Google has rolled out a much-needed update for its Android Wear operating system for wearable devices.
Headlining the boost is a new breed of interactive watch faces, which bring wearers of devices like the Moto 360 more data without the need to enter an app.
For example, the Under Armour watch face now allows users to tap on their watch screen in order to flick between stats like steps, calories and distance.
Android Wear fans can now browse a selection of interactive watch faces in a special section of the Google Play Store.
The decision to bundle it as a baked-in app could well be down to the launch of an excellent equivalent form Microsoft, which launched Translate for Android Wear and Apple Watch earlier this month.
Next up is an Apple Watch-like feature that allows users to hook up with other device owners.
Just like the Digital Touch feature on Cupertino’s smartwatch, this Google-made watch face enables contacts to share doodles, photos, emojis and current activities.
Right now the feature, called Google Together, is only available for Android Wear users to enjoy with one other person, who must also be using that watch face.
On its official blog Google wrote: “Android Wear’s Together Watch Face lets two people stay close throughout the day by turning the entire watch face into a space for sharing. Once you’ve paired your watch face with a partner’s, you’ll be able to share things like photos and emoji, as well as your activities (like if you’re working out, on the phone, or stuck in traffic)”
See also: LG Watch Urbane review
The updates will be rolling out to all Android Wear watches in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, we’re expecting a host of new Android Wear devices from the likes of LG, Motorola and ASUS to arrive at the IFA 2015 tech show in just a couple of weeks.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
