Google has just released an updated version of its smartwatch operating system, Android Wear. The update comes just days before Apple starts shipping the highly anticipated Apple Watch. Coincidence?
The update brings new features like hands-free actions, always-on apps, WiFi support (!) and an emoji manager. The new additions will help Android Wear devices like the LG Watch Urbane and Moto 360 compete with the Apple Watch.
For example, WiFi support allows users to leave their phone at home when they go somewhere, and they will still receive notifications, send messages using Android Wear smartwatch apps – as long as they are connected to WiFi.
Unlike the Apple Watch, which can only connect to an iPhone over Wi-Fi if both devices are on the same network, Android Wear devices will be able to work together even if they are on different networks.
Meanwhile, Android Wear's new hands-free feature makes browsing easier, allowing users to flick their wrist outward to advance to the "next tab" of the stream, or inward to go to the "previous tab.".
Like the Apple Watch's "digital crown," this feature is designed to address the problem of scrolling through information on a tiny screen, where fingers are often too clumsy.
The always-on apps feature helps the user make certain apps – such as maps or shopping lists – remain visible on the SmartWatch screen in a low-power mode.
In a direct attack on the Apple Watch, which requires the user to move their wrist to see the time, Google said that Android Wear watches do not require "tapping, twisting, or any movement" to see what time it is.
Finally, the Android update lets users quickly reply to a friend's message by drawing an emoji on the watch's screen. Google will recognize the matching emoji and send it.
This means that users will no longer need to resort to voice commands, which may be inappropriate in public places or meetings.
The LG Watch Urbane will be the first watch to get the Android Wear update, but an over-the-air update will be released for all other Android Wear devices very soon, according to Google.
