Android Wear 2.0 detaches smartwatches from needing a phone
It's been pretty quiet on Google's Android Wear smartwatch front, but the silence has finally been broken.
Google announced Android Wear 2.0 at its annual I/O developer conference on Wednesday and it's chock full of new features. Most importantly, Android Wear no longer must be tethered to a smartphone.
You May Also Like
Launching this fall, Android Wear 2.0 apps will work even when your phone is not connected -- just connect right to Wi-Fi networks -- making Android Wear smartwatches more useful in any location.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Android Wear will be able to sync data from multiple apps. For example, you can sync the calories you've burned on a run from one app with the distance tracking from another app.
The new Fit Platform Activity Recognition API is pretty cool, too. Android Wear 2.0 automatically detects when you're walking or running or cycling and fires up the right app (like Strava for cycling) to start tracking.
Any app can also be turned into a complication widget and placed on the watch face.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
In addition, apps can be launched directly from the watch face. Google showed a video of a runner launching Spotify using this method.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
The new wearable OS also has new features like smart reply, better hand-writing recognition and even a QWERTY keyboard (works like Swype).
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Installing apps is also an easier affair on Android 2.0 -- you can connect right to Wi-Fi networks and download apps without needing a phone.
Android Wear smartwatches with built-in LTE such as LG's Watch Urbane LTE can also download data via cellular network so apps like Spotify will also work without needing a phone.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Last year, Google announced Android Wear had over 4,000 apps from a year ago.
In April, Google unveiled MODE bands, a new type of watch band with a "snap-and-go" mechanism designed to make it easier to switch up styles.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Topics Google Smartwatches
Raymond Wong is Mashable's Senior Tech Correspondent. He reviews gadgets and tech toys and analyzes the tech industry. Raymond's also a bit of a camera geek, gamer, and fine chocolate lover. Before arriving at Mashable, he was the Deputy Editor of NBC Universal's tech publication DVICE. His writing has appeared on G4TV, BGR, Yahoo and Ubergizmo, to name a few. You can follow Raymond on Twitter @raywongy or Instagram @sourlemons.
