Secret Google gadget prototype ‘accidentally left in US restaurant’ revealed in new images

A PROTOTYPE of the new Google Pixel Watch was left behind in a restaurant and went unclaimed for weeks, leading to a viral leak of new images.

The leaker sent the images to Android Central under the condition of anonymity.

Google has worked with Samsung and Fitbit to develop smart watches but this will the company’s first flagship watchGetty Images – Getty

The device is a circular model as opposed to Apple Watch’s square face

The images show a sleek, circular device with at least one button.

The owner of the prototype did not leave a charger behind, but reports note that the underside of the watch has technology familiar to wireless charging.

The leaker told Android Central that the device would not power up beyond the Google logo.

The forgotten packaging for the device reads for “internal testing and development only”.

The Pixel Watch is expected to run on Google’s new software Wear OS 3.

The software has had a bumpy roll out and cannot function on every device, putting some users in a scenario where they have no choice but to buy a new device.

Wear OS 3 will improve battery functionality and bring more widgets to the user’s wrist.

Wearable noted that Wear OS 3 is already running on select devices but none that are manufactured under the Google brand alone – the Pixel Watch will change that.

The smart watch market is crowded with major and minor players in the tech space.

The Apple Watch is the most popular device holding 30% of the smart watch market share in 2021.

Meanwhile, Google has worked partnerships with Samsung and Garmin to grab some of the market and make devices compatible with both iPhones or the Android.

Some smart watches are more angled toward fitness and health – Google finalized their purchase of Fitbit for a whopping $2.1billion in 2021.

The Pixel Watch is expected to hit the market this year and if the prototype is any indication, it could be soon.

An industry insider who has reported on the Google Pixel Watch speculates the device could drop as soon as May 26th.

The underside of the device has what looks like sensors designed for wireless chargingAndroid Central