Google and LG Working on Android Smart Watch Set for June Reveal
Google and LG are working on a smart watch that will likely be unveiled at the Google I/O developer conference in June, reports CNET. Google will reveal details on the device's operating system in advance of the hardware announcement, giving developers time to create apps for the device's retail launch.
Google's smart watch endeavor will mirror its Nexus line of mobile devices, with Google providing the software and a manufacturer partner designing the hardware. Google is said to be working with LG on the smart watch, continuing a partnership established with the development of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5. Similar to their work on the Nexus devices, Google will lead the marketing and sale of the smart watch, while LG will focus on developing the hardware.
Google's smart watch will be powered by a version of Android that will integrate the company's Google Now voice assistant and search feature. The Wall Street Journal also adds that Google's smart watch will be compatible with a variety of Android devices, setting it apart from other smart watches such as the Samsung Galaxy Gear and Gear 2.
Apple is rumored to be working on its own iWatch smart watch that could debut later this year. Recent reports suggest the device may include advanced sensors to track several health-related functions, such as blood glucose and hydration levels. Other rumors also suggest that Apple is developing Healthbook, an iOS 8 app that would utilize both the iPhone and iWatch for monitoring health statistics like weight, heart rate, calories and step counts.
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Top Rated Comments
None of these companies care about making something great. They just feel the need to make something that Apple is going to make.
Things I've learned from reading this thread:
1. Apple was first. Just because they haven't even officially confirmed they are working on a smart watch, let alone announced a release date, doesn't mean we don't all know it's true. All these other guys, they're just copying Apple. As always.
2. It doesn't even matter, because Apple's will be the best. The competition might as well just give up now.
You think Pebble was "encouraged" by Apple rumors of a smartwatch? Wow.
I bought one. I didn't think I would ever want or need a smart watch. Or even a watch as I rarely wear one. But through a "double" sale- I got a Pebble for about $90 so I impulse bought one.
Now that I have one- I love it. Why? Because at work I often have my phone at my desk - but now when I walk away - I get alerts to emails or if someone is calling me (I keep my ringer off.) At home - I have a toddler and when she's asleep - again - my phone is on mute. Further - I have almost never heard my phone or many times felt the vibration - but I can easily feel my wrist vibrate when a call comes in - and I can see who's calling without looking at the phone. To me - that was $90 well spent even without any other benefits.
I like the Pebble - it might not be complex or have a "screen of the future" - but it's the exact functionality I would want or need without being complicated or having too much thrown in just to be cool. THAT is why I believe it's successful.
While there may be an audience for the Dick Tracy watch of the "future" - I think most prefer simplicity over a ton of functions. Because - at the end of the day - most things you want to see or do are better on a larger screen.
Pebble is actually very good. I seen lots of people using it and it generally received lots of good praise from users and reviewers.
Why would you think anyone making smart watch are trying to gambling with Apple? So you think just because there is rumour that Apple is making smart watch so everyone just rushing into the market? This does not make any business sense.
I guess I'll have to wait and see, but this is one product category that really isn't appealing to me. It'll be the first Apple product where I've said "hmm, don't really care".
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I would argue that of all the released/proposed smart watches, Pebble makes the most interesting one. And, being first to market, they have a head start, a growing collection of supported apps, etc.