Pixel Watch 3 LTE is practically free for Google Fi Subscribers, but the first-gen Pixel Watch still has old font issues
If you’re a Google Fi Wireless user, you can snag a Pixel Watch 3 LTE (41mm or 45mm) almost for free. Here’s how you can get this smartwatch and what you need to know about the latest updates for the original Pixel Watch.
Get Pixel Watch 3 LTE for Free with Google Fi
Google Fi Wireless is running an enticing promotion where you can effectively get the Pixel Watch 3 LTE without paying its full retail price. Here’s the breakdown:
Offer Details:
- Discount: Google Fi is offering a $150 instant discount on the Pixel Watch 3 LTE.
- Rebate: If you meet the terms, you can claim a full rebate of $299.99 (for the 41mm) or $349.99 (for the 45mm) over 24 months. This means the watch is essentially free.
How to Get It:
- Upfront Purchase Option:
- Pay the full price ($349.99) upfront at checkout.
- Receive $349.99 back via 24 monthly credits on your bill, effectively making the watch free over time.
- Financing Option:
- Choose to pay $0 monthly for the watch with Google Fi’s device financing plan.
- The device payments are discounted through 24 monthly credits, totaling $349.99.
- You only need to pay taxes upfront at checkout, calculated based on the pre-credit price.
Important Requirements:
- 24-Month Commitment: You need to stay subscribed to Google Fi for 24 months to receive the full rebate. Canceling your service will stop the remaining credits.
- Credit Check: Financing requires a credit check.
- Promotion Limits:
- For individual plans, each person can get one device under this offer during the promotion period.
- For group plans, only one device promotion is allowed per member.
The offer ends on January 7, 2025, at 9:59 AM PST or while supplies last. This is a great deal for Google Fi users, especially compared to other discounts like the $100 price cut at the Google Store during Black Friday.
Wear OS 5 Update Leaves First-Gen Pixel Watch with Roboto Font
While Pixel Watch 3 users enjoy new features, first-gen Pixel Watch owners have encountered a small but noticeable issue after the Wear OS 5 update.
The Problem:
- After updating to Wear OS 5, the original Pixel Watch unexpectedly reverted from using the modern Google Sans font back to the older Roboto font.
- This change affects every part of the interface, including the lock screen, settings menu, and inside apps.
Why It Matters:
- The Roboto font was widely used in Android during the early 2010s but feels outdated now, especially when compared with the sleeker Google Sans font.
- The difference is particularly noticeable in certain characters like the letter ‘G’ and numbers, making the interface look less polished.
Possible Fixes:
- Google has not yet addressed this issue, and users hoping for a quick resolution might be disappointed. The next scheduled update is planned for March 2025, but there’s a chance Google could release an unscheduled fix before then.
Impact:
- While this font change does not affect the watch’s functionality, it’s a visual inconsistency that may bother some users who prefer a more unified look between their devices.
Conclusion
If you’re a Google Fi user, the current deal on the Pixel Watch 3 LTE is a fantastic opportunity to get a high-quality smartwatch at no additional cost. However, if you own the first-gen Pixel Watch, the recent Wear OS 5 update might have left you with an unexpected downgrade in the font appearance. With no immediate fix in sight, users may have to wait a few months for Google to address the issue.
For now, take advantage of the promotional deal if you’re looking to upgrade to the latest Pixel Watch model. And if you’re sticking with the first-gen version, keep an eye out for any upcoming software patches that might restore its original polished look.