Android Wear 2.0 release REVEALED – Google unveils the future of the smartwatch

LG

Google has launched Android Wear 2.0 with two new LG smartwatches

Google has unveiled the next generation of its smartwatches with the launch of Android Wear 2.0.

The search giant has teamed up with LG to reveal two new wearable devices which will be the first to come powered by the newest version of Android Wear.

The LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style will be launched in the UK later this month, giving users the chance to try Android Wear 2.0 first hand within the next few weeks.

LG

The LG Watch Sport looks to target users with an affinity for the outdoors

Similar to past releases, LG’s new Android Wear watches look to target both fashionable and activity-focused users.

The LG Watch Sport goes for more athletic customers, with built-in GPS and 4G LTE connectivity making it an intelligent standalone device.

A stainless steel body and Gorilla Glass 3 display mean it should stand up to bumps and scrapes, and has a high dust and water rating, making it ideal for a range of outdoor activities.

The watch can also be linked to the new Google Fit service to allow users to track their progress and reach their fitness goals – all from their wrist.

Best of all, it will do all this without needing to connect to a smartphone, as it is able to run apps all on its own.

LG

The LG Watch Style is lighter and slimmer than its brother

In contrast, the LG Watch Style is a slimmer, more stylish device which is available in silver, titanium and rose gold colour schemes.

It doesn’t feature Android Pay capability, but does come with a 1.2in P-OLED display, water and dust protection, and the ability to swap out straps for a customisable look.

Both devices come with a rotating side button for quick navigation, which users can turn to read messages or scroll through menus.

There’s no details on a UK price or precise launch date yet for either device, but users will be able to check out both new watches at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona later this month.

LG

Both versions of the LG Watch will come with a number of customisable options

The launch is the first official chance to check out Android Wear 2.0, Google’s first major wearable software since the release of the original platform in 2014.

Android Wear 2.0 borrows several of the most useful features from the company’s Android Nougat mobile platform – most notably, the super-smart voice-activated Google Assistant.

Previously only seen in the Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, the Google Assistant can be summoned on the watch by holding the power button and saying ‘OK Google’.

The service is then available to reply to a message, set a reminder, or ask for directions.

Android Pay is also supported in the software, allowing watches equipped with NFC technology to pay for purchases with just a tap of the device.

Users will also be able to send messages on their devices much more smoothly than before, as they can either swipe across a keyboard or handwrite their message.

This will also be aided by a new Smart Reply system, powered by Google’s machine learning technology, which will help to predict which words will be typed next, saving valuable time when out and about.

Lastly, there’s the ability to customise exactly what information is being shown on your device’s watch face, with up to eight personalisations available to quickly see all the details you need.

Original Article