Google refreshed its portfolio of Pixel flagships yesterday with the launch of the Pixel 10 flagships and the Pixel Watch 4. Much like in years past, almost every attribute of the new hardware was public knowledge ahead of the launch. In the meantime, we also learned that the Pixel Watch 4 will adopt an updated charging system.
These repositioned charging contacts, coupled with the sideways charging mechanism, could be susceptible to misalignment, particularly in comparison to older Pixel Watch charging docks. Thankfully, Google is aware of this and has built in a safeguard to alleviate these concerns.
As reported by 9to5Google, the Pixel Watch 4 will tell users when the charger is misaligned or if the power delivery is inadequate/unavailable. The onscreen notification reads: “Check if charger is aligned and has power,” thereby alerting users to take the necessary next steps.
Older Pixel Watch models also support a similar notification
This notification is not new, as older Pixel smartwatches, including the Pixel Watch 3, display a similar notification when the smartwatch isn’t properly aligned. Nevertheless, this is a nice inclusion on the Pixel Watch 4, and should offer some reassurance for prospective buyers who are concerned about the repositioned charging pins.
When the Pixel Watch 4 is charging normally, users will see a combination of items, including the time, battery/charging info, and the next alarm. While it’s too early to tell if the updated charging method (and the charger) will stand the test of time, it does seem like an upgrade from previous implementations.
The Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 2 chargers only work when the smartwatch is placed in a specific position on the charging dock. Although that’s still the case with the Pixel Watch 4, it may be a little easier to get used to, as you only need to flip the watch to its left and ensure the crown is facing upward to position it correctly on the dock.
Meanwhile, charging your Pixel Watch 4 will be faster than ever, with Google touting a 25% increase in speeds compared to the predecessor. Some users will also like the fact that it can serve as a decent bedside clock while charging overnight. You can preorder the Pixel Watch 4 now, though shipments won’t commence until October 9. This is also when the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and the Pixel Buds 2a are expected to be available.
- CPU
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Snapdragon W5 Gen 2
- RAM
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2GB
- Storage
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32GB
- Battery
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455 mAh
- Software
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Wear OS 6
- Weight
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36.7 g (without band)
Apart from the updated charger, the Pixel Watch 4 also comes with a slightly revised design, thanks to the Actua 360 panel. It can also charge 25% faster than the Pixel Watch 3, thereby making it a worthwhile upgrade.
