Google finally showed off its Android Wear smartwatch operating system at Google I/O 2014. Notifications are the centerpiece of the operating system, allowing users to quickly interact without taking out their phone.
The interface supports round and square faces, and looks beautiful on both screen types. We got to see music controls on Android wear, which supports swipe gestures and voice controls.
Android Wear’s interface resembles a stack of cards that you can swipe between. If you’ve used Google Now, it looks extremely similar. Notifications are placed above dynamic backgrounds, which change according to what the app can do. For example, a notification for an event can show a map in the background, which can expand when tapped on.
Android will play a crucial part with Android Wear. To install apps on Android Wear, all you have to do is install the app on your phone. Your phone can then interface with your Android Wear smartwatch to automatically push notifications to you or to offer actions you can perform on your wrist.
Image credit: Google
And of course, fitness will play a huge part in Android Wear, taking on fitness trackers like Fitbit and Jawbone UP.
The first Android Wear smartwatches will be available to order later today in the Google Play Store.
