Google's Android Wear 2.0 is officially out and wearable tech owners will definitely enjoy it. The all-new wearable software guarantees an enormous number of upgrades and improvements as the company unveils its first update since its initial release back in 2014. Google has introduced specially-designed versions of many popular apps for Android Wear 2.0, including the likes of AccuWeather, Uber, Runkeeper and more.
Android Wear 2.0 Release Date
If you are an Android wear user and you want to update your device to its 2.0 version, you may have to wait a few days because Google is rolling out the release now. When it is available, you will definitely get a notification to upgrade or you can just manually update through the Settings menu of your device. According to Express, the first devices to run the new Android Wear 2.0 were unveiled yesterday alongside the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style set to go on sale on February 10th.
Android Wear 2.0 New Features
"Based on what we've learned from users and developers, we're evolving the platform to improve key experiences on the watch, including watch faces, messaging, and fitness," said Google. Overall, there's a trend towards the Android Wear smartwatch being a device in its own right, with less reliance on a smartphone just for it to function fully and usefully. Here are the new features which will arrive with Android Wear 2.0.
According to PCAdvisor, unlike before, apps on Android Wear 2.0 can now access the internet directly over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or even mobile data. This means that it doesn't need your phone to be close or even switched on to fully function. Apps on the wearable can also receive push messages via Google Cloud Messaging. Apps such as Facebook Messenger, Google Hangouts, and WhatsApp are all included in this update and will also be covered by the Android Wear 2.0’s new Smart Reply feature.
Another update on the Android Wear 2.0 is its new UI. A redesigned interface for Android Wear 2.0 begins with a darker color palette. Bigger changes include a new notification designs the user can choose from and a new app launcher which takes note of the fact that almost all Android Wear smartwatches use a round screen. Google has also added Material Design for wearables which will make everything look more consistent and prettier alongside the rest of the Android ecosystem.
One more thing is that the Android Wear 2.0 succeeds in bringing the Google Assistant to your wrist, much like it brought it to the Google Pixel or Pixel XL. You'll be able to reply to messages and get directions simply by saying "OK Google" to the wearable itself. Another function that the Google Assistant can provide the users is a quicker way to write a reply to messages via dictation. In fact, sending a text or instant message is easier than ever with Android Wear 2.0, because users can tap on a notification to respond via typing, dictation or for the first time, drawing with their finger.
All users will be able to personalize their favorite or first choice watch face to always perform information and notifications from their favorite apps. This simply means you can get refreshes on your calendar meetings, fitness information or message alerts with just a look. Up to 8 different watch faces and variants can be customized in this way, meaning you’re never too far from the updates you need.
Devices Getting The Android Wear
As of February 8, the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style have Android Wear 2.0 exclusively. However, existing smartwatches will begin to get their own upgrades is starting on 15 February. Some of these devices confirmed for the update, these are Asus ZenWatch 2 & 3, Casio Smart Outdoor, Casio Pro, Fossil Q Founder, LG G Watch R, LG Watch Urbane & 2nd Edition LTEm, Michael Kors Smartwatches Moto 360, Nixon Mission, Polar M600 and TAG Heuer Connected.
