Google files trademarks for the Pixel Watch name

After years of speculation, we finally know what Google’s first in-house smartwatch will be called. Surprisingly absolutely nobody, a new trademark filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office, reveals that it is… Pixel Watch.

The submission (via 9to5 Google) is about as barebones as it gets. The description states that the Pixel Watch name is “intended to cover the categories of smartwatches; Cases adapted for storing smart watches; Wearable computers in the nature of smart watches; smart watch straps; Smartwatch straps.” Further down in the filing, the filing notes that while the Pixel Watch name isn’t currently in use, there are intentions to use it. Not to mention that Google recently changed their store to prominent feature watches. Clearly, Google has smartwatches in mind.

Image: USPTO

Granted, this name was entirely expected, even if it’s a bit anticlimactic. Tech media has been referring to the concept of a Made by Google smartwatch as a pixel watch for years. It also makes sense considering Big Tech has used smartwatches to fuel their ecosystems. By naming it a Pixel Watch, Google is signaling its intention for the wearable to be a companion to its Pixel phones. And if that gets more people into Google’s web of gadgets and services… Well, that’s been the plan all along.

We already have a pretty good idea of ​​what to expect. News that Google would Finally make the Pixel Watch real collapsed in December, and there have been multiple leaks of renders and dials. Google has also long been expected to demonstrate the Pixel Watch at Google I/O next month – which strongly supports the timing of this trademark filing. The Pixel Watch is also expected to feature some sort of Fitbit integration with Wear OS 3. The smartwatch is also expected to cost more than a Fitbit and serve as a direct competitor to the Apple Watch.

There are many reasons why 2022 is the year that the stars are finally aligned for the Pixel Watch. But despite false starts and rumors that never materialized, Google has been laying the groundwork for Android-first smartwatches for years. With Android Wear, now renamed Wear OS, 2014 wasn’t just about the wearable game. This became known in 2019 A Pixel Watch debuted almost years ago. The only reason it didn’t was because those early attempts “didn’t look like it belonged in the Pixel family.” And to be fair, it was the right call because the LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport were terrible.

That suggests this new watch is something Google is is proud to bear his name. We’ll have to see what happens at Google I/O, but it looks like the long wait is finally over.