Aria for smartwatches brings gesture controls to your wrist-worn wearables
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The latest update to Android Wear does bring some gesture controls to the fledgling wearable operating system, but some clever fellows have made their own system which is compatible with not only Android Wear devices, but Pebbles as well, and uses only hand gestures. Aria for smartwatches uses a clip-on accessory that sits inside your watch band and monitors your hand movements and interprets them as gesture controls – I’m assuming there are some smarts in the device that track your muscle contractions and map these to movements like tapping your fingers together and flicking. Check out their video to see it in action:
It kind of looks a bit unwieldy at first, but when you think about it, it’s so much more intuitive to navigate a static user interface using subtle movements than need to activate the gyro like the latest Android Wear update requires you to. If this is your cup of tea, you’ll be happy to know that Aria will be starting a Kickstarter campaign on June 1st to fund its development – the bad news is that you will need to shell out $169 to get the Android Wear version (since its the developer version), but a much more reasonable $69 for the Pebble Time version. To keep an eye on news about Aria, you can subscribe for updates here.
What do you think about Aria for smartwatches? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
The post Aria for smartwatches brings gesture controls to your wrist-worn wearables appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Aria module will bring gesture control to Android Wear and Pebble Time
We’ve seen multiple different approaches to smartwatch design over the last few years, with some companies like Pebble taking the button control route, while platforms like Android Wear rely on touch and voice. Looking for a third option? Aria is an add-on module that you clip onto your Android Wear or Pebble Time watch, allowing you to control either of these platforms with various gestures.
So how does it work? The Aria measures the movement in your wrist, making it easy to control your watch for those moments when your other hand isn’t free such as when you are on the phone, drinking something, holding something — you get the idea. The only catch with the Aria is that it is yet another product that doesn’t exist yet, with a planned Kickstarter launch supposedly set for sometime in the next few weeks. Once it hits on Kickstarter, the Aria will be available in two versions, one for Android Wear and one for Pebble Time.
The Pebble Time model is a cheaper $69 unit that will connect directly to the Pebble Time with no need for its own battery or Bluetooth connection. For Android Wear owners, a more expensive $169 model will contain a battery, Bluetooth, and everything else it needs to work nicely with Android Wear. This model will also include a robust SDK and is aimed primarily at developers. This more expensive version could also theoretically be made to work with other watch platforms that support Bluetooth devices, including the Gear line.
We admit this is sort of a cool idea but at $169, at least for the ‘fuller featured’ unit that plays nicely with Android Wear, we have a feeling few people are actually going to bite on this one. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
LG G Watch R will receive Wi-Fi connectivity in Q3
Google released a giant update to Android Wear about a month ago, which just started rolling out to all Wear devices last Tuesday. Among many other notable features like gesture support and a more refined contacts/app menu, the update to Android Wear 5.1.1 also brings Wi-Fi support. This allows your Wear device to receive notifications as long as your phone and watch are both connected to a Wi-Fi network. The problem is, the only watches with built-in Wi-Fi support are the LG Watch Urbane, Motorola Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3 and Samsung Gear Live. We’ll soon be able to add one more device to that list, according to LG.
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In an official statement issued to Android World, LG is working on a maintenance update that brings Wi-Fi support to the G Watch R that will be released sometime in Q3. From LG:
The original LG G Watch was not designed with Wi-Fi in mind and will not have this capability even after the Android Wear update. LG G Watch R will require a maintenance release after the patch update to Android Wear-access Wi-Fi networks. LG engineers are preparing the patch now for availability in the third quarter.
This is certainly great news for folks who own a G Watch R, but it’s still unfortunate that LG didn’t include Wi-Fi support earlier. We’ll be sure to let you know when we hear more about the new update.
LG G Watch R to get Wi-Fi connectivity maintenance update in Q3 2015
The LG G Watch R will be receiving Wi-Fi connectivity in a future maintenance update, set to roll out in the third quarter. Loaded with Wi-Fi functionality, Android Wear 5.1.1 was expected to bring Wi-Fi connectivity to the LG G Watch R, however, LG didn’t include it in the update, despite hardware being there to support it.
LG in an official statement said that the G Watch R will be getting the Wi-Fi features in a maintenance update, set to launch in the third quarter. That could be anywhere between July 1 and September 30.
While the LG G Watch does not have the hardware to support Wi-Fi, the G Watch R does. However, it needs a little optimizing, as LG didn’t build the smartwatch with Wi-Fi in mind, thus the additional time it’ll take to get working Wi-Fi on the device.
LG wasn’t clear whether the maintenance update would be from them or if they’ll be waiting for another Google-issued Android Wear software upgrade. In the meantime, you can check out our review on the LG G Watch R.
Are you disappointed in the lack of Wi-Fi for the LG G Watch R? Let us know in the comments.
source: Android World
Come comment on this article: LG G Watch R to get Wi-Fi connectivity maintenance update in Q3 2015
Shazam finally adds support for Android Wear, brings music discovery and lyrics to your wrist
I have to say that I was a little miffed when Shazam added support for the Apple Watch at launch, but never bothered to do the same with Android Wear, even after it was available for several months. Finally Shazam has given some love to the Android faithful with the latest update to the app.
Now the next time you hear a song that you aren’t sure about, you don’t have to whip out your phone. With just a couple of taps on your Android Wear watch, Shazam will tell you the name of the song after the app listens to it for a few seconds through the microphone on the watch. What’s even cooler is that you will also get the lyrics of the song on your watch, which is pretty cool.
Any song matches will be added to your My Shazam, which you will only be able to access from your phone. You will also need your phone in order to connect to Spotify, Deezer, or rdio.
So the next time you’re at a party and you want to show off something cool, just hold your arm up and Shazam it.
If you already have Shazam on your phone, you only need to update the app to start enjoying the goodness on your wrist. We have download links below.
Come comment on this article: Shazam finally adds support for Android Wear, brings music discovery and lyrics to your wrist
LG G Watch and G Watch R getting Android Wear 5.1.1 OTA
Thanks to Android Police tipster Kevin, there is now official confirmation that Android Wear 5.1.1 is rolling out to the LG G Watch and G Watch R.
The update brings with it many new meaningful improvements. There are now more gestures for accessing apps and contacts, and heads-up notifications. Users can now even draw emojis on the screen. Android Wear 5.1.1 does come with Wi-Fi support, but unfortunately the two smartwatches don’t have it in this update.
LG’s G Watch just doesn’t have the hardware to support Wi-Fi. However, the G Watch R does, and its puzzling as to why it didn’t get in this update. Either way, we’ll probably see it show up somewhere down the line–hopefully sooner than later.
As with all updates, they roll out in stages. That said, there will only be a select few of you that see the update right away. As for everyone else, despite your G Watch saying its up to date, it’ll take a number of days or even weeks for it to get to you.
Do you have one of LG’s G Watches? Which one are you sporting? Let us know in the comments!
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: LG G Watch and G Watch R getting Android Wear 5.1.1 OTA
Deal: Last chance to enter for your chance to win your very own Huawei Watch
Back at MWC 2015, Huawei unveiled its first Android Wear-powered smartwatch. The Huawei Watch is arguably the most attractive Android Wear smartwatch to date, featuring a completely round display made of sapphire crystal. We went hands-on with the device a few months ago, and you can check that out by following this link. Although this awesome wearable isn’t available to the general public yet, wouldn’t it be nice to score one for free? Thanks to our friends at StackSocial, you can! But you better hurry – this giveaway isn’t going on for much longer!
Here’s how to enter: Simply head to the giveaway page and enter your email address in the space provided. That will score you one entry into the contest. If you’d like to enter more than once, you can do that, too. After entering your email address, share on Twitter for additional entries. The more your friends and followers enter, the more entries you receive. Make sure you enter with a valid email address so StackSocial can contact you if you win.
This giveaway ends at midnight tonight, so be sure to submit your entry before your time is up! Follow the link below to get started.
Editor’s Note: This deal is through StackCommerce, in partnership with AA Deals Store and other StackSocial partners — and not an exclusive Android Authority contest.
Head here to enter the giveaway
Android Wear 5.1.1 for the LG G Watch and LG G Watch R are rolling out from today
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We heard last week that Android Wear 5.1.1 was starting to be rolled out, first with the ASUS ZenWatch. Of course, the LG Watch Urbane was the first watch to have this latest build of Android Wear, but all other Android Wear devices have had to wait around patiently, until now. Next on the list of updates is Android Wear 5.1.1 for the LG G Watch and LG G Watch R, who has been confirmed to have started receiving the update as of today.
For those wondering why their Sony SmartWatch 3, Moto 360 or Samsung Gear Live have yet to get the update, this is because the LG G Watch, LG G Watch R and ASUS ZenWatch all do not possess Wi-Fi functionality (which the other devices do) meaning their version would have been easier to develop – we’re not expecting too much more of a delay before Android Wear 5.1.1 is rolled out to the rest of the devices. For those of you who do have a LG G Watch or LG G Watch R, if you aren’t seeing the update today, don’t panic – as is commonplace with Android updates, they are staged and could take a few days before they reach your device.
Do you have a LG G Watch or LG G Watch R and have the update? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.
Source: Android Police
The post Android Wear 5.1.1 for the LG G Watch and LG G Watch R are rolling out from today appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Android Wear 5.1.1 update now beginning to roll out to compatible devices
Google has just taken to its product forums to announce that Android Wear 5.1.1 is just now beginning to roll out to all Android Wear devices. We’ve already seen the 5.1.1 update on the LG Watch Urbane, but up until now, the only other watch that’s received the update is the Asus ZenWatch.
Read more: Android Wear vs Apple Watch software comparison
Announced about a month ago, Android Wear 5.1.1 brings a slew of new handy features to the wearable platform, such as the ability to set always-on applications, new gestures for scrolling through Google Now cards, and a much more refined contacts/app menu. One of the more exciting features present in this update is Wi-Fi support, allowing your Android Wear device to receive notifications, as long as your watch and your phone are both connected to a Wi-Fi network. Google says that Wi-Fi support will only be available on the Motorola Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3 and Samsung Gear Live.
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The update will be rolling out over the next few days and weeks, so it may be a little while before it makes its way to your device. Have you received Android Wear 5.1.1 yet? If so, let us know how you like it!
[Deal] Motorola bundling Moto G with Moto 360 for $299 until 4:00PM ET
Today, Motorola has a phone and smartwatch bundle that will save customers nearly $150. The Moto G (2014) and Moto 360 can be purchased together for $299 directly through Motorola. Simply add both items to your cart and the total will change to reflect the savings.
Better act fast, though, as the deal ends at 4:00PM ET.
Source: Motorola
Come comment on this article: [Deal] Motorola bundling Moto G with Moto 360 for $299 until 4:00PM ET
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