After delaying the release for months, Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) finally launched Android Wear 2.0, the new version of its smartwatch operating system. Along with the new OS, which incorporates advanced features like Google Assistant, new Google smartwatch hardware was announced. Made in partnership with LG, the new devices are premium quality, made to take full advantage of Android Wear 2.0 and ready to take on the Apple Watch.
Here’s what you need to know.
Google knows it didn’t exactly hit the ball out of the park when it first released its Android Wear smartwatch OS. Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) has dominated the smartwatch market since its release and despite an overall cooling for smartwatches in general, it looks as though Apple Watch absolutely destroyed the competition over Christmas.
That has to be especially galling to Google, considering the Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhones, while Android Wear smartwatches work with nearly 90% of the smartphones being sold today. And while Apple Watch remains locked into a clunky square watch face, Android Wear supports the traditional, round wristwatch look.
Android Wear 2.0 Key Features
Google was originally supposed to release Android Wear 2.0 last September, but decided to delay it to this spring. The official announcement landed yesterday afternoon on GOOGL’s blog.
What did Google engineers spend the extra time working on? It appears that they had several major goals: improving on the basic features most smartwatch owners use (such as fitness tracking), cutting the cord to a smartphone with LTE support, and making Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches as compatible as possible with the iPhone.
Key features Google is showing off include:
- Improved fitness tracking with Google Fit app
- LTE support for running apps and making voice calls directly from a smartwatch without requiring connection to a smartphone
- Google Assistant is integrated
- Customizable watch face components
- Google Play access direct from smartwatch
- Support for hardware control similar to Apple Watch digital crown
In particular, the ability for more apps to run independently on Android Wear 2.0 devices — with no need to be connected to a smartwatch — means iPhone users will get almost the same experience as Android phone owners. Assuming GOOGL can convince them to skip the Apple Watch.
New Google Smartwatch Is From LG
Rumors had been flying that alongside the new operating system, the first Google smartwatch would make an appearance. That made sense considering GOOGL’s push into branded hardware with the Google Pixel Phone and devices like Google Home and Google WiFi.
However, the two new smartwatches unveiled as part of the announcement are from LG, in collaboration with GOOGL.
The LG Watch Style is a relatively basic model. It lacks advanced capabilities like GPS (or even a heart rate monitor), but delivers smartwatch features in a slim, traditional wristwatch form factor. The round display is a 1.2-inch OLED screen at 360 x 360 pixel resolution and the watch has all-day battery life. It comes with a leather strap and for an extra $30, a Rose Gold color option.
The LG Watch Style is the bigger and more capable device, fully able to take full advantage of all Android Wear 2.0’s new features. The 1.38-inch P-OLED display has a crisp 480 x 480 pixel resolution. The round frame is stainless steel, with IP68 water resistance. There’s a heart rate monitor and GPS for fitness, Connectivity includes Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, LTE and NFC for Android Pay. Battery life is rated for all-day, but use of features like LTE and the heart rate monitor can significantly cut that.
They’re premium devices, designed to take on the Apple Watch and GOOGL’s involvement means they make the most of Android Wear 2.0. But they aren’t the official Google smartwatch … well see if that comes later.
Availability and Pricing
Google says Android Wear 2.0 will begin rolling out “in the coming weeks.” Most current Android Wear smartwatches should be eligible for the free update, but not all watches will support all features. The LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport will retail for $249 and $349 respectively and will go on sale in the U.S. starting Feb. 10.
As of this writing, Brad Moon did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.
