Google takes first step in IoT journey, launches Android Wear OS

It could be the first step by Google Inc., in the direction of the Internet of Things (IoT). The company today announced the initial availability of its Android Wear Operating System (OS), designed specifically for wearable technology such as smartwatches.

The first Android Wear release is aimed solely at smartwatches. Google expects to have Android-powered smartwatches on the market by the end of the year, and is said to be working with several electronics manufacturers, including Motorola and Samsung for this.

Making the launch announcement on its official blog, Google said the watch and its range of proposed devices along with an expansive catalogue of apps will give users:

  • Useful information when you need it most. Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you need them. The wide variety of Android applications means you’ll receive the latest posts and updates from your favorite social apps, chats from your preferred messaging apps, notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, and more.
  • Straight answers to spoken questions. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game. Or say “Ok Google” to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.
  • The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk.
  • Your key to a multiscreen world. Android Wear lets you access and control other devices from your wrist. Just say “Ok Google” to fire up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favorite movie to your TV. There’s a lot of possibilities here so we’re eager to see what developers build.

Many experts believe that it is just a matter of time before Google gets into the IoT and M2M arena, and that Google’s Android OS could dominate much more than smartphones in years to come. Google’s search, maps, apps, video and even its own fibre networks makes this forecast unavoidable.The only question was when, which has been answered. The next is – how fast?

Here’s the video on Androd Wear:

 

Image Credit: Google blog
Video Credit: YouTube

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