Overview
Wearable technologies seem to be at a bit of an impasse. We vaguely recognise that they're the way forward but haven't quite got the design down. Do we want to draw pictures in the air with a ring a la Minority Report, or are we actually going to embrace the clunky computer-faced chic of Google Glass? Presumably neither.
New technologies always start in the dorkiest way possible. But with Google's latest release of Android Wear — and, more specifically, a smartwatch that isn't at all ugly — the future of wearable technologies is looking a little more bright.
Android Wear is basically a wrist-sized version of Google's already released Now software. The service, which is surely putting actual personal assistants out of business, is a nifty little program that self-organises information from your email, calendar, maps and apps to create appropriately timed reminders and messages on your smartphone. Yes, it's got that familiar brand of Skynet creepiness, but it sure is helpful all the same.
As a smartwatch, this service appears a lot less intrusive. There won't be a million windows popping up on your phone and the miniaturised, clean aesthetic allows for brevity and concision. Also, as the video shows, you now have the opportunity to say "OK Google" into your wrist like a freakin' special agent.
The watches are set to be released by Motorola and LG sometime in the next few months so keep an ear out for the no-doubt exorbitant prices and stockists. A bit further down the track, the plan is to team up with fashion labels, starting with Fossil, to produce watches fitted with the operating system.
Via The Verge.