Google has delayed the launch of the latest version of its Android Wear wearables platform. When it was announced at Google I/O 2016 this summer, the company said that Android Wear 2.0 would be out sometime this fall. Google will instead extend the developer preview program into next year.
We’ve gotten tons of great feedback from the developer community about Android Wear 2.0––thank you! We’ve decided to continue the preview program into early 2017, at which point the first watches will receive Android Wear 2.0.
The announcement was made in parallel with the release of the third developer preview of Android Wear 2.0. Along with a number of bug fixes and enhancements, it also brings Google Play to the mobile platform. The new Play Store app will make it easier for users to install apps directly on their watches. Users will be able to use voice, keyboard, handwriting, and recommended queries to search for apps.
Among the other enhancements are improvements to complications, new UI components and APIs for developers and the new Smart Reply feature which provides contextually-aware replies to incoming messages.
At least one more Android Wear Developer Preview will be released before the final version launches early next year.
The delay may explain why a number of companies have decided to hold off releasing new Android Wear smartwatches this fall. Google was also quick to point out that new devices launched this fall by the likes of ASUS, Fossil and Nixon will be upgradeable to Android Wear 2.0 when the update is released next year.
Source : Android Developers Blog