Google unveiled Android Wear – its operating system for wearable devices – back in March. At Google I/O this summer, they showed off some smartwatches that would take advantage of it.
In July, Google gave developers an update to enable paid apps. According to the company, developers have already created thousands of apps enhanced for Wear, and additional watches are on the way.
“Our goal with Wear is to build technology that helps you connect with others and get stuff done,” says Android Wear engineering director David Singleton. “So often, technology can become something that gets in the way of everything else. But we want to build devices that you can use when you need and forget about when you don’t—technology that’s built for your sake, rather than its own sake. Coming throughout the rest of this year, we’re making some updates to Wear that will help you get even more out of your watch—and the rest of your life, too.”
The first update will include offline music playback and GPS support, which will enable you to listen to music through Bluetooth headphones and track your running/biking distance/speed respectively.
A later update will enable users to download new watch faces to customize the visual design of the device.
Google says it’s also working with manufacturers on additional options, shapes, styles, and sensors. New and upcoming watches include the Moto 360, Asus Zen Watch, LG G Watch R, and Sony SmartWatch 3. See here for details about features and availability. Each of these watches as well as the previously released devices will get the new updates.
Image via Google