Google is going all in for wearables. The maker of the world's most popular mobile operating system announced that it has created a new OS called Android Wear, which is specifically optimized for wearable devices. Android Wear OS will make its big debut as early as next quarter with the release of several new smartwatches, including the Moto 360 and LG G Watch.
Google wants to take wearables to the next level and the only way to do so effectively, is to optimize the software for specific wearable applications and improve the overall design of the devices, so that customers actually want to wear them. Most smartwatches that are currently on the market are bulky and somewhat ineffective. Google aims to change all that with Android Wear and encourage its partner manufacturers to make beautiful wearable devices.
"We're only at the beginning; we've barely scratched the surface of what's possible with mobile technology," Sundar Pichai, Google's senior vice president said in a statement. "That's why we're so excited about wearables-they understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word."
Android Wear OS features voice commands, so that you can get Google to handle basic tasks for you without having to touch your device. Just like with Glass, all users have to say to get the wearable's attention is, "Ok, Google," followed by a command or question. Then your wearable will search for nearby cafes, note down your appointment, make that reservation and so on.
"(Wearables) understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word," Pichai said.
Android Wear will also give you updates based on your location, so if you're going surfing like the cool kids in the video, but there's a jellyfish warning at your beach, you can find out what other beaches are nearby with jellyfish-free killer waves. The new OS will also send you notifications from key apps and when you get calls, emails or messages. Additionally, Android Wear adds tons of health-focused capabilities to satisfy your fitness cravings.
Google envisions a world where your smartwatch or other wearable doesn't just act like a companion for your smartphone, but also as a remote control. Some developers have already created applications that will allow you to use your smartwatch to tell your smartphone to play music, or send a video to your connected TV to watch on the big screen.
All in all, Google's vision for the future of wearables is pretty huge and it's exactly what we have all been waiting for.
