Google’s annual I/O developer conference begins tomorrow, and while there are already rumours about what Google may be unveiling to its legion of developers, one thing is for sure: Android Wear devices will finally make their debuts. Companies such as LG, Motorola and even Samsung will be showing off their interpretations of Google’s new Android-based OS that is firmly revolved around wearables.
We already know that LG and Motorola have their own Android Wear devices. Both companies have touted their snazzy new devices since Google announced the platform three months ago. LG’s take is called the G Watch, a squarish device that closely resembles existing smartwatches available today. Motorola, on the other hand, went for a more timeless approach, where the Moto 360 looks just like any other high-end watch – but packed with power underneath.
In addition, at the Android Wear announcement Google also mentioned that other companies and chipmakers are well onboard the Android Wear train, with several set to announce their own Android Wear products. One surprising entry here is Samsung, who have been said to be ready to announce its Android Wear smartwatch this year. CNET now reports that we could actually be seeing it unveiled as early as tomorrow’s developer conference. The company is said to have tested Android Wear devices running on both its own Exynos chips as well as processors from Qualcomm – similar to its smartphone range. On top of that, attendees at the I/O – expected to be about 6000 people – is rumoured to each receive a unit of Samsung’s Android Wear device.
Samsung’s family of smartwatches this year have actually ditched Android in favour of its home-brewed Tizen platform, after acknowledging that Android is proving to resource-hungry to run on limited hardware. With Android Wear, Samsung is once again hedging its bets on Google just as it did with last year’s Galaxy Gear, one of the first Android-based smartwatches.
(Source: CNET)
