Google is giving its smartwatch line its most substantial update yet.

The new Pixel Watch 4, now available for pre-order, features satellite messaging, faster charging, and a repairable design, while refining its display, battery life, and AI features.

The standout addition is emergency satellite connectivity.

The Watch 4 can send two-way SOS messages without a phone, though that feature will only initially be available in the US on LTE models.

Battery life has been stretched 25 per cent over its predecessor thanks to a dual-chip setup and Wear OS 6 efficiencies.

The cradle can turn the watch into a bedside clock

Google has also redesigned the charging system. A new cradle can charge the watch to 50% in about 15 minutes.

The redesigned charging cradle also props the watch sideways, turning it into a bedside clock that shows the time and charge level from across the room — a minor but thoughtful usability tweak.

Other hardware changes include a 50% brighter domed screen, stronger haptics, clearer speakers and IP68 durability with Gorilla Glass.

In a first for the line, both the display and battery can be replaced, which appears to be a belated nod to right-to-repair advocates.

The health and fitness side of things has also been ramped up.

Fitbit’s redesigned app, bundled with the Pixel Watch 4, introduces an AI-powered ‘Coach’ that delivers personalised tips and readiness scores.

Software tweaks lean heavily on AI. Gemini can now be triggered with a wrist-raise gesture, while on-device quick replies generate more natural responses.

For Google, the Watch 4 is being sold less as an incremental update and more as a watershed moment. That indicates Samsung and Apple could soon be facing fiercer competition on the smartwatch shelf.

The Pixel Watch 4 is available in 41mm and 45mm sizes and goes on sale on October 9.