The Android Wear 2.0 will not be released this December as Google had scheduled. Due to complications with the software, the developers said they needed more time with the device. Google is going to hold two more platform tests during what is left of 2016
The company released the announcement on September 29th on the official developer’s blog. However, they also confirmed a couple of new features that are going to be implemented on the Android Wear 2.0 thanks to the delay.
One of these new features is the voice command. Also, the Android Wear will be able to connect with any smartphone via Wi-Fi or cellular network instead of just relying on Bluetooth.
The Android Wear 2.0 has problems with paid apps
Google explained on the blog the company wanted to get feedback from developers about how their apps are performing in the device. The primary objective of the Android Wear 2.0 is to be more independent from smartphones and function as a separate gadget.
To achieve this, Google created a dedicated Play Store for the Android Wear, and it will support third party apps and interfaces. They now allow users to fully personalize the functions and appearances of their watch’s screen.
However, the platform is having problems with some of the third party apps, especially the paid ones. They are not adequately running because the paid license is on the smartphone, and the developers scheduled the fourth test for December to deal with this problem.
Asus and Fossil are jumping on the smartwatch wagon
Last year, many competitors launched many devices that are similar to the Android Wear. The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition and the Huawei Watch are some examples of similar products that compete in the mid-range market.
Google has made their software compatible with them, but they seek to surpass their hardware with this new version of their Watch. Also, the company expressed its excitement for the new competitors that have announced its intentions to join the smart watch market.
So far Fossil, Asus, Polar and Nixon are the top names on the list of upcoming companies. Experts speculate that Google may offer their Android watch platform for these products as it has done in the past.
Source: Android Developer Blog