Android Wear is now almost a year old and is available on various smartwatch models, with more expected to incorporate it. Android Wear is a specially modified version of Android for wearables, focusing on sending different notifications based on certain conditions. Among its advantages is the ability to control it with gestures, minimizing the need for manual interaction.
As with software, updates arrive frequently, and Google has begun rolling out the Android Wear update just hours after Apple did the same with the software version for its smartwatch. This update includes two key features: Wi-Fi support and the ability for users to draw emojis.
The LG G Watch and LG G Watch R the first
Users of either of these two wearables are the first to receive the update, as revealed today . This update includes a number of features, among which are an always-on display in apps, a new launcher and gestures, emoji replies to messages, head-up notifications, Wi-Fi support, and a pattern unlock for accessing the watch.
It will take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks for the update to reach other smartwatches . This isn't surprising, as we're used to it from our experience with Android and new versions that sometimes seem like they'll never arrive.
A resounding update
Let's go over each of the new features of this version, numbered 5.1.1, for Android Wear, which is a major update for owners of a watch running this modified version of Android.
- Always-on screen in apps- Most Android Wear watches include an always-on display option, which means you don't need to flick or tap the screen to see what time it is. Now we are expanding this option to applications, so that they remain visible as long as it is needed, instead of disappearing once we forget about the clock. A perfect modification to run or even know the location through GPS.
- New launcher and wrist gestures- Your apps and contacts can now be accessed by swiping left from the watch face. Android Wear now also responds to various gestures as we indicated in these lines when Google released a well-explanatory video.
- Draw emojis: in response to texts, messages, or emails, you can now send emojis to contacts by drawing them on the clock screen. The wearable will recognize the emoji that was drawn and will send it through the messaging app that is being used.
- Heads-up notifications: Incoming notifications such as text messages will now appear on the screen even when looking at something else on the watch, be it addresses or data of the kilometers traveled, so that one does not miss anything important.
- Switch between clocks: The Android Wear companion app now allows you to pair your phone with more than one at the same time.
- Change the font size: If you want to see more text on the clock screen, you can adjust the font size from the settings.
- Lock the clock screen: if for whatever reason the user wants to lock the clock screen when the user is not wearing it, it can be activated from the settings with "Screen Lock". When active, if the watch detects that it is not on the wrist (or loses connection with the phone) for a period of time, then the unlock pattern will be needed to use it again.
- Wi-Fi support: one of the most interesting as it allows the watch under Wear to connect to the smartphone via the Internet. Although it should be mentioned that not all of them are compatible: LG Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3 and Samsung Gear Live.
Android Wear 5.1.1 is a big step forward, and hopefully it will give it more strength and identity so that more users will consider buying a wearable, and will be able to make a call from a Wi-Fi connection without having their phone nearby.