Google is reportedly developing a software that could pair an Android Wear device with the iPhone. This would put Android wear smartwatches in direct competition with the Apple Watch.
According to the Verge, Google's Android wear works with a companion app on the iPhone. The app supports Google Now cards, voice search as well as notifications. The internet giant could also add other features like replying to Gmail messages, watch apps and music control. Pebble Watch which works both on iOS and Android platforms already also offers music and watch app features.
Last October, Android Wear product manager Jeff Chang had hinted at the possibility of Android Wear working on iPhone. He stated, "We always want as many users as possible to enjoy our experience, so in terms of enabling more people to use Android Wear we're very interested in making that happen."
It remains to be seen, whether Apple would actually approve the companion app into its App Store. Apple has a policy that rejects apps which mention competing platforms names in it, so if Google decides to release the app it will have to do so with another name and not Android wear. Also the launch of the Apple Watch is just around the corner so Apple doesn't have an incentive to approve the app.
Google has said it "has nothing to announce at this time," while Apple has declined to comment.
Google's next Android Wear update could bring Wi-Fi support and gesture control. The update will also bring UI tweaks that will make it easier for users to access Android Wear applications and contacts. The internet giant has not mentioned a time frame for the launch yet.
What do you think? Will Apple allow Google bring Android Wear to iOS users? Share your views in the comments section below.
Source: The Verge