Recently, Google transformed Android Wear and relaunched it as Wear OS, in a quest to promote the use of the operating system adapted to smart watches. As part of that maneuver, Wear OS will play a prominent role in the World Cup thanks to a very close collaboration with the Swiss watchmaker Hublot and with FIFA itself.
Wear OS will be present at the World Cup: this is what the referees' watches will look like
Wear OS It's basically Android adapted for smartwatches, with an interface optimized for the wrist and quick access to notifications, apps, and Google services. This market certainly isn't the most popular, and there's no doubt the system needs more than a name change to attract attention. With this in mind, Google's latest move makes perfect sense: to gain visibility at one of the biggest football events on the planet in partnership with a luxury brand and the referees, who are key figures on the field.
Partners with the company Hublot, they have created a special smartwatch to be used by the referees of the World Cup, although there will also be a fan version. This watch is based on the Swiss firm's iconic Big Bang collection, but incorporates a fully connected interior thanks to Wear OS, allowing for combination high-end traditional watchmaking with advanced digital technology.
Hublot will participate for the third time as a brand affiliated to FIFA at a World Cup thanks to this collaboration. The idea is that this special smartwatch will allow control match information every second, with all the relevant data living on the wrist. Thus was born what they have called the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia, a model that becomes the official watch of the tournament and that also serves as a perfect showcase of what Wear OS can offer in an environment as demanding as professional refereeing.
In terms of design, the watch maintains the characteristic features of the Big BangThe watch features a satin-finished titanium case, a bezel with six H-shaped screws, Kevlar inserts, and a substantial 49mm size designed for excellent legibility even in bright sunlight. The analog dial mimics the brand's mechanical models, so at first glance it looks like a classic timepiece, although it's actually a fully connected device.
In addition, it is a Limited edition of 2018 units for the publicThis reinforces its status as an exclusive piece for collectors, football fans, and watch enthusiasts. The units intended for referees are customized with specific connections to the tournament's technical systems, integrating them seamlessly into the official equipment of the officiating team.
These are the special Wear OS features for the World Cup
For the occasion a new app specifically for football which offers dedicated match management features within Wear OS. This app is part of the Google ecosystem but has been developed to take full advantage of the Big Bang Referee hardware and FIFA's infrastructure. It's worth noting that 2018 versions of these watches are also available for fans, who will enjoy many of these special features on their wrists.
Those who use these devices will receive push notifications fifteen minutes before starting a match, in addition to being able to choose the strap of your country (if participating in the event) to further personalize your watch. Thanks to Hublot's One Click interchangeable strap system, you can change the strap in seconds, combining black rubber straps, sport straps, and versions in the colors of each team to match your favorite squad.
Other notifications that fans will receive will be the goals, player changes and yellow and red cardsIn the case of goals, the watch vibrates and displays the word Gol The score is displayed prominently on the AMOLED screen, in the colors of the scoring team. All relevant statistics are shown on the watch throughout the match: score, goalscorers, number of cards, and playing time, allowing the user to follow multiple matches without constantly looking at the television.
The technology has already been tested by referees, especially during the Confederations Cup and the Club World Cup, where it was used as a testing ground to verify that the connections with video and sensor systems They functioned without delays and with the necessary reliability in official matches. This testing phase allowed for adjusting notifications, optimizing battery consumption, and refining the referee-specific interface.
Using the Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup RussiaThe referees have access to everything we've mentioned so far, but also to more technologies. The clock is connected with goal line technology dedicated to avoiding phantom goals, and also to Video assistant referee (VAR) systems These devices are used during the tournament to review controversial plays in real time. Thanks to this connection, the referee receives a clear signal on their wrist when the ball completely crosses the goal line, eliminating doubt and reducing human error in crucial decisions.
The VAR system relies on several high-speed cameras distributed throughout the stadium and a video room where specialist referees review plays from different angles. The head referee communicates with these video assistants via headset, and the most important information is displayed on his watch. fast and discreet alerts that do not interrupt the rhythm of the game. Thus, Wear OS integrates itself as another element of the technological ecosystem surrounding modern refereeing.
Big Bang Referee technical specifications and user experience
Beyond football, this watch is a high-end Wear OS smartwatch with specifications that remain interesting for any advanced user. Inside it features a Intel Atom Z34XX dual-core 1,6 GHz processor accompanied 512 MB RAMsufficient to smoothly navigate the interface and sports and notification apps. The 35,4 mm circular AMOLED display offers a 400 x 400 pixel resolution (287 dpi), which guarantees crisp text and vibrant colors for the tournament's custom spheres.
In terms of construction, the titanium case and satin-finished bezel contribute strength and lightnessWhile its water resistance up to 5 ATM allows for use in the rain or in humid conditions without problems. The 410 mAh battery provides approximately a full day of useThis is common in advanced smartwatches with AMOLED displays and continuous connectivity. Charging is done via a contact pad included with the watch; simply place it on the pad to begin charging.
At the sensor level, the Big Bang Referee includes accelerometer, gyroscope, tilt detector, microphone, vibration, haptic engine y GPSThis allows it to track movements, offer basic navigation, and respond to voice commands with the Google Assistant integrated into Wear OS. In terms of connectivity, it combines Bluetooth BLE 4.1, 2,4 GHz WiFi y NFC for mobile payments via Google Pay, so it also works as a digital wallet compatible with many merchants.
Another key point is that, by benefiting from Wear OS ecosystemIn addition to its competition-focused features, the Big Bang Referee offers thousands of downloadable apps from Google Play: sports apps, music apps, productivity apps, advanced notification apps, and everyday tools. It is compatible with Android smartphones starting with Android 4.4 and with iPhone running iOS 9 or laterso you don't need an Android phone to take advantage of it.
El Big Bang Referee 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia It went on sale in a limited run, with a price that clearly exceeded the 4.000 Euros Due to its materials, exclusivity, and status as the official watch of the World Cup, it's not the most expensive smartwatch on the luxury market, but it does occupy a top spot in the Wear OS segment, geared towards collectors and those seeking a highly exclusive device that will forever be associated with a specific edition of the World Cup.
With this alliance between Google, Hublot and FIFA, Wear OS achieves global visibility in a unique setting And it shows that smartwatches can go far beyond mobile notifications, becoming professional tools for elite sports and, at the same time, luxury accessories for fans who want to experience every game with maximum intensity from their wrist.
