Given that we heard yesterday that Google had begun to push Android 4.4W.2 out to the LG G Watch yesterday, today’s announcement by Google that Android Wear is getting an update should not come as a surprise. But Google also announced new availability details for the Sony SmartWatch 3, the first Android Wear watch to include a GPS sensor, and even had some app catalog news.
As expected and previously announced, the latest version of Android Wear adds support for GPS sensors and store music locally so that you don’t need to rely on your phone anymore. All you need is some Bluetooth headphones. Google promises that the LG G Watch, Samsung Gear Live and Moto 360 will all be updated to include the new features “over the next few days.”
Whether you’re training for a marathon or you just ride your bike on weekends, Android Wear is great for tracking things like route, distance and speed. But before today, you had to keep your phone close at hand. Starting today Wear supports watches with GPS sensors, so you can enjoy these features regardless of where your phone’s at.
Likewise with music. You want to be able to turn up the volume on your favorite tunes, but the fewer devices the better when you’re jogging ‘round the bend. Now you can store music on your watch, listen to it via Bluetooth headphones, and leave your phone at home.
Google also announced that the Sony SmartWatch 3 is now available for pre-order in the U.S. through Verizon Wireless and is coming soon to Google Play (something we already knew).
On the app side, Google announced that there are now “tens of thousands of apps” now enhanced for Wear. To help making these easier to find, Google has created eight new app collections in Google Play. Among these are a fitness and health one and another for travel. Just keep in mind that these are not Android Wear specific.
Unfortunately, Android Wear does not allow you to manually trigger a check to see if a firmware update is available or not. Patience will be required for the notification to appear on your smartwatch.
Sources : Android Official Blog // Verizon Wireless