Google Officially Announces Android Wear – Android for Wearables

Today Google has officially announced Android Wear, their project to bring Android to wearables and that their first wearable will be a smartwatch. Their description sounds like a Moto X in watch form, always listening and able to respond to the command “OK Google.” Straight from their announcement:

• Useful information when you need it most. Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you need them. The wide variety of Android applications means you’ll receive the latest posts and updates from your favorite social apps, chats from your preferred messaging apps, notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, and more.
• Straight answers to spoken questions. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game. Or say “Ok Google” to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.
• The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk.
• Your key to a multiscreen world. Android Wear lets you access and control other devices from your wrist. Just say “Ok Google” to fire up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favorite movie to your TV. There’s a lot of possibilities here so we’re eager to see what developers build.

Google also announced that they are teaming with several manufacturers to bring this concept to life. They have teamed with Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung, several chip makers, and even fashion brand Fossil to bring Android Wear watches to market later this year.

Google also added that they have added a new Developer Preview so developers can ensure their notifications will work with Android Wear.

Given the recent explosion of smartwatches and that the wearables segment as a whole is still in its infancy, an Android powered watch with Google Now like features should not be a surprise to anyone. Plus, Google and the Android team have already shown their interest in wearables with Google Glass.

Source: Google, via Android Police

Image Credits: Google