Google's Android Wear gains compatibility with Apple's iPhone

Apple Insider ^ | Monday, August 31, 2015, 08:53 am PT | By Neil Hughes

[Swordmaker]

Google on Monday announced Android Wear for iPhone, bringing support for the search giant's wearable device platform, as well as select devices, to Apple's best selling handset.

The new Android Wear for iOS will also bring Google into even more direct competition with the Apple Watch. Android Wear devices have been on the market for about a year longer than Apple's first-generation wearable, but thus far the Android Wear platform has failed to gain much traction.

Google's hoping that support for iOS will change that. Compatibility with Android Wear is available on the iPhone 5, iPhone 5c, iPhone 5s, iPhone 6, and iPhone 6 Plus, and it requires iOS 8.2 or later.

For now, Android Wear for iOS is compatible with the LG Watch Urbane. But all future Android Wear watches, including the recently announced Huawei Watch, will be compatible, including new devices from Asus and Motorola.

LG Watch Urbane

Key features of Android Wear for iOS, according to Google, include:

• 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."

Android Wear for iOS is not as tightly integrated with the platform as Apple's own watch, but its functionality, including notification support, is comparable to the capabilities of existing popular iOS-connected wearable devices, such as the Pebble Time, Fitbit Surge and Meta M1

[Swordmaker]

Google makes Android Wear iOS compatible. . . almost as many functions now work with the iPhone as Apple Watch, however, not as well integrated. — PING!

PING to ThunderSleeps for Android Ping list attention. . .

Correction to article implication:
Watch photo is Huawei Watch—Gold.
Apple as well as Android
Ping!

If you want on or off the Mac Ping List, Freepmail me.

[Swordmaker]

Here is the actual LG Watch Urbane:

LG’s latest wearable, the Urbane Watch — Wall Street Journal Tech Blogs, By Archibsld Preuschat, August 31, 2015.

LG Watch Urbane Luxe

South Korean consumer electronics maker LG Electronics Inc. has launched a new luxury smartwatch, tracking its chief competitor Apple Inc. The smartwatch is based on LG’s latest wearable, the Urbane Watch, and features a 23-carat gold case with an alligator leather strap. The 23-carat gold used in the “LG Watch Urbane Luxe” is stronger and harder than the 24-carat gold used in jewelry, and heavier than the 18-carat gold used in traditional luxury watches, the company says.

Apple also uses 18-carat gold for its luxury smartwatches, launched earlier this year. But LG not only beats Apple in terms of quality, but also in price. While the Apple Watch starts at $10,000 and can cost up to $17,000, LG’s luxury smartwatch will retail for “approximately $1,200” LG said Monday. Still, LG wants to ensure some exclusivity. Until the end of October, availability will be limited to 500 pieces only, LG said. The electronics firm is collaborating with U.S. retail jewelry company REEDS Jewelers. . . .

“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. The South Korean firm will showcase its luxury smartwatch during the IFA consumer electronics trade fair that starts in Berlin later this week.

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[newfreep]

LG makes the apple watch look like a plastic toy.

My LG-G3 still has a higher resolution screen (QuadHD) than the newest apple 6-series.

[ThunderSleeps]

Google's Android Wear ... iPhone compatible?! — ANDROID PING!
Android Ping! If you want on or off the Android Ping List, Freepmail me.