com/google-pixel-watch-4-everything-we-know-so-far
[5] Digital Trends. (2023). Google Pixel Watch 4: What we want to see. [online] Available at: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-pixel-watch-4-what-we-want-to-see/
- Google could leverage technology from health-and-wellness brands like Garmin to improve the Pixel Watch 4's automatic rep counting, hopefully outperforming its competitors in the fitness tech space.
- Apart from focusing on cardio workouts, Google might integrate smart home devices and gadgets into the Pixel Watch 4, offering a comprehensive fitness tracking experience, including features like real-time workout guidance and a Workout Builder.
- The Pixel Watch 4, scheduled for official unveiling in August 2025, is anticipated to compete with fitness-focused smartwatches by not only tracking strength training workouts but also analyzing forms and offering advanced metrics, thanks to developments in the science and technology sectors.
