UPDATE: A Samsung representative reached out to TrustedReviews with the following statement: “Samsung has not made any announcement concerning Android Wear and we have not changed our commitment to any of our platforms.”
Original story continues below…
Samsung has reportedly confirmed that it’ll be making no more devices running Google’s Android Wear software.
According to Fast Company, a Samsung executive claimed all new smartwatches and fitness devices will continue to run the company’s own Tizen platform.
The unnamed executive reportedly cited that Tizen OS is “far more battery-efficient than Android wear,” while reiterating that the software is pervasive across other Samsung devices like smart TVs and refrigerators.
The Galaxy Gear Live received a credible 7/10 score from TrustedReviews back in 2014. It earned praise for an attractive design, vibrant screen and exchangeable straps. However, temperamental navigation and poor battery life let it down.
Apparently, since two years have passed since its launch, Samsung hasn’t felt compelled to follow up.
What this means for Android Wear remains to be seen.
See also: Android Wear 2.0 at Google I/O 2016
At Google I/O the company announced Android Wear 2.0, which it claims is the biggest update yet. It features more intuitive gesture-based controls, better integration of Material Design and, strangely, a keyboard.
Just yesterday, we brought word of leaked screenshots of the forthcoming Gear Fit 2, which looks like it’ll offer mapped routes.
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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.
