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Google has beaten Apple to unveil its plans for
wearable computers.
The firm today launched its 'Android Wear' project which will give
developers a special version of Google phone and tablet software they
can run on watches and other devices.
It showed off two concept watches, available in round and square
versions, that respond to voice commands and also have a touchscreen.
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The firm also said it is working with LG, Samsung, Motorola and others
to include the software in their watches.
'Watches are good at telling time, but imagine having useful, actionable
information there precisely where you need it, automatically,' said
David Singleton, Google's head of Android Engineering.
'We are working wit watch makers, fashion brands and chip companies.'
The firm said the move into wearables was an obvious one.
'Most of us are rarely without our smartphones in hand,' said Sundar
Pichai, Google's Android boss.
'These powerful supercomputers keep us connected to the world and the
people we love.
'But we're only at the beginning; we’ve barely scratched the surface of
what’s possible with mobile technology.
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.
'Today we’re announcing Android Wear, a project that extends Android to
wearables,' Pichai said.
'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.
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'Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you
need them.'
The watch will use Google's existing Now service, which gives 'smart'
alerts by looking at emails, calender and other today to warn of
upcoming appointments, delayed flights and other information.
It can also tell users when they need to leave for their next
appointment after looking at live traffic data, for instance.
Google is also developing a special app store for its wearable products,
it was revealed.
'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.'
The watch shown off uses a touchscreen and voice control.
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,' the
firm said.
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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.'
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