The Pixel Watch 3 from Google has impressed many runners with its enhanced features, despite a few notable shortcomings. The watch brings significant improvements over its predecessors, especially for those who are enthusiastic about running. However, excitement over these advancements is somewhat dampened by concerns about the declining Fitbit brand and the potential limitations this poses for users seeking the best running tools.
Previously, the Pixel Watch offered a fairly basic running experience, limited to GPS tracking, basic stats during runs, and simple post-run summaries. This bare-bones approach left much to be desired for serious runners who required more detailed data and analysis during their workouts.
The Fitbit OS had its advantages but was not without flaws. Features like interval training were often seen as overly complex, and the focus on indoor workouts in the daily recommendations and Premium workouts didn’t always cater well to outdoor runners.
The Pixel Watch 3 introduces several new features that address previous limitations. Users can now benefit from customizable workouts, AI-generated runs based on Daily Readiness, and a comprehensive cardio load score that considers long-term workout data. Additional enhancements include running form insights and a Morning Brief, which provides essential information before a run.
Despite these improvements, the Pixel Watch 3 still has areas where it falls short. It lacks the ability to race against past times, download offline GPX maps, and fully utilize Google Maps for route planning. The absence of dual-band GPS, unlike Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7, is also a disappointment, though the watch’s antenna performance might still offer better results than past models. While the Pixel Watch 3 makes strides in the right direction, it still leaves room for improvement.
