Reports on Monday suggested that the rumoured Google smartwatch will be based around the company’s existing Google Now application.
The 9to5 Google site brings scant, but interesting information, from its sources claiming that the personal assistant application will underpin the UI for a potential ‘Nexus watch.’
The app, which informs mobile users of their upcoming appointments, provides public transport and traffic information, sports scores, restaurant recommendations and more, has been a huge hit since launching as part of Android Jelly Bean.
It would appear to make a lot of sense for Google to pack Now functionality into a watch as it could offer the user a lot of the pertinent information currently offered by the smartphone app, without incumbents having to lift their smartphone out of their pockets.
Need a traffic update? Check the watch. Need to see the latest football score? Check the watch. Weather forecast? Check the watch. Need so see if you’re going to make that bus you’re charging across town for? Well, you know the drill by now…
The watch could also display all of the incoming calls, emails, social networking notifications and texts the user receives to their smartphones.
The idea of an overly complex smartwatch with a wide array of apps and a seemingly unnecessary camera module to bulk up the size and the price has been scoffed at by some observers, so perhaps Google’s impending offering will win favour by taking a more simplistic approach?
The 9to5 Google report also suggests that the search and mobile giant will focus on long battery life and improved Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity for its yet-to-be-announced wrist accoutrement.
There hasn’t been a huge amount of talk about a Google smartwatch in recent weeks, but reports have suggested it’ll be unleashed alongside the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat at an event scheduled before the end of the month.
Are you into the idea of Google Now on your wrist, rather than in your pocket? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Editorial independence
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.
