An FCC (Federal Communications Commission) listing was recently spotted indicating that a new WearOS smartwatch from Google is currently in the works with the model number G4SKY. The post itself does not specifically state that it is a smartwatch. However, discovered instructions on how to view the “FCC E-label” strongly suggest that it is indeed a portable product. Don’t get too excited because it’s most likely not the Pixel Watch 3. 9To5Google their reporting mentions a number of clues to what it could possibly be.
The timing of the message is strange, 9To5Google notes. The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to be released in October. The FCC listing for the next generation of wearables should not be released until the summer at the earliest. Second, it lacks support for ultra-wideband (UWB), a connectivity protocol that “enables a faster and more accurate unlocking experience.”
The feature was revealed in early March after 9To5Google dug into the Android code. Not every global region supports UWB, so Bluetooth remains available. Additionally, the mystery device won’t be another Google hardware like the Pixel Tablet 2 either, as it will feature LTE connectivity, according to the news site.
Secret project
So if it’s not the Pixel Watch 3, what is it? The publication believes we’re looking at the tech giant’s new mid-range wearable, which they’re calling the “Pixel Watch 2a.” Further research shows that the smartwatch “will exist in one variant” equipped only with Wi-Fi and the aforementioned Bluetooth and LTE connectivity.
What’s interesting about all this information is that there hasn’t been a single leak or report claiming that Google is working on a mid-range smartwatch.
A stripped-down version of the Pixel Watch is something we haven’t seen before and could fill a niche of people who want a cheap wearable from Google or Fitbit. The latter is another possibility. If you look at the current Fitbit smartwatch catalogue nothing is under $200 on the official website, so there’s room for cheaper hardware.
You can look up the listing yourself by going to the FCC’s general search tool page and then enter “G4SKY” in the Product Code box. Be warned: the material is not the most compelling reading. It mainly consists of approval letters, a few schedules and test results.
Please note that this is all speculation. Nothing is known for certain, although Google I/O 2024 will start in about three weeks from the time of writing. We’d expect the Pixel Watch 2a to appear alongside other mid-range devices like the Pixel 8a.
If you want a cheap wearable now, check out Ny Breaking’s list of the best cheap fitness trackers for 2024.