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Posts tagged ‘Android Wear’

31
Aug

Android Wear officially gains iOS support


LG-Watch-Urbane-23

If you own an iPhone but aren’t too keen on the Apple Watch, there will soon be many more wearable options out there for you. Google has just announced that Android Wear devices will soon be compatible with iOS.

The new Android Wear application for iOS will start rolling out today, which will be compatible with the iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, and 6 Plus running iOS 8.2 and above. With a compatible Android Wear watch, iOS users will be able to receive notifications, get access to Google Now cards, track fitness goals with Google Fit and more.


huawei watch 1Don’t miss: Huawei Watch up for pre-order: pricey, coming soon, potentially with iOS support113050

For right now, Android Wear for iOS only works with the LG Watch Urbane. Google says that all future Android Wear watches, such as the upcoming Huawei Watch, second-generation Motorola Moto 360 and the ASUS ZenWatch 2 will come with iOS support out of the box. According to The Verge, Google says it isn’t supporting older watches because it wants them all to work right away, without software updates.

The best of Android Wear

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We’ll be sure to let you know more specifics as we learn more. But for now, tell us – if you’re an iPhone user, are you excited to use Android Wear with your smartphone?

31
Aug

Android Wear now officially compatible with select iPhones


AndroidWearforiOS

It’s a big day in the world of Android Wear as the wearable platform has become compatible with select iOS smartphones. Starting from today, anyone with an iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+ can integrate with a smartwatch powered by Android Wear.

Indeed, the LG Watch Urbane, and all of the smartwatches on the horizon, will play nicely with iPhones. And, with this week expected to be a big one for Android Wear, it could be a fun one to watch for an iPhone user.

A quick reminder for those considering Android Wear, and those with iPhones, here are some of the benefits of the wearable platform.

  • Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.
  • Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.
  • Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”

Google

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The post Android Wear now officially compatible with select iPhones appeared first on AndroidGuys.

31
Aug

Smaller Motorola smartwatch is outed as the Moto 360 Sport, will arrive in November according to leak


Moto_360 2nd_Gen_LEak (1)

The leaks have arrived with increasing frequency, even Motorola tweeted (temporarily) about the 2015 version of the Moto 360, but now it seems like we finding out the details we really want to know. The seemingly back-in-the-game, Evan Blass (@evleaks), leaked an image of the Moto 360 (2015) a little while ago, and not to be outdone, @upleaks has leaked pictures and news about its smaller version. This smaller version is apparently called the Moto 360 Sport and is said to arrive in November.

Moto_360_Sport_Leak

The deviceseen in the image above is apparently the Moto 360 Sport, showing off information such as heart rate, timer, and distance achieved. Along with the rubber/plastic strap, it isn’t difficult to imagine that the Moto 360 Sport, as the name suggests, will target consumers with an active lifestyle.

If one looks at the bottom of the dial carefully, it would appear that both the Moto 360 (2015) and the Sport model carry on with the flat-tire design first seen on the original Moto 360. It’s a feature that you either don’t mind or hate with extreme prejudice.

One detail to ponder about is how to change the strap on the Moto 360 Sport, because the device in the image doesn’t have the usual 22mm pin as can be seen on the standard Moto 360 (2015). Could the Moto 360 Sport employ a similar solution to Sony’s SmartWatch 3 where the entire housing has to be changed when swapping straps because it’s a one-piece item?

The Moto 360 (2015) is said to be ‘coming in September’ while the Sport model could arrive in November. I’m sure we will see more leaks and details about the Moto 360 (2015) and Sport smartwatches in the coming days as we get closer to when IFA 2015 opens its doors in Berlin later this week.

 

Source: @upleaks 1, 2 (Twitter)

Come comment on this article: Smaller Motorola smartwatch is outed as the Moto 360 Sport, will arrive in November according to leak

31
Aug

Limited Edition LG Watch Urbane Luxe costs $1200, 23-karat gold with alligator leather band


LG Watch Urbane Luxe Side

Even though love may turn out to be but a gas, you needn’t worry about a heart of glass. LG, eager to get into the “premium smartwatch” craze, has partnered with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers to create the LG Watch Urbane Luxe. Made of 23-karat gold and featuring an exotic alligator leather strap with piano-gloss lacquer case, the pricey piece will retail for approximately $1200 when it hits in late October.

Only 500 units will be produced, and each of the digital timepieces will be engraved with its own unique serial number, thus truly making a one-of-a-kind proposition.

According to the press release, the watch will make use of a special deployment clasp that was invented by Louis Cartier in 1910 and make use of an “alligator band [that is] handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers.”

LG Watch Urbane Luxe Front

 

As if that’s not enough, the Korean conglomerate mentioned that “the 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches.” This should ideally indicate a product that is designed to last for a long time, at least with respect to durability.

Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications at LG Mobile, had the following to say of the new product:

Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself. This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.

The LG Watch Urbane Luxe, despite the new build material, still the same awesome product we reviewed earlier this year when it was only made of mere metal. Selected as an Editor’s Choice product of 2015, we praised the beautiful design, vibrant OLED screen, great battery life, luxury appeal, comfortably, and performance. Ironically the main fault was cited as the price, something that definitely will hold true of this Luxe-urious new variant.

The LG Watch Urbane comes with a 1.3-inch P-OLED circular display with a 320 x 320 resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 245 ppi. The display is protected by a Gorilla Glass 3 panel that should keep it free from scratches. Additionally it has a 1,2GHz Quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor and 512MB of RAM, along with a 410mAh battery. The watch also comes with an IP67 certification for resistance to dust and water.

LG Watch Urbane Luxe Case

This is definitely a new direction for LG’s wearable product propositions, perhaps something spurred on by the Apple Watch and TAG Heuer‘s offering, as well as recent indications that consumer interest in wearables as a whole is declining. Unfortunately the design -arguably- is not nearly as cool as that of the Korean only LTE variant, but them’s the breaks.

The smartwatch will be up for pre-order at www.REEDS.com later in September, or can directly at any REEDS Jewelers location. Those attending IFA this week can also see it at LG’s exhibit booth located in Hall 18.

Any thoughts on this premium product? Is LG right to partner for a gold watch, or should this have been an all-together new product? Leave us your comments!

Show Press Release

SEOUL, Aug. 31, 2015 In collaboration with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers, LG Electronics (LG) will introduce a premium limited edition smartwatch, LG Watch Urbane Luxe. This luxurious wearable was designed with a specific wearer in mind and is adorned in 23-karat gold and gorgeous alligator leather strap set in an exclusive piano-gloss lacquer case. Available starting at the end of October, the LG Watch Urbane Luxe will retail for approximately USD 1,200.

The LG Watch Urbane Luxe will sport a deployment clasp for a fitted, elegant look that isn’t bulky. Invented by Louis Cartier in 1910, the use of a deployment clasp makes this  timepiece even more exclusive and unique. The alligator band itself is handcrafted at the highest level of craftsmanship, undergoing 50 separate steps in its creation, handled lovingly by 30 experienced leatherworkers. The 23-karat gold used in the LG Watch Urbane Luxe is stronger and harder than the 24-karat gold used in jewelry and heavier than the 18-karat gold used in traditional luxury watches.

“Wearable devices shouldn’t be thought of as an extension of one’s smartphone but an extension of oneself,” said Chris Yie, vice president and head of marketing communications for LG Mobile Communications Company. “This blending of craftsmanship and technology is a natural evolution of the smartwatch, which is becoming more of a lifestyle accessory than a piece of hardware. We think this is a good direction for wearables and we want to encourage this transformation.”

Each of the 500 limited edition watches will be engraved with its own serial number for authenticity and available initially in the USA for pre-order at www.REEDS.com later this month or by visiting any REEDS Jewelers location. Visitors to IFA 2015 can see this beautiful work of art for themselves along with other mobile devices from LG in Hall 18 of Messe Berlin from September 4-9.

30
Aug

Here is a press render of the new Motorola Moto 360


motorola_moto_360_2015_leak_evan_blass_083015

On Twitter, Evan Blass shared share an alleged image of the upcoming Moto 360 (2015). The models in the image (seen above) are stainless steel with varying bands. The black stainless steel model on the left features a band of the same material while the model on the right has a brown leather band. Moto Maker will presumably be utilized once again to allow consumers to personalize their smartwatches.

Notice that the display size is different, too. This indicates that there will indeed be two unique models. Notice anything about the display? Well, it’s hard to tell if the ‘flat tire’ from last year’s Moto 360 is returning.

Motorola will not be alone if they decide to announce a new smartwatch this week. Plenty of companies are reportedly joining Huawei in showcasing new Android Wear devices at IFA 2015.

Source: Evan Blass (Twitter)

Come comment on this article: Here is a press render of the new Motorola Moto 360

30
Aug

Huawei Watch teaser highlights key qualities, notes IFA 2015 appearance


Huawei_Logo_01_TA_CES_2014

This week at IFA 2015, Huawei will be showcasing its Android Wear smartwatch. The Huawei Watch debuted at MWC 2015 but has yet to be sold anywhere in the world; however, that is likely to change in pretty considering the device briefly appeared on Amazon. So to generate additional buzz for the Huawei Watch, the company posted a teaser image before showcasing it on Wednesday.

huawei_watch_ifa_2015_elegance_teaser

ElegancePower. Those are the two words Huawei is using to describe the Huawei Watch. The elegance comes from the sleek, stainless steel design while the Huawei Watch’s display and processor bring in the power. Barring any surprise announcements, Huawei will have the best Android Wear smartwatch to date.

Source: Huawei Device (Twitter)

Come comment on this article: Huawei Watch teaser highlights key qualities, notes IFA 2015 appearance

29
Aug

Motorola silently stops selling the Moto 360, possibly hinting a successor is coming soon


moto_360_its_time

Looking to purchase the Moto 360 from Motorola’s site? You’ll have to look elsewhere since Motorola has silently halted sales of its smartwatch.

motorola_moto_360_support_page_082815

The product page for the Moto 360 on the company’s site is no longer redirects to Moto Maker for online ordering. Instead, clicking “Build yours” button leads to the Motorola Support page.

And take a look at the image below. Motorola removed a link from the Wearables section going to the Moto 360’s product page; therefore, the only way to reach that aforementioned location is by going directly to its link.

motorola_moto_360_missing_listing_82715

Next week, companies from around the world will head to Berlin for IFA 2015. Is Motorola preparing to launch a new smartwatch at the trade show for the world to see? A new Moto 360 would likely be joined by a slew of other Android Wear devices. We will know more in the coming days.

Come comment on this article: Motorola silently stops selling the Moto 360, possibly hinting a successor is coming soon

28
Aug

Download and install the Android Wear 1.3 OTA updates


Android Wear version 1.3 that adds a few new watchfaces that are interactive has started rolling out. It keeps Android at version 5.1.1 but the Android Wear part of the OS is starting to see these enhancements trickle through to devices.

If you don’t want to wait then you can manually download and install the OTA update for Android Wear 1.3 using the links below.

Android Wear 1.3 OTA Links

LG G Watch:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): platina LCA43 from LDZ22D

LG G Watch R:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
lenok LCA44B from LDZ22D

LG Watch Urbane:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
bass LCA44B from LDZ22D

Motorola Moto 360:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
metallica LCA44B from LDZ22O

Samsung Gear Live:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
sprat LCA43 from LDZ22J

Sony SmartWatch 3:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
tetra LCA43 from LDZ22D

Asus ZenWatch:
from 5.1.1 to 5.1.1 (Android Wear 1.3): 
anthias LCA43 from LDZ21T

Proceed with caution when pushing OTA updates via ADB to your device, but enjoy the new functionality and be sure to let us know what you think in the comments section below.

The post Download and install the Android Wear 1.3 OTA updates appeared first on AndroidGuys.

27
Aug

Both sizes of the new Moto 360 get snapped


All signs are saying that our long wait for the new Moto 360 is almost over.  We should be hearing all about it next week at IFA.  But just in case knowing that fact is still not enough, we have a couple photo leaks today that should help ease the pain.

To recall, past leaks have pointed at two variants of the new Moto 360, a large (Moto 360L) and a small (Moto 360S).  We have a snapshot of both today.

moto-360-large

Beginning with the 360L, the size is very reminiscent of the original Moto 360.  There are a few details to note.  First, you can tell the “flat tire” non-screen area is still present on the bottom.  There is a new band attachment mechanism, via lugs that come out of the circular chassis.  It can be assumed that this change will allow users to switch out the bands more easily.  Lastly, the power button has moved, up to a 2-o’clock position.  We don’t know if this was due to design requirements or if Moto figured this was a better spot for it.

Next up, we have a shot of the 360S, right next to the original 360 for a good size comparison.

moto-360-small

The size is much more watch-like (personally, I’ve always felt the original 360 was a tad too large).  We also see similar design language with the 360L, which adds credibility.

It is reasonable to expect that the 360S will be inferior spec-wise to the 360L, due to space restriction.  Leaks have suggested a 270mAh battery in the 360S and a 375mAh battery in the 360L.

It’s not much longer until we know the whole deal!  Do you like the small/large approach that Motorola is taking?

Sources: Imgur | HelloMotoHK

The post Both sizes of the new Moto 360 get snapped appeared first on AndroidGuys.

27
Aug

Moto 360 update with interactive watch faces is now rolling out


A couple of weeks ago, Google announced a new update to Android Wear that allows for interactive watch faces, Google Translate integration, and more. For those with a Moto 360, the wait is over as Motorola is rolling the update out to you currently.

BITSIf you want the update make sure your watch is at least at 80% battery, then you can go to Settings>About>System Updates. It should take about 15-20 minutes to update. If you don’t receive the update today, Motorola says you should get it in the next few days. For a list of interactive watch faces after you receive the update, head here.

The new features are outlined by Motorola:

“Interactive Watch Faces
Interactive watch faces make it easier to stay connected. With just a tap on your watch face, you can change its design, reveal more information, or even launch a specific app.

You can download interactive watch faces from Play Store. To set up, touch and hold on the current watch face, then scroll left/right to select the one you just downloaded. You can also select it from the Android Wear phone app.

Together Watch Face
Two Android Wear users can stay close throughout the day by turning their entire watch face into a space for sharing. Once you’ve paired your watch face with a partner’s, you’ll be able to share things like photos and emojis, and more.

To set up, touch and hold on the current watch face, then scroll left/right to find the Together watch face. You can also select it from the Android Wear phone app.

Google Translate for Wear
Translate a conversation into any of the 44 available languages, then flip your wrist to show the translation to someone else. When they respond in their own language, flip your wrist back, and you’ll see in a translation of what they’ve just said.

The watch must be connected to a phone with internet access via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

Weather Microapp
Shows current weather conditions and four-day forecast for your current location. To open the weather microapp, swipe left on the watch face, then scroll down and tap Weather.

Privacy improvement for notifications
Your notifications won’t show in full screen until the watch is oriented in a way that only you can see it. This feature prevents others from reading an incoming notification when your watch screen is pointed away from you.

Bug Fixes
A variety of system optimizations to improve performance and stability.”

Source: Motorola Global Customer Help

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