Last week Android Wear smartwatches disappeared from the Google Store, prompting (it turns out) unwarranted fears the platform was on the way out.
This week, the wearable OS, has a new feature that could contribute significantly to its long-term future.
The company has confirmed Android Wear 2.0 devices can now receive updates from the Google Play Store, rather than waiting an eternity for new firmware.
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In a Google+ post (which is pretty much used exclusively used by Google employees at this point), Google’s Hoi Lam said watch owners can expect more timely improvements.
He wrote (via Android Police): “With Android Wear 2.0, new features can be delivered through the Play Store, when the Android Wear app on your watch is updated. The aim is to publish more timely improvements between OTAs.”
The first update, launched last week, delivers third-party chat app support in Contacts as well as a tweak that should lessen the chances of entering the watch face picker by accident.
It also improves Play Store discoverability for new users and sneaks in some bug fixes.
Google says there’ll be more coming in the next few months.
It’s a curious time for the Android Wear platform.
A lot seemed to hinge on the launch of Android Wear 2.0, but after an early flurry of releases it’s gone pretty quiet on that front.
Google might have used the recent Made By Google event to reveal some new homegrown watches, but alas there wasn’t a much mention of hardware or software.
Are you an Android Wear user concerned for the future of the platform? Let us know @TrustedReviews on Twitter.
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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.
