Google Inc has announced ‘Android Wear’ project, under which it will develop smartwatches and other wearable devices. The internet giant will partner with several electronics, technology and fashion companies including the likes of HTC, Samsung, Motorola, LG, Asus, Intel and Fossil to launch the new range of wearable tech.
As the name suggests, the Android Wear project will be based on Google’s Android OS, which already runs more than three out of four smartphones sold worldwide.
According to Google’s blog post, the Android Wear project will start with watches and will also have a new expansive catalogue of apps. The new apps will bring you updates from social networking sites, notifications from shopping sites, chat messages and much more. Users will just need to say “Ok Google” to ask questions to get stuff done, like sending a text message or even making restaurant reservations. Android wear will also let users control other devices from your wrist, you can play your favorite music on your smartphone just by saying ‘Ok Google’. The Android Wear will also come with fitness apps that give timely reminders and daily fitness summaries to reach your goals.
Google has also posted a video on its official blog that showed people speaking into their watches to check sports scores, send replies to text messages, control music and even open their home garages.
“We’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with mobile technology,” Google said in a post on its official blog on Tuesday. “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.”
Samsung is already a pioneer in wearable’s with its Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Speculation about Apple Inc’s wearable devices is also on the rise with Apple Chief Tim Cook promising new “product categories” later this year.
Google has also confirmed that it will soon release an SDK for Android wearable’s. The Kit is meant for third party developers to create Android software that can be used on wearable tech. The news was confirmed by Google’s head of Chrome and Android, Sundar Pichai at SXSW (South By Southwest Interactive Festival) 2014.
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Also read: Motorola, LG to soon launch Android Wear-based smartwatches
Source: Reuters