Google I/O finally wraps an Android around your wrist

Google I/O 2014 kicked off yesterday with the tech giant presenting the entire Android ecosystem where they are trying to interconnect everything with each other. In other terms, the next generation will witness a complete Android-smart home.

With Google announcing the presence of Android in a plethora of new segments such as Mobile, Tablet, Laptop, TV, Watch, Car, Cloud and a few others, most of them could be controlled right from your smartwatch. Using an Android-based wristwatch, you can simply control your television, take calls, read and send emails and messages, control your phone, check the weather, get directions and a lot more.

After the event, Google announced the launch and sale of the smart Android-based watches on the Play Store. Presently, there are two types of watches (square and round dials) from three manufacturers. While Samsung and LG have the square ones, Motorola will be manufacturing the round dial version.

Google also announced that the Motorola Moto 360 round smart Android-based watch will be available within a few months from now. The LG and Samsung watches can be ordered from the Play Store, beginning 26 June, 2014.

Samsung Gear Live

Samsung Gear Live gives you useful information exactly when you need it, like weather forecasts in the morning or messages as soon as they arrive. You can also say “OK Google” to ask questions and get things done by voice. Ask whether it will rain this weekend or send a message to a friend. Compatible phone required.

The Super AMOLED screen is bright, colourful and easily visible no matter where you are. Indoors, outdoors, bright or dark, the screen is always easy to use. The Samsung Gear Live display is always on, adjusting its colour and style so that you can always glance for the latest information, and with one simple touch you can wake the display to see more.

The Samsung Gear Live is IP67 water and dust resistant, so you can keep it on when you wash your hands, take a shower or do the gardening. The Samsung Gear Live gives you useful information when you need it most. Read messages, schedule reminders, see flight information and get turn-by-turn navigation. Just say “OK Google” to ask questions like how many calories there are in an avocado, what your schedule looks like today or what time it is in New York. You can also say “OK Google” to get stuff done, like sending text messages, scheduling meetings or taking notes.

Android Wear extends the Android platform to wearables. The Samsung Gear Live is compatible with all phones running Android 4.3, Jelly Bean or higher, and all of your favourite Android apps will display notifications on the Samsung Gear Live.

Specifications:

• OS: Android Wear
• Processor: 1.2GHz
• Display: 1.63-inch, 320x320 pixel Super AMOLED, 278 ppi
• Memory: 4GB storage, 512MB RAM
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope, Heart rate monitor
• Battery: 300 mAh, one day use
• Ports: USB (Pogo pin)
• Weight: 59g
• Dimensions: 37.9 x 56.4 x 8.9mm
• Colour: Black
• Requirements: Android Smartphone, v4.3 and higher
• Bundled accessories: USB cable, charging dock, travel adapter
• Price: Rs 15,900
• Availability: Coming soon

LG G Watch

A watch that gives you useful information at a glance and lets you get stuff done more easily by voice. Compatible phone required. The G Watch's display, slim design and long battery life make it remarkably comfortable to wear all day. You can customise your G Watch with any standard 22 mm (0.86 inch) watch strap. The watch never sleeps—it is always-on and the display allows you to check the time and see new information at a glance without touching it. The G Watch's battery will keep your watch going all day on a single charge. The G Watch is IP67 water and dust resistant too.

Android Wear organises your information, suggests what you’re going to need, and shows it to you before you even ask, such as weather forecasts in the morning and flight time and gate information before leaving for the airport. Just say “OK Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the football game. Say “OK Google” to get stuff done like sending a text, setting a reminder or taking a note. The G Watch can be used with any Smartphone running Android 4.3 and above.

Specifications:

• OS: Android Wear
• Processor: 1.2GHz
• Display: 1.65-inch, 280x280 pixels IPS LCD
• Memory: 4GB storage, 512MB RAM
• Connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0
• Sensors: Accelerometer, Compass, Gyroscope
• Battery: 400 mAh
• Ports: USB (Pogo pin)
• Weight: 63g
• Dimensions: 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95mm
• Colour: Black Titan / White Gold
• Requirements: Android Smartphone, v4.3 and higher
• Bundled accessories: USB cable, charging cradle, travel adapter
• Price: Rs 14,999
• Availability: Coming soon