Google Pixel Watch 5 launched: Gemini AI responds quickly, adds respiratory emergency detection feature

Google has just officially introduced Pixel Watch 5, the latest smartwatch model in the Pixel line with a focus on the proactive Gemini assistant and a series of advanced health monitoring features. The device is designed to work with Gemini Intelligence and Google Health, providing a support experience when users need it and adding landmark Health Guardian features.

Gemini AI: more proactive and responsive

One of the highlights is the At a Glance feature, which displays contextual information right on the watch face, such as your boarding pass when you arrive at the airport or the number of stops left on your way to work. The Raise to Talk feature has also been significantly improved, allowing users to simply lift their wrist to call Gemini to perform operations such as starting exercises, setting time or looking up dinner reservation information directly from Gmail. Thanks to on-device AI processing, basic actions happen almost instantly with low latency, even without a network connection.

Gemini Intelligence Proactive Suggestions is another step forward, turning complex multi-step tasks into one-touch operations. For example, when a relative asks about family dinner time, Gemini will automatically find the information in the calendar and display it right on your wrist, without having to open your phone to search.

Included are intuitive one-handed gestures that allow you to select, confirm, and send feedback with just a pinch of two fingers.

Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated and performance

In terms of hardware, Pixel Watch 5 uses the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 processor with a power-saving dual-core architecture, 50% more RAM and 12% increased processing power compared to the previous generation, helping the device operate 20% faster so that all suggestions and proactive actions take place instantly.

More accurate GPS, upgraded workouts and sleep

In terms of health and fitness tracking, Pixel Watch 5 offers the most accurate GPS positioning ever, with 2 times more accuracy than previous generations in the most difficult environments such as areas with many high-rise buildings or trails. Google said it has applied technology from Google Maps to simulate the path of satellite signals through 3D building models, combining real weather data from a global network of monitoring stations to calibrate satellite signals according to atmospheric conditions at that time. As a result, the Pixel Watch 5's workout tracking accuracy is rated to surpass both the Apple Watch Ultra 3 and the Garmin Fenix ​​8 Pro.

In addition, the upcoming Strength Training feature will provide step-by-step instructions right on the wrist, helping users track exercise sets, rest times and record weights and repetitions easily. Google Health Coach can also create strength workouts customized to individual goals, and convert recovery metrics like sleep and heart rate variability into adaptive suggestions, such as suggesting a switch from high-intensity jogging to indoor yoga on a hot day.

Regarding sleep, Google Health Coach increases the accuracy of detecting sleep stages to 15%, with the feature to automatically pause audiobooks when the user is asleep and a dedicated clock face for bedtime. The Smart Wake feature monitors heart rate and activity 30 minutes before the alarm time to choose the right time for light sleep, gently waking the user before the appointment time.

Health Guardian: detects respiratory emergencies

In the Health Guardian segment, Pixel Watch 5 introduces respiratory emergency detection, considered an industry first for a wearable device. Thanks to multimodal sensors including PPG, accelerometer and barometer, and on-device AI, the watch continuously monitors for severe and prolonged episodes of hypoxia, which can result from drug poisoning, severe pneumonia or suffocation. If a respiratory emergency is detected and the user does not respond, the watch will automatically call an ambulance and send the exact location, a feature launched first in Europe.

In addition to the existing abnormal heart rate, high/low heart rate, and ECG alerts, Google is adding three new Health Guardian features based on health platform models trained from sensor data users have agreed to share, compared with standard clinical measurements. Three new monthly trend reports include blood pressure trends, sleep breathing quality and insulin resistance trends, with the first detailed report appearing after one month of use. These monthly reports will soon expand to Google's entire line of wearables, including the newly launched Google Fitbit Air.

Screen, battery, design and Stephen Curry version

In terms of design, Pixel Watch 5 has a dome-shaped Actua 360 screen with 3,000 nit brightness, 11 new display widget styles, two new watch faces and a series of personalized AI watch faces. Battery life reaches up to 30 hours for the 41mm version and 40 hours for the 45mm version, supports fast charging, and an industry-leading easy-to-repair design. The device has new colors including Fog, Canyon (41mm version only) and Olive with Pyrite frame, smooth HNBR strap, and a special Stephen Curry edition (45mm) that comes with a sweat-absorbent sports strap.

Selling price and release date

Pixel Watch 5 has been open for pre-order since August 12 and will officially hit shelves on August 20, starting at 399 USD for the 41mm version and 429 USD for the 45mm version. The Stephen Curry special edition opens for pre-order on August 12 for $579, and will officially hit shelves on September 3.