Android Wear 2.0 Launches Alongside 2 New Apple Watch Competitors
Google has unveiled Android Wear 2.0. The company has also announced the first two new smartwatches to run on the software update, the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style.
Android 2.0
Google says Android 2.0 offers “more informative watch faces, better workouts, new ways to use apps, more ways to stay in touch and on-the-go help from the Google Assistant.”
As an Apple Watch owner, one of the new Android 2.0 features that caught my eye is the new on-watch Google Play Store, which allows you to download apps directly from the watch face. The addition of Google Assistant also shows promise.
From a design perspective, both the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style feature circular OLED displays compared to the Apple Watch’s rectangular design. Also worth noting: the LG screens are slightly different in size. The LG Watch Sport measures 1.38 inches, while the LG Watch Style is 1.20 inches.
As an Apple Watch owner, one of the new Android 2.0 features that caught my eye is the new on-watch Google Play Store, which allows you to download apps directly from the watch face.
The LG Watch Sport is described as Android Wear’s “most powerful watch yet.” It comes in titanium and dark blue with an elastomer strap. The Sport offers cellular connectivity, GPS, and NFC.
The LG Watch Style launches in three designs and finishes—silver, rose gold and titanium. Each offers compatibility with snap-and-swap 18mm leather and silicone bands. LG Watch Style is not available with cellular capabilities.
The new smartwatches arrive in the United States beginning Monday, Feb. 10. The LG Watch Style will be available at Best Buy and the Google Store while the LG Watch Sport will launch at AT&T, Verizon, and the Google Store.
These watches will be available at carriers and retailers across Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks.
Current watches getting Android Wear 2.0 include: ASUS ZenWatch 2 & 3, Casio Smart Outdoor Watch, Casio PRO TREK Smart, Fossil Q Founder, Fossil Q Marshal, Fossil Q Wander, Huawei Watch, LG Watch R, LG Watch Urbane & 2nd Edition LTE, Michael Kors Access Smartwatches, Moto 360 2nd Gen, Moto 360 for Women, Moto 360 Sport, New Balance RunIQ, Nixon Mission, Polar M600, and TAG Heuer Connected.
