Aside from Google Fit, the search giant has also announced the availability of the first Android Wear devices at its I/O show in San Francisco. The first two smart watches users can buy are the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live (US-only links), which are now available from the Google Play Store for $229 and $199, respectively.
Android Wear supports a number of sensors, and different screen sizes and styles, including both square and circular.Samsung’s device has a slightly smaller screen (1.63- vs 1.65-inch of the LG watch), but that display uses AMOLED technology that should ensure longer battery life. Moreover, the screen Samsung is using can “handle” 320×320 pixels, while the G Watch can only “cope” with 280×280 pixels.
The G Watch has a bigger battery, 400 mAh vs Gear Live’s 300 mAh, but it lacks a heart rate monitor Samsung’s watch has. For that reason alone we at mHealth Spot prefer the Gear Live. Otherwise, we’re talking about two very similar devices, both relying on a smartphone to do its magic.
Android Wear
Google’s platform for smart watches is now ready for prime time, supporting a number of sensors and different screen sizes and styles, including both square and circular. Devices running Android Wear will rock a card-based UI that should make it easy to browse around stuff on one’s wrist.
Fitness is big with Android Wear, allowing users to rely on their watches to keep track of their activities. In addition, owners of these devices will also be able to get turn-by-turn directions without looking at their phone, and receive any kind of notifications mobile apps send to their wrists.
Aside from LG and Samsung, other handset makers also wowed to support Android Wear, most notably Motorola, which Moto 360 smart watch will rock a circular screen.
Another company that should be out with an Android Wear product this year is Taiwan-based ASUS that is reportedly working on a low-cost model. This unit, according to TechCrunch, will hit the market in September with a price tag of $99 – $149, making it available for many more consumers.
Competition
The modern smart watch market was ignited by Pebble which Kickstarter campaign raised, at that moment, the record amount of money.Google is by no means a single player in the modern smart watch market. The segment was ignited by Pebble which Kickstarter campaign raised, at that moment, the record amount of money. The company still holds a decent market share.
Samsung is also working with its own platform, Tizen, and has released two such smart watches earlier this year – Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo.
Finally, we have Apple, which iWatch keeps popping up in the media. It remains to be seen whether the Cupertino-based company can yet again revolutionize the market.