Google should incorporate this specific feature in the Pixel Watch 4 for it to become my preferred fitness smartwatch.
In the realm of smartwatches, two brands stand out for their fitness tracking features - Garmin and Google's Pixel Watch. While the Pixel Watch 3 offers a sleek design, smooth performance, and decent battery life, it falls short when compared to Garmin watches in terms of weightlifting workout tracking.
Garmin watches, such as the Venu 3 and Forerunner 570, employ an automatic rep counting system that uses the watch's accelerometer to detect the return to the starting position of exercises. This system works best for upper-body, free weight, or bodyweight exercises with a wide and consistent range of motion. However, it is less accurate or may not work for leg exercises, complex or hybrid movements, and some short-range or stationary wrist exercises.
The Pixel Watch 3, on the other hand, only tracks workouts without reps, sets, or rest periods. It focuses heavily on running features, attempting to compete with Garmin's Forerunner or Venu series.
The accuracy of Garmin's automatic rep counting is typically either spot on or off by one or two reps. Users can manually edit the rep counts and input weights, either immediately after sets or later in the Garmin app. The feature generally supports multiple strength training sets by detecting pauses (rest periods) and resumes automatic reps counting when a new set begins.
In contrast, the Pixel Watch 4, as of the latest updates, does not have automatic rep counting for weightlifting. While the watch does include fitness tracking features such as heart rate and GPS and supports workout detection, implementing Garmin-like rep counting would require Google to develop or license algorithms for rep detection that work with the Pixel Watch’s sensors and possibly add dedicated strength training workout modes optimized for this feature.
The hardware of the Pixel Watch 4 likely can support a similar feature, but it is not currently available. Given the popularity and utility of Garmin’s approach, adding automatic rep counting could significantly enhance Pixel Watch 4’s appeal to weightlifters.
In comparison, Samsung's Galaxy Watch also has limitations in automatic rep counting, overestimating the count in some cases. Fitbit on the Pixel Watch lacks the detailed post-workout data provided by Garmin watches, including targeted muscle graphs.
Recent leaks suggest that Google may be looking to improve the strength training experience on the Pixel Watch 4. Potential features could include a Workout Builder, real-time guidance, form insights, and advanced insights.
In summary, while both Garmin and Google's Pixel Watch offer fitness tracking capabilities, Garmin stands out for its accurate automatic rep counting and comprehensive post-workout data, particularly for weightlifting workouts. The Pixel Watch 4, with its potential to incorporate similar features, could significantly enhance its appeal to weightlifters.
- The Pixel Watch 4, like the Pixel Watch 3, focuses on running features and lacks automatic rep counting for weightlifting, which contrasts with Garmin watches that employ an automatic rep counting system for fitness and strength training.
- Garmin watches, such as the Venu 3 and Forerunner 570, not only track workouts but also detect the return to the starting position of exercises through a smart system that works best for upper-body exercises with a wide and consistent range of motion, setting them apart in the realm of fitness-and-exercise smartwatches.
- Due to the popularity of Garmin’s accurate automatic rep counting and comprehensive post-workout data, particularly for weightlifting workouts, it is expected that the Pixel Watch 4, with potential features like a Workout Builder, real-time guidance, form insights, and advanced insights, could significantly enhance its appeal to weightlifters and compete with smart-home-devices and gadgets in the health-and-wellness domain.
