Google announces Pixel Watch 5 with more AI and new health tracking

In short: Google unveiled the $399 Pixel Watch 5, focusing on new AI features and new health tracking, with a $50 price increase.

What happened

Google announced the Pixel Watch 5, priced at $399. It has only small hardware changes, including a new satin pyrite finish, new band colors, a slightly faster processor, and a small battery increase. Google also says there is no new proprietary charger this year.

The bigger updates are in software. Gemini, Google’s AI assistant, can now do some simple tasks without an internet connection, like starting a timer or opening an app. Google is also making Gemini more proactive, for example by suggesting you check your calendar when a text asks about your availability.

Health features are a major focus. A new feature called Breathing Emergency Detection can call emergency services and alert your emergency contacts if the watch detects a severe drop in blood oxygen (SpO2, a measure of how much oxygen is in your blood). Google says it uses multiple sensors to reduce false alarms, and it will launch in Europe on the Pixel Watch 4 and 5. It is still waiting for US FDA clearance.

Google is also adding monthly “trend” reports for Blood Pressure Trends and Insulin Resistance Trends. These are not diagnoses, and they do not give direct blood pressure numbers or blood sugar readings. Think of them like a “check engine” light that warns you something may be moving in the wrong direction over time.

Preorders start today, and the watch goes on sale August 20. A Steph Curry Special Edition arrives September 3.

Why it matters

Smartwatches are moving beyond step counting into ongoing health warnings and built-in AI help. That could be useful, but it also puts more weight on how accurate these features are, and on how clearly companies explain what the watch can and cannot tell you.

Source: The Verge AI