The Google Pixel Watch 2 feels like deja vu

Today at its annual Made by Google event, Google introduced the latest iteration of its smartwatch: the Pixel Watch 2. The device has new health and fitness tracking features that promise to bring together the best of Google and Fitbit, which sounds nice until you remember that's exactly how Google marketed its first Pixel Watch when it introduced the device just last year.

Before we dig into what's new with the Pixel Watch 2, let's address the elephant in the room: in almost every way, the Pixel Watch is playing catch up to the Apple Watch, which is years ahead in development and design. The Pixel Watch line can't even compete when it comes to pricing: Apple's cheapest watch, the Apple Watch SE, starts at $249, while the Pixel Watch 2 will start at $349.

But if you're a fitness-loving Android user who wants to stay in a familiar digital ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 2 does offer significant upgrades that, yes, really do make it an even better fit with Fitbit.

Even more Fitbit (and fitness) focused than before

Like the original Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2 comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium membership. But the Pixel Watch 2 will enable you to make better use of that service.

The Pixel Watch 2 features an "all-new multi-path" heart rate sensor, which means it can measure signals from different angles and positions to more accurately track your pulse. That upgrade, paired with advancements in the AI heart rate algorithm introduced in the first-gen Pixel Watch, means that the Pixel Watch 2 will offer Fitbit’s "most accurate heart rate."

The Pixel Watch 2 will also offer automatic workout detection for seven common workouts, including running and outdoor cycling. The watch will also Heart Zone Training and Pace Training so you can achieve even your most ambitious PRs.

Plus, a new body-response sensor and skin temperature sensor can help you monitor and manage your stress levels, with inputs from cEDA (continuous electrodermal activity A.K.A. microscopic beads of sweat), heart rate variability, heart rate, and skin temperature.

Safety tech

The Pixel Watch 2 already offers Fall Detection and Emergency SOS, and now it's making Safety Check available, too. The feature was introduced on the Pixel phone years ago but is new to the watch. The feature allows you to set a timer that will ask you to confirm that you are safe at a designated time. If you don't respond to the time, the watch will share your location or contact emergency services or friends and family.

Better battery and lighter wear

The Pixel Watch 2 introduces significant changes to battery life and charging. It'll offer 24 hours of battery life with always-on display and can stock up on a full day's charge in 75 minutes. Tech reviewers like Marcus Brownlee noted that the original Pixel Watch's battery life was "trash," so this is a much-needed upgrade.

And the Pixel Watch 2 will also feel better as you wear it for longer periods. Its 100% recycled aluminum housing is lighter than that of the original Pixel Watch, and its domed glass cover is thinner but just as durable. The watch will come in four color combos: Polished Silver/Bay, Polished Silver/Porcelain, Matte Black/Obsidian, and Champagne Gold/Hazel. Pre-orders start today and they start shipping next week.