Ahead of the official launch alongside the Pixel 8 series this fall, the Pixel Watch 2 has picked up the FCC certification. The American regulatory agency has listed three model numbers for the new Google wearable: G4TSL, GC3G8, and GD2WG. Supporting documents suggest they correspond to the global Bluetooth version, the global 4G version, and the US 4G version of the watch, respectively.
The FCC documents for the Pixel Watch 2 also reveal at least four official strap options. We can see that the device has been tested with a plastic active strap, metal link strap, metal mesh strap, and metal slim strap. While the former two are probably refreshed versions of existing straps, the latter two appear to be new. Well, the metal mesh strap isn’t completely new, but the original Pixel Watch doesn’t have that strap option.
For the uninitiated, Google teased a metal mesh strap for the Pixel Watch last year but it didn’t arrive. It did appear on the Google Store briefly but the company later removed the listing and never reinstated it. By the looks of it, the mesh strap was supposed to arrive with the Pixel Watch 2 this year. It’s unclear if it is the same band that we saw last year, though. Google could make some changes to it.
The metal slim strap, on the other hand, might be a lightweight metallic band for the Pixel Watch 2. Since the FCC listings don’t include images, we have no clue about its design. We might see it in leaks soon, though. The new Google smartwatch isn’t too far off now (it should debut in early October). You can expect more frequent leaks about it as the launch draws closer. We will keep you posted.
The FCC doesn’t mention UWB support on the Pixel Watch 2
Rumors have it that the Pixel Watch 2 will bring a handful of notable upgrades over the first-gen model. We are expecting a much-improved processor (a jump from 10nm to 4nm process node), a marginally bigger battery, a more advanced GPU, and an aluminum body.
It’s also said to boast UWB (ultra-wideband) for more precise device tracking and other short-range connectivity applications. However, the FCC documents don’t mention UWB support. It’s unclear whether that means Google is not yet ready to have the UWB functionality tested (feature not active at launch) or if the company will keep UWB support exclusive to a fourth Pixel Watch 2 model. We shall get to know soon.
