Google felt a powerful commotion in the Force, as if millions of voices in Cupertino screamed in horror and suddenly fell silent. Apple Watch has competitors!
Google today announced: Android Wear operating system from now on fully compatible with iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, iPhone 5S, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus running iOS 8.2 or later. The official Android Wear app will be available on the App Store today.
Available features include:
- Alerts for phone calls, messages, receive notifications from any of your favorite apps. The display on Android Wear devices is always active, so you don’t have to flick your wrist to turn on the screen.
- Set fitness goals for yourself, monitor your daily and weekly activity. The watch automatically tracks walks and runs, as well as measures the pulse.
- Save time with a smart assistant: just say «ok Google» and ask any question or ask the watch to do something like create a note or calendar event.
It is important to note that Android Wear for iOS is not compatible with all current smartwatch models: in particular, Motorola 360 (eh!) or Samsung Gear will not work with iPhones. Support announced for LG Watch Urbane, upcoming Huawei Watch, Asus ZenWatch 2 and generally speaking any Android watchwhich will be released from today.
This is a great day for all of us, including Apple Watch owners. Now in Cupertino they know: they are not alone in their field, it’s time to «spin». Competition is always good. Hooray!