LG has a WebOS smartwatch, but it has put it on display or even mentioned the wearable at CES 2015. In fact, nobody would have known about the smartwatch if it wasn’t used to summon a driverless Audi and unlock the doors.
While it was initially thought that the mystery smartwatch may have been running a customised version of Android Wear, Android Central has independently confirmed that it does indeed run on WebOS. The nameless device appears to have the usual messaging and health related apps, although it also includes a dialer and is able to connect directly to cellular networks. This would mean that it is capable of operating without the presence of a smartphone, would would clearly set it apart from existing wearables.
Other apps include a remote shutter, find my phone, and an Audi app for controlling various aspects of a paired vehicle. The Audi keynote also demonstrated that they smartwatch can be used to unlock vehicles, which would be an interesting piece of technology.
The Wall Street Journal is also reporting that LG has a WebOS smartwatch that will be launching in 2016, which would explain why LG has decided to avoid showcasing the device at Las Vegas this year. The use of WebOS is unusual for a wearable as Android Wear is the current popular flavour. LG representatives have said that they want to build an eco-system where they have more control, and it looks like the current release of a WebOS powered Smart TV is only the start of something from LG.
[Sources: The Verge, Android Central, Wall Street Journal]
