Smartphones are nothing but powerful minute computers that help us stay connected to the world and the people we love. And there are endless possibilities if you start scratching the surface of mobile technology. Joining the current league, Google is dipping its toes into the battleground of wearables with Android Wear that promises a number of uses in daily life. The main objective behind Android Wear is to make important information available when you need it most and stay connected with the world at all times.
Gone are those days when Internet of Things (IoT) and wearables was merely a figment of your imagination. Google has already partnered up with Samsung, LG, HTC, and others pioneers for the first phase of its Android Wear wearables push: smartwatches.
Android Wear: Truly Meant for Wearables
To push its goal further, Google extends Android to wearables, i.e., a new generation of devices that seamlessly connects with your smartphones, with a user experience that’s designed exclusively for wearables. If you are a tech savvy fellow, you will know that there are a few companies that offer smartwatches running on Android, namely the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Sony Smartwatch 2. Yet, these smartwatches carry the adapted version of Google Android, whereas Android Wear is Google’s new project that extends Android to wearables, to start with the most familiar wearable—watches.
It is obvious that Google is all set to deliver the most stable and intuitive experience, just similar to its recent endeavors of the last few iterations of Android in smartphones.
Just like Google Glass, Android Wear will rely on Google Now and the hot word, “Ok Google” to ask anything and start off any action. Last but not least, Google also teases multi-screen functionality from the smartwatches that use the Android operating system, meaning you can make your smartphone perform loads of activities with simple voice commands followed by “Ok Google”.
What can Android Wear smartwatches do for you?
Weather
Not sure should you take your umbrella today? Get your local weather information right on your watch before you step out your home.
Next appointment
You are no longer required to check your calendar. You get all information at your fingertips, including the subject, time, and location.
Commute
Make sure you are not getting late for a meeting by knowing how far the place is.
Flights
Get your flight details on the spot, whenever you want.
Fitness
Stay healthy and summarize your daily workout with insight on your heart rate and step count.
Calls, texts, emails, instant messages
It gives you the fastest access to your messages, emails and phone calls, even without touching your smartphone.
Voice search
Just say “Ok Google” and see the magic! It is wonderful how you can get the information you need, be it about your today’s appointments, local weather, or anything.
Navigation
Just say “Ok Google navigate to…” to find the right direction to reach your destination.
Music control
You can effortlessly play, pause and skip tracks with simple voice commands followed by “OK Google”.
Reminders
It empowers you with location-based or time-based reminders that you can simply set with voice commands. For example, ““Ok Google remind me to call David when I reach home.”
Keep
You can create notes and keep all information handy with voice command “Ok Google take a note…”.
Developer’s corner
If you’re a developer, then you can have a look at a new section on developer.android.com/wear focused on wearables and you can also download a Developer Preview that enables developers to personalize their existing app notifications for watches powered by Android Wear.
As confirmed on its official blog, Google is already working with some of the leading consumer electronics manufacturers, including Samsung, HTC, LG, Asus and Motorola; chip makers Broadcom, Intel, Imagination, Mediatek and Qualcomm; and fashion brands like the Fossil Group to make Android smartwatches available later this year.
Google has already jumped on the mobile Bandwagon and has given rise to a new era of Internet of Things and wearables with an introduction of Android Wear. I’m excited about everyone getting to see this. Are you?
Sources:
http://googleblog.blogspot.in/2014/03/sharing-whats-up-our-sleeve-android.html
http://developer.android.com/wear/index.html
http://www.android.com/wear/
