Google has revised the originally quoted charging speeds for the first-generation Pixel Watch due to a recent firmware update. When the watch was launched, Google stated that it could go from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes, a benchmark that aligns with the current Pixel Watch 2’s performance. However, after the launch of the Pixel Watch 2, the company updated the technical specifications on its support page, extending the time required to reach 50% to 45 minutes, a 15-minute increase.
Charging to 80% now takes 75 minutes, a 20-minute increase compared to the previous timeframe. Charging to 100% has also seen an increase of 30 minutes, now taking 110 minutes.
Google explained that a “firmware update for Google Pixel Watches required us to review the charging times, and the new times reflect what the average user will experience.” The company did not specify when this change was implemented or the exact reason behind it.
There is speculation that thermal concerns played a role, as the first-generation Pixel Watch tends to become warm to the touch after a full charging session. In contrast, the pin-based charger on the Pixel Watch 2 generates less heat. The updated charging times are more in line with recent user experiences with the first-gen device.
Notably, last year’s Pixel Watch is still available for purchase in the Google Store, with a $70 discount, bringing the Wi-Fi model down to $279 and the LTE version to $329. Some may consider the price cut insufficient, as the hardware improvements introduced in the Pixel Watch 2, including the new Snapdragon W5 chip, offer better long-term value.
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