Google just announced its wearable platform, Android Wear. LG and Google have partnered on the first device, the LG G Watch, which will be released next quarter.
As sales of smartphones and tablets begin to cool, the battle in the mobile world is heating up with wearables. Google is placing some of its bets on its highly ambitious Google Glass head-mounted device, while companies like Samsung and Apple, are focusing on a user's wrist. Samsung recently launched the Gear 2 at Mobile World Congress, which replaces the original Galaxy Gear and now runs Samsung's Tizen OS in place of Android. The device can run different applications, handles notifications from a Samsung smartphone, and monitors health and fitness information.
Apple is widely expected to unveil its answer to the smarwatch when it launches its long-rumored iWatch this year. The device is expected to run iOS 8, heavily rely on Siri for voice commands, and also monitor a user's health and fitness information.
Google just threw its name into the smartwatch ring by announcing Android Wear, its Android platform for wearables. The company has provided developers with a preview SDK and it has confirmed previous rumors and has partnered with LG on the first device to run Android Wear, the LG G Watch.
The LG G Watch will be the first device to ship with Android Wear and LG says it was designed to present a low barrier entry for developers to create the best Google experience for users. The LG G Watch will be compatible with a wide range of Android smartphones. The smartwatch presents relevant information on its display in a similar manner to Google Now's card UI and uses Google Now voice commands to interact with it. Users simply say the phrase, "OK, Google" followed by a command and search for things, set alarms, get directions, and more.
"The opportunity to work with Google on LG G Watch was the perfect chance for LG to really pull out all stops in both design and engineering," said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. "With the LG G Watch, LG is continuing the milestones we've set in wearables following in the footsteps of the world's first 3G Touch Watch Phone in 2009 and the Prada Link in 2008. We're confident that a well-designed device has the potential to take the smart wearable market by storm."
LG said that it would provide more details, like specs, pricing, etc. in the coming months. The smartwatch is expected to be unveiled at Google I/O in June and go on sale shortly after.
