San Francisco: Google has announced that it will soon be bringing Android, the dominant platform for smartphones, to wearable devices.The move allows developers to create apps for smartwatches, the first phase of the Android Wear platform.
The 'Android Wear' is an altered version of Google's popular software that powers more than one billion of the world's smartphones and tablets. The new software will run on an array of so-called smartwatches scheduled to be released later this year.
"We've barely scratched the surface of what's possible with mobile technology. That's why we're so excited about wearablesthey understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word,"said Sundar Pichai, Google Android Chief in a blog post.
It will make it easier to develop apps specifically for a watch or other wearable device. He said the platform would help facilitate apps that provide news and information, allow chats, monitor health and fitness or help in shopping. The system will enable voice-controlled apps and connect to a smartphone or other device.
"Android for wearables works with Android's rich notification system, many apps will already work well," highlighted Pichai .
"We're also already working with several consumer electronics manufacturers, including Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung; chip makers Broadcom, Imagination, Intel, Mediatek and Qualcomm; and fashion brands like the Fossil Group to bring you watches powered by Android Wear later this year." added Pichai.
According to the Market Researcher of Strategic Analytics, 'Global smartwatch sales are expected grow in 2014 by more than 500 per cent.'
