Update: Sony has backtracked on its earlier statement that it wouldn’t use Android Wear in its SmartWatch range.
Speaking out on Twitter, Sony has said it is not ruling out the possibility of using Android Wear in future devices.
“Lots of talk out there today. We’re focused on SmartWatch 2 and SmartBand right now, but door’s definitely not closed to AndroidWear – early days,” came the official Sony tweet.
This was later clarified with an official statement from Sony via email, suggesting that it will explore all opportunities before making a final decision.
“We’re
excited about the potential of Android Wear to extend the mobile OS experience
into wearable devices. While we are currently focused on our in-market wearable
offering, including SmartWatch 2, we continue to work closely with Google as a
key partner and continue to evaluate opportunities across a number of areas as
we extend our SmartWear Experience.”
Original Story: Sony has confirmed it will not use Google’s Android Wear OS for the next Sony SmartWatch model.
Following the launch of the Sony SmartWatch 2 with the custom Sony UI, many believed that Sony would introduce Google’s new wearable OS for the next iteration.
However, Ravi Nookala, head of Sony Mobile US has revealed to CNET that the company will not use Android Wear as the basis for its next smartwatch.
Instead the company will continue with its own Android-based smartwatch platform, which comes with its own library of apps.
“We’ve already invested time and resources on this platform, and we will continue in that direction,” said Nookala.
Sony is opting to carve its own smartwatch path, especially as it was one of the first companies ever to launch such a device, long before the original Samsung Galaxy Gear was unveiled.
Google announced that it has partnered with several manufacturers to launch smartwatches running the new Android Wear OS, specifically designed for wearables.
Asus, HTC, Samsung, MediaTek, Intel, Broadcom and Qualcomm have all been listed as Android Wear partners, but LG and Motorola were the first to announce their Android Wear devices.
The LG G Watch was the first out of the gate after the Google announcement, with LG revealing that the two companies have worked together since the initial development stages of the G Watch to ensure the best Android Wear integration.
Available some time in Q2 2014, the LG G Watch will be compatible with a “wide range of Android smartphones”.
The Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch was then announced, offering Android Wear via a round touchscreen made with “premium materials.”
“The quality of the craftsmanship and the design is incredibly important when it comes together for it to feel just distilled, elegant and beautiful,” said Motorola Wearables team member, Dickson Isaacs.
Samsung has opted to use the Tizen OS for its latest wearable range, including the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear Fit, rather than using Android.
Read more: What is Android Wear? A guide to Google’s smartwatch OS
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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.
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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.
