Android Wear finally comes to iOS; now use a Google smartwatch with your iPhone

Image: Android Central

Google has finally opened up the Android Wear platform and gone ahead and released an iOS app! That enables iPhone users to use a Google Android-powered smartwatch instead of having to go for the Apple Watch. I had earlier reported that Android was working on getting Android Wear to iOS.

If the coolest thing in technology over the past few years have been mobile, then the trend is definitely leaning towards wearables today. Specifically, smartwatches. However, given the inherent design and the way the product category is approached from a design point of view, it has ended up being restricted to the underlying smartphone platform.

That’s primarily due to the fact that smartwatches are essentially Bluetooth-extensions of your existing smartphone. Unless less ‘smart’ watches such as the Pebble get more computing power and become true smartwatches. Till then, smartwatch platforms will be a subset of the smartphone camps currently split between Apple’s iOS and Google’s Android.

Since Apple Watch is available in one form factor, the possibility of using Google Wear means that iPhone users can now use a circular dial smartwatch. The available product variety has just gone up. This positions the fragmented Google Wear range of products manufactured by several manufacturers at an advantage since they can now cater to both Android and iOS users.

In the official Google blog, David Singleton, Director of Engineering, Android Wear said, “When you wear something every day, you want to be sure it really works for you. That’s why Android Wear offers countless design choices, so you can find the watch that fits your style. Want a round watch with a more classic look? Feel like a new watch band? How about changing things up every day with watch faces from artists and designers? With Android Wear you can do all of that. And now, Android Wear watches work with iPhones.”

The post added:

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist:

1. Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.

1. Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.  

1. Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”

What I wonder is if Android users fascinated with the Apple Watch would ever get to use it!

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