Google is rolling out an update to its Android Wear platform that brings new features to existing (and upcoming) smartwatches. One of the biggest changes is support for WiFi, allowing you do more with your watch even when your smartphone’s not around. The update also adds support for always-on apps, allowing apps to stay visible […]
android wear
Turn the Moto 360 “flat tire” into a feature with a 99 cent watch face
The Moto 360 may have been the first Android Wear smartwatch to feature a round design… but the display doesn’t actually make use of the whole circle. The watch has a 320 x 290 pixel display, with a small black area at the bottom. Some folks have taken to calling this the “flat tire.” Find the […]
Lilbits (3-20-2015): Amazon Unlocked could be Prime for Android apps and games
Amazon Prime is a service that lets you pay an annual fee to get free 2-day shipping and access to thousands of streaming movies, TV shows, eBooks, songs, eBooks, and other content. Soon it could also include access to Android apps that would normally cost money. Or maybe Amazon plans to launch a standalone service […]
Is this a next-gen Moto 360 smartwatch?
The Motorola Moto 360 smartwatch was the first device with Android Wear software to feature a round watch face for a sort of classic watch design. It’s also customizable, thanks to the Moto Maker web app which lets you choose the finish, band, and default watch face. But soon there may be even more options. […]
DIY Smart Mirror superimposes Android Wear notifications on your reflection
Android Wear smartwatches are designed to let you view notifications (among other things) by glancing at your wrist without finding and unlocking your phone. But what if you’re in the middle of styling your hair and don’t have time to glance at your wrist? Enter Nickolas Nothom’s Smart Mirror project. He’s created a mirror that […]
Lilbits (3-10-2015): Google edition
Apple may have dominated the headlines yesterday thanks to the launch of the Apple Watch, the new MacBook, HBO NOW for Apple products, and refreshed MacBook Air and Macbook Pro models. But today belongs to Google Android. Folks are discovering new features in Android 5.1, releasing new apps for Android, and expanding sales of Android […]
Huawei Watch is a round, high-res Android Wear smartwatch
Huawei is launching its first smartwatch, and it’s cleverly called the Huawei Watch. Behind the simple name is a rather slick-looking watch with a 1.4 inch, 400 x 400 pixel AMOLED display, a stainless steel body, and Google’s Android Wear software. Huawei will offer the watch in gold, silver, or black colors and the company plans […]
LG Urbane LTE luxury smartwatch makes phone calls, supports mobile payments
LG is introducing a new smartwatch that can double as a phone. The LG G Watch Urbane LTE supports phone calls and text messages, works with LTE data, and supports push-to-talk for walkie-talkie style communication on supported networks. It also features an NFC chip and software that lets you use the watch for mobile payments. […]
Android Wear can display iPhone notifications (unofficially)
Google’s Android Wear software for smartwatches lets you use a device like the Motorola Moto 360, LG G Watch or Asus Zenwatch to view notifications from your phone, search the web, or interact with Android apps while your smartphone stays in your pocket (or bag, or couch cushions, or whatever). Officially you need an Android […]
LG G Watch Urbane is a luxury Android Wear smartwatch
LG’s next smartwatch will be the company’s first with an all-metal design. It’s called the LG G Watch Urbane, and it features a round watch face, a plastic OLED display, and Google’ Android Wear software. Under the hood the new watch is a lot like the company’s G Watch and G Watch R, but the […]