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Android has been leading the way in smartwatches ever since the market was born back in 2013.
Google has since taken the route of open collaboration – partnering with other tech manufacturers and even watch makers to come up with a range of designs.
But now the first big step forward in the device’s software history has been announced, Android Wear 2.0 is coming this year.
With each of the speakers wearing a smartwatch, it was only right that Google address wearables during the I/O keynote.
As part of the update, two new features stand out that will make both those already with or without a smartwatch sit up and take notice.
Apps on a smartwatch will fully function without being linked to a phone for the first time, with users able to play music from the cloud without having to be connected to their smartphone.
The actual interface is being broadened too, with handwriting tool for replying to messages, and a keyboard to enable users to reply on their watch face has also introduced.
The Apple Watch’s arrival has caused some disruption and more attention to fall upon the wearables market, so Google has opted to go for increasing functionality and untethering the device from the phone as a way to hit back.
