Google has announced it “Android Wear” project, aimed at bringing the Android OS to wearable devices. The project will initially be focused on watches, which will be available in a range of styles from manufacturers including Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola, and Samsung.
Official Google Blog, via MacRumors:
Most of us are rarely without our smartphones in hand. These powerful supercomputers keep us connected to the world and the people we love. But we’re only at the beginning; we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with mobile technology. That’s why we’re so excited about wearables—they understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word.
Android Wear watches will offer several functions in addition to time keeping. Apps will provide notifications, messages, and updates from social apps, and will of course include the Google Now capabilities which allow users to say “OK, Google,” and ask questions, set alarms, send messages, and more.
The devices created as part of the Android Wear initiative will provide health-related functions such as exercise goal reminders and fitness summaries. Apps that are designed for the devices will also provide real-time feedback, such as speed, distance, and elapsed time.
Google’s Android developer site now includes a new section focused on wearables. There, devs can grab a developer preview of the software, which will aid them in adapting current code for use with wearables powered by Android Wear.
LG is expected to launch a Android Wear enabled watch in the next quarter, and Motorola has announced its own Android Wear watch.
Google will partner with chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek, and Qualcomm.
Fashion watch brand Fossil is also onboard, and will introduce Android Wear powered watches in 2014.
