Google has officially launched Android Wear for iOS, bringing the option of Android based smartwatches to iPhone users. The release was announced on the official Google Blog and for those who have an iPhone running iOS 8.2 or higher, you now can sync your LG Watch Urbane with your iPhone and get all the features and functionality that you can on an Android phone. It’s a big move for Google and it gives iOS users an alternative to the AppleWatch.
Interestingly, the integration of Android Wear and iOS is currently only available on the LG Watch Urbane which means that users of other devices won’t be able to sync up with an iPhone. Google states in the post that further watches will support iOS.
In a nutshell, here are the big features of Android Wear for iOS
- 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.
Android Wear for iOS
- 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.”
With a wide range of next generation Android Wear devices expected this month at IFA, the timing is right for this app for iPhone users.
What makes this interesting is the direct competition that Google is going after Apple with in the wearables space. Clearly Apple wants and needs people to buy the Apple Watch and it is questionable of how many people are mixing platforms – iOS and Android Wear – but clearly Google thinks it is enough to develop the app.
