The Google Pixel Watch 4 has been revealed, and can see our first impressions along with the next telephone harvest: Google Pixel 10, Google Pixel 10 Pro and Google Pixel 10 times, and Google Pixel Buds 2a headphones.
While there are many characteristics to get excited, including Gemini in the device, the beautiful vaulted display of 3,000 nits and the duration of the improved battery, there is a characteristic that I am really happy, especially due to its implications for the rest of the portable technology industry. Of all the companies that were going to decipher this function, I would not have chosen Google, but here we are.
In a movement towards longevity and sustainability, Google has introduced batteries and replaceable screens in its Pixel Watch series. The Google Pixel Watch 4 box can unscrew, allowing users to eliminate and replace pieces. Google will sell the pieces during the life cycle of Pixel Watch 4 and up to two years after it is suspended.
Fantastic (pixel clock) 4: first steps
Google not only offers smart watches repair services for Pixel Watch 4, but is also enabled for home repairs for battery and visualization when associated with Ifixit as is done for phones. Despite the fact that anyone with a Torx screwdriver and a little patience can replace the battery or screen on Clock 4, according to this wiring report, it even manages to retain their waterproofing.
This is the first time for Google, and there really isn't much traction in ideas such as in the smart watch industry in general. I have been reviewing smart watches for years, and most conventional watches, including those of Apple, Samsung and Garmin, are designed as sealed units. Once Croan (either by a sudden crack or falls on concrete, or gradual battery wear) are designed to be thrown and completely replaced.
In an era of consumption, Google is launching a welcome bone to the longevity here. Depending on the price of replacement parts (which Google has not yet revealed), this initiative could save users money, since they can repair instead of replacing their old technology.
In addition, it is also a very welcome perspective from an environmental perspective. E-Waste is a growing problem, and one that other companies frequently provide lip service. Apple offers internal watch services and repairs through its AppleCare+scheme, but draw the line in household repairs. If you have not disbursed for Applecare, you will have to pay a unique rate and buy your watch while Apple repairs it. Depending on the age of your clock, this rate and inconvenience could be enough to consider throwing it and improve.
Apple did a lot about neutral carbon production of its last pair of smart watches crops, even launching Octavia Spencer to play Mother Earth in a parody two years ago. But although Apple can be compensating for the carbon of its production, it still occurs as madness, producing annual products of products and huge volumes of units. It is not anti-consumption.
While all the lithium of Google replacement batteries is not exactly virtuous, a repairable device is a step in the right direction. You are not pulling perfectly good electronic products just because a part has failed: just like a PC or an anterior Android device, the Google Pixel Watch 4 can be disassembled and replaced. Maybe one day, it could even be modified, installing a battery from the range of pixel watch 5 if it is compatible. A great beginning for the scheme.
Imperfect future
However, not everything is sun and roses: the need to open the back has resulted in a change for the Pixel Watch 4. Load port instead of opting for a magnetic patented or pin -based patented disc, such as previous incarnations, this load spring is placed on the side of the device, allowing the design of pebbles to stand as a small alarm clock.
It is nice, and Google has definitely used the best with a rotating screen and placing the digital crown up, such as the repetition button in a real alarm. However, there is no doubt that we will see frustration in some corners about the third charger patented in so many years, and it definitely has the feeling that this is a plastic waste.
Despite all its failures, Apple has stayed at least with the same charger for a decade, so it can be used interchangeably with different watches. However, if Google intends to maintain its repairable devices, this could be the winning design and take advantage to use with the model next year, and it cannot be denied that the idea of 'small alarm clock' feels like a winner.
A better tomorrow
Despite Google and its parent company, Alphabet's hungry lust for AI and its greed for all our data, I am pleased that one of the main technical companies took a small step to force us to buy more things that we do not need, and instead it took us back to the days when our watches, our phones, our computers and other essential technologies were repaired and lasted longer.
We hope it is a great success, encouraging more companies to adopt similar or standardized and interchangeable replacements (ha, what an impossible dream!) Creating a more ethical and sustainable wearable industry.
