Google has teamed up with a host of third-party suppliers to bring more straps to the Android Wear platform.
The search engine giant is improving the customisability of the wearable range, likely in hopes of better competing with the fast-approaching Apple Watch.
Writing on a blog post, Google confirmed it had worked with E3 Supply Co., Worn & Wound, and Clockwork Synergy to expand strap choice for consumers.
It’s worth noting that while Android Wear exists on a wide range of wearable devices, the majority use industry standard 22m bands. This makes it much easier to find compatible straps for your device.
“Choose your favourite watch, then select a face or strap,” said Jeff Chang, Google’s Senior Product Manager for Android Wear.
He continued: “With Android Wear, you’re always free to wear what you want.”
The blog post also detailed the wide array of watch faces available on Android Wear, claiming the number now totalled north of one thousand.
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“We’ve expanded our hand-picked collection on Google Play. So try a watch face on for size, and change things up as often as you want.”
Related: Apple Watch vs Android Wear
The timing of the post is interesting because it comes just hours before the Apple Watch is available for pre-order.
Apple has long been keen to talk up the Apple Watch’s customisation options, with a choice of 38 variations to be available on day one.
Google likely wants to fend off potential consumer concerns that Android Wear doesn’t offer a similar level of customisability.
The Apple Watch will face off against a host of Android Wear watches when it launches tomorrow, including the Samsung Gear S, the Moto 360, the Asus ZenWatch, and the LG G Watch R.
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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.
