Live photos of an alleged Google Pixel Watch test unit has made its way online, courtesy of the folks at Android Central. What’s intriguing about this leak is that, apparently, Google left the device at an undisclosed restaurant in the US and had not claimed it for several weeks.
Android Central’s source, who later came forward with the moniker u/tagtech414 on Reddit, claims that his bartending friend at the restaurant in question found the watch and held onto it for “a few weeks,” waiting for the owners to come looking for it. However, no one claimed it, hence the device was then handed to u/tagtech414 – due to the reason that he’s a self-proclaimed “tech nerd.”
A wild story indeed. So much so that it is reminiscent of the infamous yet historical iPhone 4 leak from 2010, where a test unit of the device was somewhat conveniently left at a cafe frequented by Gizmodo staff.
As for the alleged Google Pixel Watch, the images show that the device features a dome-like circular display that suggests a minimalist, bezel-less design. On the right side of the watch is a rotating crown, with what appears to be two buttons situated on the surrounding metal frame underneath the display. Meanwhile, found on the bottom is a glass-like cover, most likely to protect its built-in sensors.
Though not featured together with the body, u/tagtech414 says the watch also came with proprietary straps which can be attached magnetically. However, the friend apparently forgot to ship them to him, but had sent a photo over instead.
It is also believed that Pixel Watch might use a proprietary magnetic charger that can be attached underneath it. Unfortunately, this could not be confirmed, as the package containing the test unit did not come with said charger. On that note, a small note on the bottom of its box indicates: “This device has not been authorized as required by the rules of the Federal Communications Commission and Industry Canada, nor has it been tested for compliance with EU regulations.” It also notes that this particular model is for “internal testing and development only” and that the “markings and packaging are not final.”
Unfortunately, we may never know what other features Google’s first-party smartwatch has in store. According to u/tagtech414, he was unable to get past the boot-up screen after activating the device, indicating that an OS had not been installed. In that regard, it is very likely that the Pixel Watch will rely on the new Wear OS platform that is co-developed by Google and Samsung, which is currently featured on the latter’s recent smartwatch series. Additionally, prior rumours also suggest that the company tasked the South Korean tech giant to develop a specialised Exynos chipset for the Pixel Watch.
Whether this “high profile” leak is legitimate or not remains to be seen. The company is expected to officially unveil the Pixel Watch alongside the Pixel 7 flagship smartphone during its Google I/O keynote next month.
(Source: Android Central / Reddit)
