Google’s smartwatch is one step closer to reality. The company announced Android Wear today, an operating system for Google’s wearable technology. Starting with watches, Google will expand Android Wear to all future wearables in the future.
Android Wear looks to be a hybrid between Google Now and Google Glass. The videos Google shared show smartwatches with rounded and square faces. Users can swipe between different “cards” just like with Google Now.
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Voice is the main way users will interact with Android Wear. Google Now powers the device, allowing users to perform searches and send quick messages. The same “OK Google” command is used to wake up Android Wear.
The video below shows Android Wear being used to hail a taxi, sending a text message, and even opening a garage door. This indicates Google is getting serious about home automation, which will likely be rolled into Android Wear.
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Android Wear is more than just for notifications on smartwatches; it will also track your health and fitness. Rolling all these features into one watch makes sense. Apple seems to have the same idea with Healthbook, which tracks health and fitness. Apple is expected to debut a smartwatch to integrate with Healthbook soon.
Developers can begin creating apps for Android Wear today. The development kit can be found here.
Google has partnered with major manufacturers like Asus, HTC, LG, Samsung, and even Fossil to bring smartwatches to market. Google says to look out for Android Wear powered smartwatches later this year.
Source: Google Blog
