A writer who makes jewelry built a metal-look Pixel Watch band from beads for about $21 to $23, while Google's own metal bands cost $150 to $200.
A writer at How-To Geek got tired of paying for Pixel Watch bands and made her own metal-look band from beads. Her materials came to roughly $21 to $23 per band if everything is bought new. Google's own metal bands cost $150 to $200. The project took her about two hours.
Pixel Watches use special connectors, not the common quick-release kind, so only certain bands fit. Google's metal bands are priced high, and she says the $200 Metal Links Band never goes on sale. Third-party choices are thin, and many are not certified for Google devices. She has heard of cheap bands popping off because the connectors fit loosely.
She already did jewelry making and beadwork, so she had most supplies at home. The one thing she had to buy was a set of Pixel Watch connectors with quick-release adapters, under $10 for two. She followed a YouTube tutorial for a glass bead ring, which uses two basic stitches called peyote and brick stitching.
Because she had most items, her own spending was under $10. Buying everything separately would run about $43 to $45. That makes at least two bands, which is where the $21 to $23 figure comes from. She says a beginner will likely need more than two hours, though the techniques are basic.
The clasps were the weak spot. She moved them around several times, and the final design looks a little messy next to a real metal band. She also had trouble closing it by herself. Next time she would buy proper metal clasps. As for the look, she says the band copies the shine and pattern of stainless steel links well, and it feels light and comfortable.
Anyone who wants to try it should read connector reviews closely, since loose ones can disconnect at random. Colors are open to change, and a band made only of small seed beads would give a mesh look. She also says she may make one for every metal band color she wants.
A bead-built Pixel Watch band can cost about $21 to $23, but buy well-reviewed connectors and proper clasps to avoid loose parts.
A browser that Android Authority calls the best on Android is not in the Play Store, but it can still be installed with a few extra steps.
Read more: A top Android browser is not in the Play Store, but you can still install itA Tom's Guide poll found only 5 of 200 readers shop for AI in earbuds and headphones. Sound quality won easily, so check AI claims before you pay extra.
Read more: Few shoppers want AI in headphones, but brands keep adding itA leaker says the iPhone 20 could fold the Action Button into Camera Control, leaving one button for both jobs. It is an early, unverified rumor.
Read more: Next year's iPhone may merge its two extra buttons into one
