Andre Yoskowitz
18 Mar 2014 12:30
Earlier this month, Chrome and Android boss Sundar Pichai confirmed that the company would be releasing a new SDK for wearable devices beginning with watches.
Today, the company has revealed "Android Wear" in developer preview, showing deep integration with Google Now functionality.
More importantly, the company has also confirmed OEMs and partners for product releases this year including Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola, Samsung, Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek, Qualcomm and even watch maker Fossil.
Reads the company's blog post:
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. Or say "Ok Google" to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.
-The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk.
-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. There's a lot of possibilities here so we're eager to see what developers build.