Google Launches Android Wear 2.0, LG Unveils Two New Smartwatches
Better late than never: Google this week unveiled Android Wear 2.0. Updates include more personalized watch faces and new workout measurements.
“You can now personalize your Android Wear always-on watch face with information and actions from your favorite apps,” Google says. “A quick tap on your watch face lets you instantly order an Uber ride, start a workout, or get in touch with your significant other.”
Google Fit helps users with their fitness goals.
“Google Fit now lets you track your pace, distance, calories burned and heart rate as you’re walking, running or cycling,” the company explains. “When you work out with a cellular-connected Android Wear watch, you can stay in touch with calls and messages, stream tunes from Google Play Music and still use your favorite apps right on your watch.”
With Android Wear 2.0, Google Assistant has also arrived. And Google announced the first smartwatches running 2.0, led by the LG Watch Style and Watch Sport, the latter of which is described by Google as “Android Wear’s most powerful watch yet” and includes NFC and GPS.
Some old smartwatches can receive a software update to 2.0, including many Moto, Fossil, and Casio devices.
Google Acquires Smartwatch Software Platform Cronologics Ahead of Android Wear 2.0 Launch