Google has just released an update of its operating system for SmartWatch, Android Wear. The update came just days before Apple launched the highly anticipated Apple Watch. Random?
The updated version brings new features such as hands-free actions, always-on εφαρμογές, υποστήριξη WiFi (!) και ένα διαχειριστή emoji. Οι νέες προσθήκες θα βοηθήσουν τις συσκευές Android Wear, όπως το LG Watch Urbane και το Moto 360 να ανταγωνιστούν το Apple Watch.
For example, WiFi support allows users να αφήσουν το τηλέφωνό τους στο σπίτι όταν πηγαίνουν κάπου, και θα εξακολουθούν να λαμβάνουν alerts, to send messages using Android Wear smartwatch apps – as long as they're connected to WiFi.
Unlike the Apple Watch, which can only connect to an iPhone via Wi-Fi, though the two devices are on the same network, Android Wear devices will be able to work together even if they are on different networks.
Meanwhile, the new feature of Android Wear, hands-free makes navigation easier, allowing users with a slight shake of their wrist to go to the "next tab" of the stream, or inward to go to "Previous tab".
Like the "digital crown" of the Apple Watch, this feature is designed to address the problem of scrolling information on a tiny screen, where the fingers are often very clumsy.
The always-on app feature helps the user make certain apps - such as maps or shopping lists - remain visible on the SmartWatch screen in a low power mode.
In a direct assault on Apple Watch, which requires the user to move his wrist to see the time, Google said that the Android Wear watches they do not require "tapping, twisting or some movement" to see what time it is.
Finally, updating Android lets users quickly reply to a friend message by painting an emoji on the clock screen. Google will recognize the emoji that fits and will send it.
This means that users will no longer need to use voice commands, which may be inappropriate in public places or meetings.
The LG Watch Urbane will be the first clock to get the Android Wear update, but an over-the-air update will roll out to all other Android Wear devices very soon, according to Google.
