Android Wear, although not as popular as Apple’s WatchOS, comes with great features. With settings such as “tilt to wake screen”, features such as screen always on, users can easily find directions by the voice from the phone and choose transport mode. Via Google Fit, Android Wear supports ride and run tracking. It also supports sampling of heart activity, step-counting, calorie burnt etc. Android Wear Watch lets users control their phone, request music and seamlessly enjoy play-control, volume control among a host of other user-friendly control options. The next iteration of Google’s smartwatch operation system – Android Wear 2.0 will be released to the public soon.
Android Wear 2.0 release date
The Android Wear 2.0 was supposed to be launched by Google last fall. Since the feedback from the developer preview wasn’t that positive, Google had to reschedule the release. Google has now notified developers that Wear 2.0 is coming soon and asked those with unsupported Android Wear code to update their apps. Those who don’t will find the software unavailable in the Play Store. If you can recollect, Google had announced the standalone feature of Android Wear 2.0 during Google I/O Developer Conference last year. Google wants developers to update their existing apps so that they can be run in standalone mode, without dependency on smartphone Wi-Fi to install apps. In all likelihood, Android Wear 2.0 will release to the public in February.
Although the date hasn’t been officially announced by Google, it’s quite evident that Google will release it in a few weeks from now, given that it has already notified developers about Android Wear 2.0. The developer page of Android Wear 2.0 specifically mentions “support stand alone Wear devices and apps”, “create enhanced user interaction” and “glancable experiences”. Android Wear 2.0 Developer Preview gives developers everything that they need to get started with the next version of Android Wear. Developers can run and test apps on supported Wear devices or the emulator, report issues and provide feedback.
Google Android Wear 2.0 to take on Apple WatchOS and Samsung Gear S2, S3?
In December 2016, Google began collaborating with Cronologics, a platform for smart, diverse smartwatches. Cronologics had developed the OS for CoWatch. Google’s collaboration with Cronologics will help grow the portfolio of watches powered by Android Wear. Android Wear has so far failed to compete effectively with WatchOS and Samsung Gear. Google is very keen on making a comeback with Android Wear 2.0. It remains to be seen if Google Android Wear 2.0 will become as popular as WatchOS.