Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Android Developers/YouTube
Ok Google

Google embraces smartwatches by announcing Android Wear project

The first smartwatches powered by Android Wear are expected to arrive later this year, beginning with the Moto 360 and LG G watch.

GOOGLE HAD LONG been linked with smartwatches and wearable tech, thanks to its development of Glass, but now it’s officially entered the wearable tech market with Android Wear.

As the name suggests, Android Wear brings Google’s smartphone OS to wearable devices, starting off with smartwatches.

The interface and style of Android Wear will be familiar to those who use Google Now, showing you information that’s both context sensitive (weather, journey times, cinema times) and notifications from messages and email.

On top of that, the OS is controlled through swipe gestures and voice controls, and also has music and fitness apps designed for watches.

(Video: GoogleMobile/YouTube)

Google says it’s working with a number of companies such as manufacturers, chip makers and fashion brands, to bring smartwatches powered by Android Wear later this year.

Developers will be able to download a preview version so they can tailor their apps notifications for the new service.

(Video: Android Developers/YouTube)

The first smartwatches to be powered by Android Wear will from LG and  Motorola, the mobile company Google recently sold to Lenovo for $2.91 billion.

Neither company has revealed any concrete information about the Moto 360 or the LG G watch, apart from the functionality Google has already revealed, but both devices are expected to arrive in the US in the summer.

(Video: motorola/YouTube)

While the idea of smartwatches are growing, the devices have a number of barriers to overcome before they hit the mainstream.

The biggest one would be battery life tends to be poor for most smartwatches, only lasting  a day or two before you need to charge again, and Android Wear smartwatches could face the same problems too.

Read: Apple knocked off top spot as Android tablets now outsell the iPad >

Read: Jelly Bean runs on almost 60 per cent of Android devices as KitKat continues slow rollout >

Your Voice
Readers Comments
19
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.