They are one day ahead of schedule after having an almost official date for the arrival of the new version of the operating system for smartwatches. Android Wear 2.0 will finally arrive February 8...being one of the great hopes for the world of smartwatches. The community had also considered the February 9 as a possible day, but everything points to a rollout that is activated earlier, and with it a key boost for the platform.
Android Wear 2.0 on February 8
The new version of the operating system will be updated on February 8th. Android Wear 2.0However, it's worth noting that not many current smartwatches will receive the new version, so this launch is primarily relevant for the future of the platform and for watches that are yet to come. The key to independence from the smartphoneApplications that are installed directly from Google Play on the watch, support for independent apps that work independently and offer connectivity via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or mobile data on compatible models.
The interface is completely revamped with a clearer and more fluid designNew animations and an app drawer better adapted to the edge of the screen. Notifications show more informationThe background color may vary depending on the app and now requires fewer steps to answer. In addition, they arrive smart answers, on-screen keyboard, handwriting and swipe-like gestures for faster typing, along with improved digital crown compatibility to navigate through menus.
Another important leap is in customization: the spheres gain enriched complications To add app data and shortcuts. In health and sports, Google Fit It delves deeper with metrics of calories, pace, distance, and heart rate, in addition to detection of strength and static exercisesIn the area of ​​payments, it is integrated Android Pay in watches with NFCand incorporates Google Assistant to control the watch by voice and obtain contextual information.
Google Play developers have already been notified to prepare their apps, reinforcing the idea of ​​a coordinated launch in early February and a catalog that grows from day one. Models with Android Wear 2.0 pre-installed are also expected, such as sports cars from specialized brands, with prominent examples such as Casio WSD-F20 o New Balance RunIQ.
These are watches that will be updated to Android Wear 2.0
- LG G Watch R
- LG Watch Urbane
- LG Watch Urbane LTE
- Moto 360 (2nd Gen)
- Moto 360 Sport
- Huawei Watch
- Huawei Watch Ladies
- Asus ZenWatch 2
- Asus ZenWatch 3
- polar M600
- Casio Smart Outdoor Watch WSD‑F10
- Nixon Mission
- TAG Heuer Connected
- Fossil Q Wander
- Fossil Q Marshal
- Fossil Q Founder
- Michael Kors Access Bradshaw
- Michael Kors Access Dylan
Conversely, veteran models such as the L original, the Motorcycle 360 first generation or the Sony SmartWatch 3, among others.
Two new watches from Google?
The new version of the operating system was to be unveiled on the same day as the new smartwatches were also expected to be presented. As previously mentioned, they could be officially launched alongside Android Wear 2.0. Google's new smartwatchesBut it seems that it won't be exactly like that either; what we'll have available are smartwatches from LG Google itself was heavily involved in their development. So much so that they will be unveiled alongside the new version of the operating system. However, they won't be Google Watches, nor will they be Nexus watches manufactured by LG; they will be LG watches themselves. Google probably doesn't want its own devices to be the best on the market, as that would discourage potential manufacturers from adopting Android Wear. It's better for it to remain an operating system that offers the same features to all manufacturers. In any case, the official launch will take place on February 8th, which is the new release date for Android Wear 2.0.
There would be two main characters: LG Watch Sport y LG Watch StyleThe first is aimed at sports and autonomous use, with 46mm case, three buttons, 1,38″ circular OLED display a 480 x 480, 768 MB of RAM, 4 GB storage and 430 mAh batteryIt integrates LTE, GPS, NFC, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, in addition to heart rate sensor y resistance IP68Therefore, you can use Android Pay and make payments from your wrist. The second, more stylish one offers 42mm case, 1,2 ″ screen a 360 x 360, 512 MB of RAM4 GB and 240 mAh battery, with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, resistance IP67 and interchangeable straps. Both incorporate Google Assistant and a digital crown for navigating the interface.
They talk about finishes in titaniumsilver, rose gold and dark blue depending on the model, and of iOS compatibility to expand the potential audience. The Watch Sport could synchronize a phone number and allow calls without a mobile phone, reinforcing the idea of ​​a truly autonomous watch. In addition, the company has informed developers so that their apps are ready, and that the list of models with official updates could expand over time.
With this package of new features, Android Wear 2.0 is positioned to revive interest For smartwatches: greater independence, payments, better messaging and advanced fitness, along with new benchmark watches and a roadmap that invites more manufacturers to return to the platform.
