Google announces ‘Android Wear’ - watches runnning on Google Now

Although Apple's highly anticipated 'iWatch' was slated to be released, it seems Google has beaten them to the punch. Google has officially announced Android's submission into the wearables community with project 'Android Wear'. The developers behind the project aim to integrate a variety of features into the Android powered wearables which will heavily rely on the Google Now functionality.

Along with this announcement Google stated that they are working with a number of partners which will bring Android powered wearables to the market by the end of the year.

'Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung; chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm; and fashion brands like the Fossil Group to bring you watches powered by Android Wear later this year.'

Google released this on their blog site while making the announcement.

'Most of us are rarely without our smartphones in hand. These powerful super computers keep us connected to the world and the people we love. But we're only at the beginning; we’ve barely scratched the surface of what’s possible with mobile technology. That’s why we’re so excited about wearables—they understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word.'

They also released a bit of information about the Android Wear.

'Today we’re announcing Android Wear, a project that extends Android to wearables. And we’re starting with the most familiar wearable—watches. Going well beyond the mere act of just telling you the time, a range of new devices along with an expansive catalog of apps will give you:

Useful information when you need it most. Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you need them. The wide variety of Android applications means you’ll receive the latest posts and updates from your favorite social apps, chats from your preferred messaging apps, notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, and more. 

Straight answers to spoken questions. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game. Or say “Ok Google” to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm. 

The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk. 

Your key to a multi screen world. Android Wear lets you access and control other devices from your wrist. Just say “Ok Google” to fire up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favorite movie to your TV. There’s a lot of possibilities here so we’re eager to see what developers build. 

Google also released a developer preview that can be downloaded from developer.android.com/wear that allows developers to bring features from their existing Android apps to to smartwatches and other wearables that are running Android Wear. 

Google coupled this announcement with another another video

(Inputs via Google and AFP)