The Moto 360 smartwatch is getting better with WiFi, always-on apps
It’s taken nearly a month, but the round Moto 360 smartwatch is finally joining some other Android Wear devices with support for the latest software update. It’s rolling out to owners now, and adds features like the ability to connect directly to WiFi even if your phone is out of Bluetooth range, apps that stay visible until they’re dismissed (especially useful for maps and to-do lists) and the ability to draw your own emoji right on the screen. Wearers can even scroll through info on the screen without touching it, simply by rotating their wrists. We felt like the Moto 360 was the best Android Wear device you could get nine months ago, and this update may help it keep up with the pack at its reduced price — if it hits your wrist let us know how things are going.
https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLMKk4lSYoM-whlavGuI0SZov31Subdl1I
Welcome Wi-Fi connectivity to your #Moto360 and say hello to our newest update. Learn more: http://t.co/3CMxGBhdC8 pic.twitter.com/Gi0mCsvQIH
– Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) June 17, 2015
[Image credit: Bloomberg via Getty Images]
Filed under: Wearables, Mobile, Google, Lenovo
Source: Motorola, Wayne Piekarski (G+)
Android Wear update for the Moto 360 to Android 5.1.1 is rolling out from today
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Despite being the most popular of the Android Wear devices, the Motorola Moto 360 is the last to get its update to Android 5.1.1. Motorola admitted a few weeks ago that the update was delayed due to some performance issues, however that seems to have been dealt with after Google’s Wayne Piekarski confirmed that the Android Wear update for the Moto 360 to Android 5.1.1 is rolling out from today. Of course, with any update issued over-the-air, don’t expect your device to be updated straight away – it could take days or weeks for your smartwatch to be updated depending on the rate of the roll-out.
For those who aren’t sure what will be included in the Android 5.1.1 update, here’s a nice summary provided by Droid-life:
- Always-on screen, always-on apps: Most Android Wear watches include an always-on screen—no tapping, twisting or shaking required to see what time it is. Now we’re expanding this option to apps, so they can stay visible as long as you need them, instead of disappearing when you drop your arm. Perfect for running, navigating, or grocery shopping!
- New launcher & Wrist gestures: Now you can access your apps and contacts by simply swiping left from the watch face. Android Wear also now responds to specific navigation gestures so you can scroll between cards with a simple flick of the wrist. Learn more with our YouTube video.
- Draw emojis: In response to texts, instant messages, or emails, you can now send emojis to your contacts by drawing them on your watch screen. The watch will recognize the emoji you drew and send it via whichever messaging app you’re using. Give it a try by selecting “Draw emoji” whenever you’re replying to a message!
- Heads-up notifications: Incoming notifications like text messages will now appear on-screen even when you’re looking at something else on your watch, like directions or fitness stats, so you won’t miss anything important.
- Switching watches made easier: The Android Wear companion app now lets you pair your phone with more than one watch at a time – ideal for swapping watches to match your style.
- Change your font size: Want to see more text on your watch screen? Or less? You can now adjust the font size from your watch’s settings.
- Lock your watch’s screen: Want to lock your watch’s screen when you’re not wearing it? Turn on the new “Screen lock” feature from your watch’s settings. When enabled, if your watch detects you’re not wearing it (or it loses the connection to your phone) for a period of time, then your specified swipe pattern will be required to unlock it.
If you get the update, let us know in the comments below.
Source: Google+ via Droid-life
The post Android Wear update for the Moto 360 to Android 5.1.1 is rolling out from today appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Way before Apple Watch and Android Wear, there was Casio
Casio might be only lightly involving itself in the current boom in smartwatches and wearables, but the company still makes plenty of money from its G-Shock series and rugged outdoor watches. That’s not to say the company hasn’t experienced a combination of hits and misses: Casio would say it “pioneered” a huge array of features in its digital watches over the decades, many of which have returned — in a more appealing or functional form — in smartwatches today. I crammed GPS into a watch in 1999, lashed a rumble-pack to its early gaming watch and even made a waterproof watch that warns you’ve been out in the sun too long. And that’s just the beginning. Smartwatches may be capable of much more, but credit is due for how Casio was tackling these features decades (too) early. Niche? Yes. Fascinating? You bet.
Filed under: Wearables
Huawei delays launch of its SmartWatch to September-October in China
Huawei’s Watch was first unveiled at MWC back in March, and it is still one of the better-looking Android Wear devices around. There is no set shipping date for the Huawei Watch just yet, although it is available to pre-order in most countries. Not in China though, availability of the Huawei Watch has been delayed until at least September, although October hasn’t been ruled out if things don’t go to plan.
It all stems down to Google having left the Chinese market due to disagreements with the Chinese government. This means that Google’s Services won’t work in China, which has left Huawei with the task of adapting Android Wear to use its own services. Obviously this isn’t going to be a quick fix. As yet, Google hasn’t given any indication as to if and when it will re-enter the Chinese market.
Source: WantChinaTimes
Come comment on this article: Huawei delays launch of its SmartWatch to September-October in China
eBay’s Apple Watch app puts auctions on your wrist
If you’re an eBay veteran, you know that every moment of a late-stage auction counts. You don’t want to lose because you couldn’t grab your phone quickly enough to make a counter-bid, after all. Appropriately, eBay is rolling out an Apple Watch app to go with its Pebble and Samsung Gear efforts. The wearable software both gives you alerts for auctions and lets you make quick bids — you might prevent someone from sniping that antique auction without even reaching into your pocket. You can also reply to messages with voice dictation, and keep tabs on your top-level buying and selling activity. The update should hit the App Store today, so check it out if you always have to beat other buyers to the punch.
Filed under: Wearables, Internet
Via: TechCrunch
Source: eBay
Samsung reportedly offering mobile payments with new smartwatch
According to a report from Electronic Times, Samsung’s next smartwatch will include NFC, so mobile payments will be possible. One of Apple Watch’s best features is the ability to use the device for mobile payments using NFC, so should Samsung use Samsung Pay in the same way, a similar experience could be expected. While Samsung Pay’s big draw is the ability to pay at all credit card terminals instead of just NFC, just the ability to pay from a watch is still a great feature.
The current target release for Samsung’s new watch is the second half of the year, so we’ll see all the device has to offer in a few months.
Source: Reuters
Via: Droid Life
Come comment on this article: Samsung reportedly offering mobile payments with new smartwatch
Blocks customizable smartwatch shown off at Computex
Wouldn’t it be great if you could customize your smartwatch beyond just the apps and build materials? How awesome would it if you were able to choose hardware specifications, too? If you answered yes to these questions then Block Wearables might be for you.
Blocks is a modular watch that gives you ability to customize your watch. At Computex Taipei 2015, the head of variables at Qualcomm in collaboration with Block Wearable revealed the first ever modular smartwatch.
The wearable will be powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400 processor and will run a customisable version of Android Lollipop, which will be compatible with both Android and iOS. The first Block smartwatch will use a circular touchscreen; the “core module” will include processor, Bluetooth, Wi-fi, motion sensor, microphone and battery. The “core block” will be necessary to attach any other modular block and will be made available soon by the company.
“The wearables market is in an incredibly exciting phase and will see a diverse range of forms and functionalities. Their one commonality is that all will require ultra-low power intelligence to ensure battery life is attractive to end users. Blocks’ modular approach is a great example of the creativity and innovation that is possible on the ARM architecture.“
The things that makes this watch more unique is the swappable modular parts. The functionality of this watch can be increased by using the swappable modular parts such as e-ink display block, battery block, motion sensor block, location or GPS block, block for contact less payment, even a flashlight block and there are much more to choose.
In my opinion, the only thing holding the wearable industry back is battery life. With modular battery blocks, however, this problem conceivably goes away.
Block will be able to do all the basic function that a regular smartwatch does but should offer considerably more functionality. Blocks will be released in a crowdfunding campaign later this summer. You can Sign-up on their website to get an early bird discount on launch.
The post Blocks customizable smartwatch shown off at Computex appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Striiv Fusion: Minimalist smartwatch and fitness tracker
Everybody wants to live a happy and fulfilled life full of fun activities and good health but when you begin throwing in the stresses of work, chores, appointments and scheduling, taking care of yourself can get lost in the shuffle. By neglecting a routine workout and restful sleep, we’re only exacerbating the issue and heading toward a cycle of unfulfillment and depression. With a little bit of wearable tech on your side, you can break that cycle and start feeling alive!
The Striiv Fusion is a smartwatch crossed with an activity tracker that packs the best of both worlds into a single sleek product. It tracks your physical activity, monitors your sleep patterns, supports text/e-mail/phone notifications and is even water-resistant. Everything you could need, condensed into a minimal form factor that’s as comfortable as it is stylish. Striiv Fusion regularly sells for $100, but AndroidGuys readers get 39% off and can snag this lifestyle companion for only $59.99!
See more at deals.androidguys.com
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Android Wear 5.1.1 update for the Moto 360 delayed due to performance complications
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If you own a Moto 360 and you’ve been wondering where the Android Wear 5.1.1 update for the Moto 360 is, here’s your answer: Motorola has taken to its Twitter account to formally admit that the update for the Moto 360 is “not quite there yet”. The tweet seems to imply that there are some teething issues with the new update on Motorola’s hardware which the manufacturer is keen to resolve, with Google‘s help, before releasing it into the wild.
@davidcstevens_ Performance is not quite there yet. We’re working with Google to ensure the software works great on #Moto360. Thanks.
— Motorola Mobility (@Motorola) June 3, 2015
We can’t say we’re not disappointed, particularly seeing as most of the other Android Wear devices are getting their updates now. But at the same time, you have to applaud Motorola for not just rushing out the update with known issues and actually making it work first. Hopefully we’ll be seeing some progress before the end of the month.
What do you think about Motorola delaying the Android Wear 5.1.1 update for the Moto 360? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Twitter via Droid-life
The post Android Wear 5.1.1 update for the Moto 360 delayed due to performance complications appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
Here’s what our readers think of the Apple Watch
Long-awaited and eagerly anticipated by many, the Apple Watch finally arrived in April to fairly positive reviews. In our own write-up of Apple’s first wearable, we admired its construction, calling it the finest we’ve ever seen from a smartwatch and similar to “something made by Tag Heuer or Cartier.” In use, we found it “straightforward, if not always intuitive” with good notifications and comprehensive activity-tracking abilities. However, we had our reservations, noting that while it was the nicest smartwatch available, it wasn’t very revolutionary and as such: “It’s probably not compelling enough to buy one.” But many of you did buy one, and you let us know in your reviews whether you were amazed by its capabilities or merely found it acceptable for a first-generation product.
“Everyone that sees it seems to like it.” – LinusX
At first glance, the Apple Watch inspires admiration, with LinusX finding it “not as nerdy or embarrassing” as he originally thought, and more like “a futuristic object.” HornetStings actually went in the opposite direction on the timeline, calling the Apple Watch’s design retro, although still “beautifully crafted and highly stylish.” HighFlyer says it’s “far from being clunky or geeky” and fits snugly “like a high-class accessory.” But the Watch’s high style could still use a few improvements here and there, with nnieman wishing it had a circular display and that the device was “slightly lighter.” HornetStings feels that the added weight “may not be a problem” for men, but concedes that women “may notice it more.”
The squarish screen is a big part of what makes the Apple Watch so appealing, with HighFlyer finding its ability to display clear text and colorful photos outstanding. Thanks to the Watch’s “brilliant” display, jbanning finally understands “why OLED is so heralded as having such deep blacks.” And even though the screen on the Sport model is not a sapphire display like the higher-end versions, LinusX says it’s still “crisp and super high quality.”
“I can perform so many tasks with just a glance, a touch or gesture or two on my Apple Watch.” – HighFlyer
So our users were certainly enamored with the Watch’s style, but what about its substance? Well, LinusX had a laundry list of features he appreciated on the Apple Watch, finding the “text messaging, getting notifications, making AND taking phone calls (with Siri) on the watch to be extremely useful when driving, cooking, walking or at the gym.” Spenumatsa uses it as both a watch and a health tracker, and really enjoys the Watch’s prompts to stand up every hour, though it might be “an annoyance for some people.” HighFlyer found it very useful in a financial sense, using the Watch to monitor “worldwide reaction in real time of events on stock markets, look at my stock and derivative brokers accounts and make timely BUY/SELL/HOLD decisions.” And HornetSting found it very helpful in his work as a chef, making use of several cooking apps as well as the “customizable reminders to keep my kitchen staff up to date with orders.”
“In no way will this product ever take the place of a regular watch.” – mattliptak
However, as much as the Watch can do for them, users noted all the things it still couldn’t do, with mattliptak lamenting that he still had to keep his handset nearby and he “ended up relying on my phone more after glancing at the watch, receiving texts and alerts to emails.” Falleninsea feels a lot of potential in the Watch fell short, saying it “delivers a lot of things, but doesn’t really blow me away on any of them.” Nnieman notes that for everything the Watch is capable of, “it can’t do many of them better than my iPhone.” However, while LinusX concedes, “I can do less on the watch,” he adds that it does keep him “from wasting time on the phone.” And even nnieman says that while he wishes the Apple Watch had more features, he doesn’t know “exactly what else I would want it to do.”
While falleninsea might feel the Apple Watch is being sold “on the strength of its design more than on the stretch of its features” and mattliptak calls it “one of the worst Apple products I have ever owned,” many readers are still happy with their purchases. LinusX finds it “well worth it” and nnieman is looking forward to future updates and more app support. Ultimately, nnieman calls it a “very good first-gen product” and Jd777 says it’s “better than the first iPhone because it works well.”
That’s what readers have told us so far; share your own opinions of the Apple Watch by leaving a review on the product page here. Or tell us about other recent purchases like the Fitbit Surge or the Pebble Time and we may feature them in a future post.
AIVAnet 