14 DAY TRIAL // Google is projected to launch the Pixel Watch later this year, and the unveiling that took place at I/O served as a teaser that left quite a lot of questions without an answer.
But the closer we get to the highly anticipated debut of Google’s very first smartwatch, the more we find out about it, obviously via unofficial channels.
A recent report from 9to5google reveals something that makes quite a lot of sense: the company is going to bet big on bands and straps, probably hoping to build a varied ecosystem just like on the Apple Watch.
The Pixel Watch will come with its very own proprietary band system that will therefore make it impossible to use universal bands that simply attach to the watch using generic lugs.
This isn’t necessarily a surprise, as the Google Pixel Watch seems to be following in the footsteps of the Apple Watch, which also uses its very own proprietary system.
Seven band designs already being developed
However, it could take a while for Google to give birth to the large market of bands that it aims for, so the company is already working on rolling out its very own collection of bands.
The same report reveals that the search giant is already working not on one, not on two, but on seven different first-party band designs that would launch together with the Pixel Watch later this year. Included are link bracelets, a Milanese-style design, leather bands, as well as fabric and stretch models.
Certainly, Google is aiming to release new bands as the Pixel Watch becomes available in more regions, but time will tell if other producers out there end up investing in their own models as well.
Without a doubt, however, building Apple’s band market will be extremely difficult, if not impossible from the very beginning.