Pixel Watch 3 takes a step toward launch with shocking connectivity

A bunch of Google-made devices were halted by the FCC tonight and we can only assume it’s the Pixel Watch 3 in multiple variants and sizes. Evidence suggests these could be nothing more than smartwatches, plus there are a few surprises in store that should get you excited.

Under Google’s FCC ID we have 4 devices all labeled as “Wireless Device”. We’ve seen smartwatches labeled as “Smart Wearable” and these don’t mention that, but looking at the connectivity I’m not sure what else they could be, especially with 4 versions here. There is also a reference to the FCC testing 5 different bands for the RF exposure test. What else uses a band and has the connectivity we’re going to talk about besides a smartwatch?

The four Google devices have model numbers GBDU9, GRY0E, GG3HH, and GGE4J. Two of them have LTE connectivity, while the others are said to be WiFi/Bluetooth models.

We’re still diving into these FCC documents on a Sunday evening, but the first thing that stands out is the addition of UWB to all four models here. We also see 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi, which we don’t see often in a watch. On the LTE models, the FCC actually suggests it’s 802.11ax, so at least WiFi 6.

Below you can see the full connectivity of the GBDU9 and GRY0E models, which will be the LTE and WiFi models. UWB is there, hopefully to unlock all our luxury cars, as is NFC for payments. You can also see the 802.11ax WiFi here, the correct LTE bands for the major US networks, and a note that “Band 1/2 did a full RF exposure evaluation, other bands 3/4/5 did a sampling of the worst band and configuration.”

Next up we have the GG3HH and GGE4J, which are the WiFi and Bluetooth models. These also have 802.11ax WiFi though, as well as UWB and NFC. So if you’re going from an LTE model to a WiFi-only model, that doesn’t mean you’re giving up technology. That’s big.

We’re still trying to figure out which versions are the large and small models, as we fully expect Google to launch the Pixel Watch 3 in 41mm and 45mm sizes. When we do, we’ll let you know.

August 13th is pretty close.

// FCC [2]