Google Reveals ‘Android Wear’ OS for Wearable Devices [VIDEO]

Last week, Google’s senior vice president Sundar Pichai hinted that the company is planning to release an Android SDK for smartwatches and today, Google has officially revealed ‘Android Wear’, a version of its Android operating system to work on wearable devices. Google says that a Developer Preview of its new smartwatch OS should help app developers tailor their existing notifications for watches powered by Android Wear.

Android wear

According to Google, Android Wear will bring aspects of Google Now, including voice control and notifications, to your wrist, with first batch of supported devices going on sale later this year. Google adds that it is currently working with companies including Asus, HTC, LG, Intel and Qualcomm to create chips and smartwatches that leverage Wear. The company is also partnering with fashion brands like the Fossil Group to release watches powered by Android Wear.

“Today we’re announcing Android Wear, a project that extends Android to wearables. And we’re starting with the most familiar wearable—watches. Going well beyond the mere act of just telling you the time, a range of new devices along with an expansive catalogue of apps will give you:

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.

The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear.

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.”

Take a look at the following promo video for Android Wear, that shows users pulling up QR code to check in for a flight, tracking activity and sending text messages through voice commands.

YouTube video

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