Google Releases Android Wear 5.1.1
Google’s one and only smartwatch platform has received a much needed update today and now it’s become a whole lot better.
Android Wear (running Android 5.1.1 Lollipop) introduces a bunch of new functionalities and a new and refined UI redesign. The first of those features is Always-on apps, which expands on the always on display functionality to allow the watch to continue displaying the current app in a low power mode, as shown above. Next is official support for WiFi networks which allows the watch to receive notifications any time and the same feature can also be used to find your phone if it’s not tethered to the watch.
Next is the UI redesign which lets you swipe right and left to view Google Now cards or even scroll through those notifications with a flick of a wrist. Furthermore, emojis can now be drawn and sent as a simple message response.
The update is rolling out to all Android Wear smartwatches including the Moto 360, LG G Watch/R/Urbane, ASUS ZenWatch and the others.