Android Wear 2.0 Announced – Brings Google Assistant


Today, Google has finally unveiled the newest Android Wear OS, titling it as Android Wear 2.0. The new watch-focused OS is going to usher in lots of new features targeted towards more functionality and better usability of smart watches. The infamous Google Assistant which made its debut on the new Google Pixel smartphones is now making its way to Android Wear as well. Furthermore, the overall interface has been tweaked to feature better animations and now it makes use of more colors. Also, you will find Android Wear 2.0 to be better optimized and extending battery life on certain smartwatches. To find out more details about Android Wear 2.0 and its availability, read further.

Android Wear 2.0 Announced - Brings Google Assistant 2

Overall, with Android Wear 2.0, Google is focusing on refinements. It is building on top of what already has been achieved with its first ever Wear OS. In our opinion, the key change with this iteration is the independence of the smart watch. Google has introduced an on-watch Play Store and given the smartwatch more functionality even if it isn’t connected with a smartphone. We hope this proves as a good strategy to revamp the smartwatch and unlock its full potential.

Android Wear 2.0 – Features:

Android Wear 2.0 Announced - Brings Google Assistant 3
More personalized, helpful watch faces

You can now personalize your Android Wear always-on watch face with information and actions from your favorite apps. Simply glance at your wrist to check your next appointment, stock performance, progress on fitness goals, or whatever is important to you. A quick tap on your watch face lets you instantly order an Uber ride, start a workout, or get in touch with your significant other. Interested in different info throughout the day? Just swipe to switch your watch face as you go from the office to the gym to dinner with friends and home again.

Better ways to work out

Google Fit, the pre-installed fitness app on most Android Wear watches, now lets you track your pace, distance, calories burned and heart rate* as you’re walking, running or cycling. You can also measure weight-lifting reps, in addition to push-ups, sit-ups and squats. When you work out with a cellular-connected Android Wear watch, you can stay in touch with calls and messages, stream tunes from Google Play Music and still use your favorite apps right on your watch.

New ways to use apps

With Android Wear 2.0, you can choose which apps you want on your watch and download them directly from the new on-watch Google Play Store. If your watch has a cellular connection, you can make calls and use your watch apps no matter where your phone is. Whether you use an Android phone or iPhone, you’ll be able to use apps built for Android Wear 2.0, like AccuWeather, Android Pay*, Bring!, Foursquare, Google Fit, Google Messenger, Google Play Music, Lifesum, Robinhood, Runkeeper, Runtastic, Strava, Telegram, Uber and many more.

More ways to respond to messages

Now it’s easier than ever to read and respond to a message right from your watch. When you receive a message, you can expand the notification and tap to respond by dictating, typing or handwriting your answer, or drawing an emoji. Try it out on apps like Facebook Messenger, Glide, Google Messenger, Hangouts, Telegram or WhatsApp. Need to respond quickly and discreetly? Use Smart Reply, which instantly and intelligently suggests different responses based on the message you received.

The Google Assistant on your wrist

Android Wear 2.0 brings the Google Assistant to your wrist, so you can find answers and get things done—hands free. Ask your Google Assistant about the weather or remind yourself to bring an umbrella. Make a restaurant reservation or navigate to work. You can even update your shopping list right from your wrist. To ask for help, just hold down the power button on your watch or say “Ok Google.” The Google Assistant is available in English and German on Android Wear and will be available in other languages in the coming months.

Android Wear 2.0 Compatible Watches:

Google is saying that Android Wear 2.0 will be available to following smart watches in the upcoming weeks. In addition to these watches, Google has introduced LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport which come with Android Wear 2.0 out of the box.

  • 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
  • TAG Heuer Connected

Source

Taimur Akmal
Taimur Akmal

Devoted writer, enjoys developing code. Appreciates excellent food, exceptional coffee and great company. He is also into sublime design and nicely built cars.

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