Android Wear – Google’s OS for wearable tech

Google has announced Android Wear – a project to extend its popular mobile operating system to wearable technology.

In a blog post published on Tuesday, 18 March 2014, Google said that the project would start with “the most familiar wearable — watches.”

According to Google, a range of new devices with an expansive catalogue of apps will offer a number of features:

• Notifications and suggestions. These include the latest posts and updates from social apps, chats from messaging apps, and notifications from shopping, news and photography apps.
• Voice search and commands. Say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game. Or say “Ok Google” to issue commands such as calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation, or setting an alarm.
• Monitor health & fitness. Receive goal reminders and fitness summaries. Fitness apps can give real-time speed, distance, and time information for your run, cycle or walk.
• Control multiple screens. Use the “Ok Google” command keyword to fire up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favourite movie to your TV.

A developer preview of Android Wear is available from developer.android.com/wear, Google said.

Developers can download the preview from today to tailor their existing app notifications for watches powered by Android Wear, Google said.

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