The smartwatch revolution appears to have finally taken place after all. While the Apple Watch has not been as successful as many predicted, it has started the transition for many from “dumb-watch” to “smart-watch”. It is no longer just technology manufacturers like Samsung and Apple who are creating smartwatches, but some of the most famous watchmakers are getting in on the act. Tag Hauer, Mondaine, Casio and many others have jumped in on the smartwatch bandwagon. However, as yet, no-one has managed to rule the smartwatch world.
But Google hope to change all of that with their own line of Android Wear watches. Android Wear watches are already produced by Casio, Tag Hauer and other technology giants like Motorola and LG. But Google are reportedly producing two Android Wear watches under the Nexus brand. For anyone with an interest in smartwatches, this is bound to be a very exciting announcement indeed!
What To Expect From Google’s Android Wear Watches
This range of Google Android Wear watches are expected to be released after the next range of Nexus phones. It is likely that there will initially be two watches, an entry level and a cutting edge top-of-the-range watch.
The entry level watch will allow full access to Android, but it will not include access to mobile data GPS.
But the top-of-the-range model looks incredibly exciting as it is expected to come with full LTE mobile data access, GPS and a heart rate monitor.
If these reports are correct then the top-of-the-range Google Android Wear watches will be more advanced than the Apple Watch, which does not include mobile data access. While Google do not have the “street cred” that Apple enjoy, this watch may just manage to capture the imagination of people considering jumping on the smartwatch bandwagon.
Will Android Wear Watches Rule The Smartwatch World
In terms of market share Android Wear watches should have a huge advantage as the software can be (and is) installed on smartwatches from many different manufacturers. Of course, the evidence we have seen in the smartphone world shows that an open platform doesn’t always come out on top. The iPhone has been known as the top smartphone on the market, despite the wide range of Android devices. The “cool” factor of the iPhone has ensured that it has become the most desired handset, despite others arguably being better.
Whether or not these Google Android Wear watches might come out on top will depend entirely on whether Google can put together watches which have desirability in both form and function. The two watches appear to be quite different in design with the top-of-the-range watch being large and thick with a dark grey finish (and possibly other colours). The entry level watch is likely to be a smaller, sports watch with a style similar to the round Pebble Time watch.
There have been no pictures released yet, but from the sound of things they may be able to compete with the Apple Watch at least in functionality. It is also expected that, like Nexus phones, these watches will come with features exclusive to the Google Apple Watch. The biggest issue is whether they are able to do what Apple could not, find the “why” for the smartwatch. As was found in our post about people ditching the Apple Watch, there is no clear reason why someone should have a smartwatch.
If Google can ensure that Android Wear watches rule the smartwatch world then they need to find that killer reason why people should buy a smartwatch. If Google can find the answer to that question then, yes, Android Wear watches may just rule the smartwatch world.
