Looks like Google will be joining the Smartwatch craze a bit differently after the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo opting for Tizen instead. New reports from site TechnoBuffalo reveal Google has been busy developing an even more mobile version of its extremely successful Android operating system for smartwatches.
The amazing thing is that it’s supposedly coming in Spring, before Google I/O takes place. Google intends to release the platform for OEMs to incorporate into their watches and also release an SDK for developers to start making smartwatch apps of their own. Will it be more battery efficient like Tizen proved to be for Samsung? We’ll only know when it’s official.
Furthermore, @evleaks has mentioned that Google will be planning on partnering with Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 manufacturer LG Electronics, to release a smartwatch of their own during Google I/O to become the reference device for the new OS (Similar to the Nexus program). It is to be centered on delivering information through services like Google Now similar to Glass. The Wall Street Journal has also confirmed the reports of the collaboration and according to them:
Park Jong-seok, the chief of LG’s mobile unit, said the new smartwatch would have features that would be compatible with not only LG’s phones, but also those of other companies.
It will be interesting to see what other companies come out with this year as Apple is also rumored to release their own “iWatch”. The smartwatch market, although small in size, is currently dominated by Pebble and Samsung so the new entrants will have to face some serious competition.
[TechnoBuffalo / WSJ]
