Android Wear Smartwatches

[Jorge-Vieira]

Lead By Motorola’s Moto 360, 720,000 Android Wear Smartwatches Were Shipped During 2014

Smartwatches based on Google (http://hothardware.com/tags/google)’s Android Wear (http://hothardware.com/tags/android-wear) platform didn’t start shipping until the latter half of 2014, but since that time over 720,000 units have been sold according to Canalys. Customers were initially only presented with lackluster products like the LG G Watch (http://hothardware.com/tags/lg-g-watch) and the Samsung Gear Live (http://hothardware.com/tags/gear-live), but those offerings were soon joined by more attractive smartwatches like the Motorola Moto 360 (http://hothardware.com/tags/moto-360), LG G Watch R (http://hothardware.com/tags/g-watch-r), Sony SmartWatch 3 (http://hothardware.com/tags/smartwatch-3), and the ASUS ZenWatch (http://hothardware.com/tags/zenwatch).
When it comes to a dominant player, the Moto 360 was the “clear leader” according to Canalys. Unfortunately, sales by vendor/model weren’t provided, so we don’t know exactly how badly the Moto 360 stomped its Android Wear competition. In addition, the stylish G Watch R sold “significantly better” than the G Watch, which looked to me like a rough prototype that was rushed out the door to suck in early adopters.


http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/32625/content/moto360.jpg

When taking the overall wearables market into account, Android Wear sales are just a drop in the bucket. A total of 4.6 million wearables were shipped during 2014, with Pebble (http://hothardware.com/tags/pebble) alone contributing over one million units to the figure (http://hothardware.com/news/pebble-ceo-over-one-million-smartwatches-sold-and-counting).
Looking forward, all eyes are on Apple and the Apple Watch (http://hothardware.com/tags/apple-watch), which is supposed to debut in April. Canalys expects that the wearables market will explode once Apple enters the fray and all players will have to step up their game to compete. “Apple made the right decisions with its WatchKit (http://hothardware.com/tags/watchkit) software development kit to maximize battery life for the platform, and the Apple Watch will offer leading energy efficiency,’ said Canalys Analyst Daniel Matte. “Android Wear will need to improve significantly in the future, and we believe it will do so.”
The Apple Watch will having a starting price of $349 and will rise dramatically from there. The gold Apple Watch Edition is expected to be priced into the thousands of dollars and will reportedly be locked in custom safes within Apple Retail Stores (http://hothardware.com/news/apple-stores-will-install-custom-safes-to-cut-down-on-apple-watch-theft) during business hours (and obviously during closing hours as well).



Noticia:
http://hothardware.com/news/lead-by-motorolas-moto-360-720000-android-wear-smartwatches-were-shipped-during-2014

[Jorge-Vieira]

Google smartwatch initiative tanks

http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/c6c691aaaf9e5822d838fbb8aac8b086_L.jpg (http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/c6c691aaaf9e5822d838fbb8aac8b086_XL.jpg)

Only Apple expects it to be great
It is starting to look like only Apple and its allies in the Tame Apple press think that smartwatches are a good idea.


Google's smartwatch initiative Android Wear is crawling along like one of the overweight joggers on the second day of their New Year's resolution.
Android Wear sold 15.6 percent of the total "smart wearable bands" market in 2014, according to market analysts at Canalys.
The company says it believes that out of 4.6 million devices sold last year, the six Android Wear models that hit the market together sold about 720,000 units.
The analysts included any wrist-worn devices capable of running applications made by a third party, which includes Pebble and Samsung's Tizen-powered watches.
Canalys said in a report it published that Android Wear's first few months of sales fell below expectations from the search giant.
Smartwatches were outsold by fitness bands three to one, the analysts claim. The simpler wristband devices, which focus on step-tracking and fitness, are sold by companies like Fitbit, Razer and Jawbone.
The bands lacked a screen and support for outside apps, but beat out smartwatches on battery life.
The analysts say that the problem is that Android Wear devices' brightly lit touchscreens and smartphone notifications that can quickly drain their small batteries.
While no one in their right mine would buy one now, all that is expected to change when Apple releases its watch and markets it to the point where people believe it is a good thing. Apple's watch has the advantage that it is so late that it is running on ideas tried by its rivals.
Google is expected to unveil Android Wear 2.0 this year, with improvements that will make Apple's watch look rubbish.
Unfortunately, it is not about technology, it is about convincing stupid people to pay over the odds of toys which they never use. Apple has the skills and the fanbase to do that.



Noticia:
http://www.fudzilla.com/news/37009-google-smartwatch-initiative-tanks

[Jorge-Vieira]

Android Wear Ups Style Quotient As Glitzy LG Watch Urbane Arrives Stateside For $349
While the Apple Watch is enjoying the spotlight, LG and others are quietly bringing Android-friendly smartwatches to the U.S. market. The latest competitor to the Apple Watch is the downright gorgeous LG Watch Urbane, which is available on the Google Store now.

The LG (http://hothardware.com/tags/lg) Watch Urbane starts at $349, which is the same price as the Apple Watch Sport (http://hothardware.com/reviews/apple-watch-review?page=4). But where the Sport has a “sport band” and an aluminum case, the Urbane sports a leather band and a steel body. Interestingly, the watch is designed to let you swap the included watch band with other standard watch bands.


image: http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/33486/content/LG-urbane.jpg
http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/33486/content/LG-urbane.jpg


You can wirelessly link the Urbane to compatible Android devices, like the Nexus 6 smartphone or Nexus 9 tablet to receive notifications, track steps, and play music, among other tasks. The watch can play offline music when you go for a run, provided you have Bluetooth headphones on. And, it’s somewhat water resistant. LG says that it can handle being dunked less than a meter into water, which is all the watch will need to survive typical accidents.

The watch runs Android Wear (http://hothardware.com/tags/android-wear) on a 1.2GHz processor and features both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The P-OLED watch face features Corning Gorilla Glass 3 and has a 320x320 resolution.

Of course, much of your watch-buying decision will be made by the phone you own, as smart watches are still high-tech accessories for smartphones in many ways. It’s good to see the field begin to expand, though.


Noticia:
http://hothardware.com/news/lgs-glitzy-watch-urbane-arrives-stateside-for-349#rFCWRMgsQWYmd7kL.99

[Jorge-Vieira]

Gesture Control Done Different: Deus Ex Technologies Making Tendon-Based Sensor

http://media.bestofmicro.com/W/Z/505331/gallery/aria-device_w_600.png (http://www.tomshardware.com/gallery/aria-device,0101-505331-0-2-12-1-png-.html)Smartwatches and wearables are fairly new technology, but they are gaining traction quickly. The founders of Deus Ex Technologies weren't satisfied with the current solutions for navigating a smartwatch interface. The company feels the screens of these devices are too small to be intuitive, and voice control didn't live up to the founders' expectations.
Deus Ex Technologies is in the process of developing Aria, a gesture control system that measures the movements of your tendons rather than some form of camera or electrical sensor to track your movements. The company believes this approach is more accurate and reliable than other methods. In addition, Deus Ex said its sensors are smaller and more comfortable, while working in situations that other approaches may not, such as sweaty or wet skin.
http://media.bestofmicro.com/X/1/505333/gallery/ARIA2_w_600.png (http://www.tomshardware.com/gallery/ARIA2,0101-505333-0-2-12-1-png-.html)Aria will come in two different versions. One is a clip that is designed for Android Wear devices. It slips under and clips to the strap of the watch. It connects using Bluetooth and uses battery power, which Deus Ex claimed will last 24 hours. It will be compatible with all of the available Android Wear watches.
There will also be a version for Pebble that comes in the form of a Smartstrap. This iteration uses a wired connection with the sensors embedded into the strap itself. http://media.bestofmicro.com/X/0/505332/gallery/ARIA_w_600.png (http://www.tomshardware.com/gallery/ARIA,0101-505332-0-2-12-1-png-.html)
Deus Ex said gestures can be used to answer or refuse phone calls, check and read email, and even control the camera app of your phone. The company has developed a gesture recognition algorithm that allows for completely custom gestures, and said you just need to calibrate the device to perform a desired task with any gesture. The software is open source, and a software development kit is available for the Android version.

<iframe width="550" height="310" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D4IrLj-ApDs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>



Deus Ex Aria

Deus Ex Technologies is currently running a Kickstarter campaign to fund the development of the product. The company is seeking $100,000 and has nearly hit the halfway mark in just over a day. The campaign wraps up on July 19, and if its successful, products are expected to be in backers' hands by June 2016.



Noticia:
http://www.tomshardware.com/news/aria-smartwatch-gesture-control,29413.html

[Jorge-Vieira]

Angry Birds, Hello Kitty Among 17 New Watch Faces For Android Wear


One of the neat things about smartwatches (http://hothardware.com/tags/smartwatches) is the ability to change the face on a whim. You can't do that with a regular watch, at least not without spending some hard earned cash. This is also a strength of Android Wear (http://hothardware.com/news/google-goes-allin-on-wearables-with-android-wear-check-it-out-on-the-motorola-moto-360-) -- not only are there a bunch of different smartwatches supporting the platform, there's over 1,500 downloadable watch faces to download for virtually any mood, including 17 new ones that were just added.

"Today, we’re showcasing 17 new watch faces from all over the globe—from the adorable characters of Angry Birds, Hello Kitty, and Moomin, to the elegant accessories of Cynthia Rowley, Lulu Frost, and Triwa, to eye-catching brands and artists like Bang & Olufsen, Muji, and Kevin Tong," Google stated in a blog post.

image: http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/34130/content/small_android_wear_watch_faces.jpg (http://hothardware.com/gallery/NewsItem/34130?image=big_android_wear_watch_faces.jpg&tag=popup)
http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/34130/content/small_android_wear_watch_faces.jpg



The new watch faces include Moods of Norway, Hello Kitty, Time Will Come, Rubik's, ANREALAGE, Angry Birds Aviator, George Frost, Terminator Genisys, Lulu Frost, Kevin Tong, TRIWA, Rowley Wristwear, BAng & Olufsen, Geox, Moomins, MUJI to Relax, and Gundam.


image: http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/34130/content/hello_kitty_android_wear.jpg
http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/34130/content/hello_kitty_android_wear.jpg


Sixteen of the 17 watch faces are free to download and use -- Gundam costs $0.99. Out of the new watch faces, Gundam is also one of four that's currently carrying a five star rating. And on the opposite end, Rubik's has the lowest rating with a sliver over 2 stars. Where's the love for 1980s culture!?
Read more at http://hothardware.com/news/angry-birds-hello-kitty-among-17-new-watch-faces-for-android-wear#fOaPCbFtrRR4rEYj.99



Noticia:
http://hothardware.com/news/angry-birds-hello-kitty-among-17-new-watch-faces-for-android-wear

[Jorge-Vieira]

You can now watch YouTube videos on your Android Wear smartwatch



http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2015-07-03-image-4.jpg


Android Wear comes with a pretty decent selection of useful features, but there was always one that was missing: the ability to play YouTube videos on a tiny, low-resolution, circular display on your wrist.
Now, thanks to a third-party application (http://www.phonearena.com/news/For-better-or-worse-you-can-now-play-YouTube-videos-on-your-Android-Wear-smartwatch_id71131) called Video for Android Wear & YouTube (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appfour.weartube&referrer=utm_source%3D42matters.com%26utm_medium%3 DWidgetWeb), you can watch all the videos you like directly on your smartwatch. The app allows you to search for YouTube videos either by voice or a tiny keyboard, and then play your selected video on your smartwatch's display along with play/pause and seek controls.
To get sound with the video playing on your smartwatch, you'll need to connect either a pair of Bluetooth headphones or a Bluetooth speaker, as most smartwatches don't come with an internal speaker or a headphone jack. The app also supports sending videos from your smartwatch to your Google Cast supporting devices.
If you want to try out this YouTube app for Android Wear devices, you can download it right now from the Google Play Stor (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.appfour.weartube&referrer=utm_source%3D42matters.com%26utm_medium%3 DWidgetWeb)e. The app's developer notes it may take a while to install considering the size of the app, but after a short wait you'll be able to jump right in to watching videos directly on your wrist.

<iframe width="616" height="346" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/o6gyPyBoPAk" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>




Noticia:
http://www.techspot.com/news/61231-you-can-now-watch-youtube-videos-android-wear.html

[Jorge-Vieira]

New features expected to hit Android Wear next month



http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/header/2015-07-13-image.jpg

Competition in the Smart Watch world is heating up as Google is reportedly bringing some new features to Android Wear as it takes on the Apple Watch. In addition to some new gestures, and completing the Wi-Fi transition for all watches, Android Wear is getting a new feature called Together for watch to watch communication.
Together will allow users to send messages, doodles, photos, stickers, emojis, and more between watches. It doesn't appear you'll be able to send your heartbeat however, like Apple's Digital Touch allows for, so you'll just have to live without that. The only caveat to the Together functionality is that uses would be limited to the same watch face. The information on this (http://phandroid.com/2015/07/12/exclusive-android-wear-interactive-watch-faces/) is apparently based on older data so it's possible that may change when the feature actually launches.
Other features coming include new interactive watch faces and some changes to the single tap gesture. This is technically a new gesture being added to Android Wear. While some developers have been using a work around to make a single tap work it has not been officially supported by Google. This means that bringing it about will mean some changes to other functionality. Going forward you'll be able to use a single tap to do things like cycle through aesthetics changes, toggle between options, or to delve deeper into information.
Finally, the update will bring Wi-Fi to the LG G Watch R, which was the only watch to not gain Wi-Fi capability with the 5.1.1 release. Though originally planned for the end of July the update is now expected to hit sometime in August.



Noticia:
http://www.techspot.com/news/61338-new-features-expected-hit-android-wear-next-month.html

[Jorge-Vieira]

Interactive Android Wear Watch Faces Are Finally Here

Up till now, watch faces on Android Wear have been static, showing simply the time, nothing more, nothing less. But all of that changes today, as Google has announced that interactive watch faces are finally making their way to its wearable platform in the form of the Android Wear 1.3 update.
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-20-at-11.03.12-PM-635x306.png
According to Google, the new interactive watch faces will add a whole bunch of variety to the overall user experience of Android Wear. For example, users can now interact with the watch face to launch apps, or even expand a certain bit of information, for instance, weather.
As of right now, there are a handful of interactive watch faces for Android Wear smartwatches. And to make things as simple as possible, Google has launched a brand new interactive watch faces section on the Play Store, making it easier for you to check out what’s on offer. Simply head over to this link (https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_30019d7_wear_interactive_watchfaces) for more information.
In its announcement post, Google has highlighted three new watch faces, one of which is made by Google itself. And unsurprisingly, Google’s offering takes heavy cues from Apple’s Digital Touch feature in the Apple Watch, allowing users to send small sketches to other users.
The three watch faces highlighted by Google are as follows:
Bitshttp://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Bits.gif





Choose the info you want at a glance—from weather, to unread mail, to upcoming meetings. Want to know this afternoon’s weather forecast? Just tap on the weather complication.
Under Armourhttp://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Under-Armour.gif

Stay motivated with fitness stats on your wrist. Tap the watch face to see your step count, calories burned, and distance.
Togetherhttp://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/TogetherWatchFace.gif

Android Wear’s Together Watch Face lets two people stay close throughout the day by turning the entire watch face into a space for sharing. Once you’ve paired your watch face with a partner’s, you’ll be able to share things like photos and emoji, as well as your activities (like if you’re working out, on the phone, or stuck in traffic).
According to Google, the Android Wear 1.3 update is slowly rolling out to everyone as we speak, and it can take more than a while for the update to reach everyone around the globe. The search engine giant suggests a period of few weeks before the update makes it to everyone, so hang in tight.
What do you think about today’s Android Wear 1.3 update? Do you believe Google has made a late entry into the world of custom watch faces? Or is it something which should’ve been there since day one?







Noticia:
http://wccftech.com/android-wear-interactive-watch-faces/#ixzz3jS8gToLo

[Jorge-Vieira]

How To Get Apple Watch Bubble UI On Android Wear
Want the Apple Watch bubble UI on your Android Wear smartwatch? Then here’s how you can get it.
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Screen-Shot-2015-08-21-at-6.27.10-PM-635x468.png
If there’s one thing about the Apple Watch that really tickles the fancy of users and non-users alike, then it is probably the bubble UI home screen. A place where all your apps live, it truly is an eye-candy when you glance at it for the first time, making the process of finding and launching apps a fun routine. But thanks to an app available on the Play Store, you can get that very same UI on your Android Wear smartwatch. But that’s not all, you’ll also get the same home launcher on your Android smartphone as well, so that’s two birds with one stone right there.
Apple Watch UI Right On Your Android Wear SmartwatchThe app in question is called ‘Bubble Cloud Widgets + Wear,’ and is thankfully a free to download affair – linked at the end of this post. Once installed, you’re presented with a set of customizable options, such as watch face layout designer, clock bubbles, weather bubbles and more.
There’s also a premium version of Bubble Cloud Widgets + Wear available, which will set you back $2.99, and comes with a handful of great features such as sending emails right from your wrist, the ability to place contacts in bubbles and more.
You can check out Bubble Cloud Widgets + Wear in action in the video which we have embedded below.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Daa2hsanBhY




There’s a long way Android Wear has to go before it can absolutely take the Apple Watch head-on. For example, the lack of apps can be a concern for a lot of users, and those that are available are somewhat mediocre at best, existing just for the sake of it. But with Google pushing out Android Wear updates to devices around the globe in a regular manner, it’s safe to say that the search engine giant is taking things as seriously as possible to make the platform a go-to choice for those who want a connected wearable device and happen to own an Android smartphone.
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/117-635x318.jpg
The core app is absolutely free to download, and you can grab it from this link (https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=dyna.logix.bookmarkbubbles). We recommend that you give the base version a try first, and if you feel that you need to go premium, only then part away with your cash. There’s a high chance that the basic features are more than enough to fulfill your needs.
Do let us know in the comments section below if you give Bubble Cloud Widgets + Wear a shot on your device.







Noticia:
http://wccftech.com/apple-watch-ui-on-android-wear/#ixzz3jTerCsRQ

[Jorge-Vieira]

Is Google Bringing Apple iPhone Support To Android Wear Smartwatches?

Remember when motherboards would only support CrossFire or SLI, but not both? It sucked for enthusiasts who didn't want to commit long-term to either camp, and there's a similar situation playing out in the fast growing wearables market (http://hothardware.com/news/apple-watch-puts-apple-within-striking-distance-of-fitbit-for-top-spot-in-wearables-market). However, there's reason to believe that Google's Android Wear (http://hothardware.com/tags/android-wear) platform will soon support iPhone devices.

If you head over to Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Huawei-Watch-Plated-Stainless-Warranty/dp/B013LKLIIS), you can pre-order the forthcoming Huawei Watch starting at $350 for a stainless steel version with a black suture leather strap. The Android Wear device sports a 1.4-inch full circle AMOLED display and scratch resistant sapphire glass, though what's most interesting about the forthcoming wearable is the OS support.


http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/34873/content/Huaei_Watch.jpg


"Compatible with most devices with an iOS 8.2 or Android 4.3 or later operating system," the product listing indicates.

According to The Verge and "a close source to the development team" that it spoke with, this is something that Google's been working on for at least the past several months. That being the case, it doesn't appear that supporting iOS 8.2 and above is a feature that Huawei somehow managed to make possible, but is part of a future version of Android Wear.

It will be interesting to see how Huawei's smartwatch does. Starting at $349, Huawei is in Apple Watch territory. It also offers a gold version for $800 -- pricey on its own, though far less expensive than the $10,000 to $17,000 Apple Watch Edition.






Noticia:
http://hothardware.com/news/is-google-bringing-apple-iphone-support-to-android-wear-smartwatches#ixzz3k8gXXOja

[Jorge-Vieira]

Official Android Wear Support Finally Arrives On iPhone!

Google is finally rolling out official Android Wear support for iPhone users. The new Android Wear app for iOS will be available shortly for download and is rolling out to everyone on the App Store.
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Android-Wear-iPhone-635x634.png
Google Finally Brings Android Wear Support To iPhoneUp until now, Android Wear was exclusive to devices running Google’s very own mobile operating system, with iOS being absolutely out of the question for reasons unknown. But lately, we started to hear murmurings in the tech space that Google might eventually bring Android Wear support to the iPhone in due course to compete with Apple Watch and of course, one-up Apple’s wearable in terms of cross-platform support as well. And today, the Big G has flipped the magical switch, with Android Wear making its debut on Cupertino’s mobile operating system for iPhone.
Google is rolling out the official Android Wear app on the App Store which will be required to pair your wearable with your iPhone. Interestingly, a whole host of different iPhone models are supported, and according to the official announcement post:

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist
While the above news sounds too good to be true, but there’s a small catch in the entire proceeding. For instance, initially the LG Watch Urbane is supported to work on the iPhone only, while every other Android Wear device will gain support in due course.

Today, Android Wear for iOS works with the LG Watch Urbane. All future Android Wear watches, including those from Huawei (pictured above), Asus, and Motorola will also support iOS, so stay tuned for more.




http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/LG-Watch-Urbane.jpg
And since Android Wear is running on a third-party platform, therefore users shouldn’t expect full-blown functionality. But keep one thing in mind though, all the necessary bits are there for users to digest. For example, you’ll get notifications for your favorite apps, follow your fitness routine right from your wrist, and of course, have ‘Ok Google’ right at your disposal for search queries.



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.”

While Android Wear might not give users the very same experience which Apple Watch does on the iPhone, but given the entry price point of Google’s wearable platform, it’s a go-to investment for many users out there. After all, not everyone is willing to toss in $350 for an Apple Watch, and that too for the 38mm model.
We’ll update this post as soon as the Android Wear app is available on the App Store so stay tuned for that.
Update: Android Wear app for iOS is now live on the App Store and you can download it from here (https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/android-wear/id986496028?mt=8).
http://cdn.wccftech.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/123-635x549.jpg







Noticia:
http://wccftech.com/official-android-wear-support-finally-arrives-iphone/#ixzz3kTJD7opC

[Sonas]

Ainda ontem estavamos a ver smartwatches no TS :) Ora bem!

Porquê pagar caro por um smartwatch se existe mais barato?

Começa a ser cada vez mais comum observar pessoas a utilizar smartwatches. A verdade é que osmartwatch é um dispositivo que vale a pena ter, pela funcionalidade e comodismo que acrescenta ao dia-a-dia, mas tem um preço que não é para todos… ou não era!Pagar por um smartwatch o preço que se paga por um smartphone está fora de questão para muitas pessoas, simplesmente por se tratar de um complemento ao smartphone e não de um dispositivo independente. Agora, com os smartwatches de baixo custo isso acabou.
http://pplware.sapo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smartwatches_lowcost_0-720x480.jpg (http://pplware.sapo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smartwatches_lowcost_0.jpg)


Os mais conhecidos smartwatches, como é o caso do Moto 360, LG G Watch ou Apple Watch, não são mais que uma extensão do smartphone, trazendo um conjunto de funcionalidades que passa a estar disponível no pulso em vez de ter de recorrer fisicamente ao smartphone. A maioria dos mais conceituadossmartwatches não traz qualquer funcionalidade exclusiva em relação ao smartphone e, por vezes, são encarados como um luxo.
Já os smartwatches de baixo custo (http://bit.ly/1G6G6pT) são capazes de servir não só como uma extensão do smartphone mas também como um dispositivo móvel totalmente independente, com armazenamento interno e comunicação GSM.
http://pplware.sapo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smartwatches_lowcost_1-720x406.jpg (http://pplware.sapo.pt/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/smartwatches_lowcost_1.jpg)


Noticia Completa (http://pplware.sapo.pt/gadgets/porque-pagar-caro-por-um-smartwatch-se-pode-pagar-pouco/)

[Jorge-Vieira]

Google brings cellular connectivity to Android Wear, first device on sale now


http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2015/11/2015-11-12-image-4.jpg


Google is finally getting around to adding LTE connectivity to Android Wear (http://officialandroid.blogspot.in/2015/11/cellular-support-comes-to-android-wear.html), allowing equipped wearables to connect to the Internet, place calls, send and receive texts and more without having to be in close proximity to a smartphone.
Up to this point, Android Wear (http://www.techspot.com/news/61842-major-android-wear-update-bring-interactive-watch-faces.html) smartwatches have had to use a companion smartphone connected via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi as a middleman to the outside world. Devices like the Samsung Gear S (http://www.techspot.com/news/58188-samsungs-3g-equipped-gear-s-smartwatch-to-land-in-the-us-this-fall.html) already offer 3G cellular connectivity but do so running Tizen.
The first Android Wear smartwatch with onboard LTE is the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE (http://www.lg.com/us/smart-watches/lg-W200-Opal-Blue-lg-watch-urbane-2nd-edition). The Snapdragon 400-powered wearable packs a circular 1.38-inch P-OLED display (480 x 480 resolution, 348 PPI), 768MB of RAM and 4GB of local eMMC storage. The watch is IP67 certified against dust and liquid and is brought to life by a “long-lasting” 570mAh battery.
http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2015/11/2015-11-12-image-5.jpg
Although the wearable can technically connect to a cellular network without your phone nearby, it can’t do so entirely on its own as both the watch and your phone must be connected to a cellular network simultaneously. It doesn’t have to be the same tower or anything; the point is, you can’t buy the watch and expect to use it as a phone without linking it to a phone. While not mentioned specifically, it likely relies on AT&T NumberSync (http://www.techspot.com/news/62428-att-numbersync-you-use-one-number-across-all.html) and Verizon Messages (http://www.verizonwireless.com/landingpages/verizon-messages/) to make the magic happen. The requirement isn't really a big deal as virtually anyone interested in buying a smartwatch already has a smartphone but it’s certainly worth clarifying.
http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2015/11/2015-11-12-image-6.jpg
The LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE is available online from AT&T and Verizon with pricing starting at $199.99 (from AT&T with a two-year service agreement).



Noticia:
http://www.techspot.com/news/62763-google-brings-cellular-connectivity-android-wear-first-device.html

[Jorge-Vieira]

Fossil’s Q Founder on sale

http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/fe9d9130558da0c5833479a2a6e38c29_L.jpg (http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/fe9d9130558da0c5833479a2a6e38c29_XL.jpg)

$295 for Android Wear

Fossil's first Android Ware smartwatch has gone on sale for $295.

Dubbed the Q Founder, the watch has come out of a research partnership with Intel and Google. As a result, it snubs the traditional Qualcomm chip for something more Atomic.
The watch is surprisingly flexible. Lots of software tweaks can be made using the Fossil Q app.
The largely circular watch has 4 GB of storage and a 400 mAh battery, it also has the usual fitness tracking sensors.
http://www.fudzilla.com/images/fossil-q-3-1000x667.jpg
It is one of the larger watches on the market – 71 grams, 46 mm wide, and 13 mm thick. A lot of the weight is due to the Q Founder offering IP67 water resistance.
Watchmakers have not had much luck getting into the smartwatch market so far. This is mostly because the Tame Apple Press tends to write them off quickly.Gizmodo, (http://gizmodo.com/the-q-founder-is-fossils-first-android-wear-watch-seem-1744619828)for example, lined up to say “there is nothing to see here” look at my iWatch. The main issue is that the Q Founder doesn’t do much more than what other Android Wear watches can do.
They sort of have a point, there is little between any of the watches in the market at the moment and there is no compelling reason to buy one.
Although traditional watchmakers like Fossil should be all over the technology, there is no overwhelming technology need for it. So far the only company which has made serious money from the gadgets has been Apple and even it could only flog it to hardcore Apple fanboys.



Noticia:
http://www.fudzilla.com/news/39334-fossil-s-q-founder-on-sale

[Jorge-Vieira]

Google Hits The Catwalk With Nine Designer Watch Faces For Android Wear


One advantage smartwatches (http://hothardware.com/tags/smartwatches) have over their dumb brethren is that when you grow tired of looking at the same timepiece, you can download new backgrounds to freshen things up. So it goes with Android Wear (http://hothardware.com/news/google-drops-tactical-nuke-announces-official-android-wear-support-for-iphones), the custom version of Android (http://hothardware.com/tags/android) built specifically for smartwatches, which just received nine more watch faces.

Each of the new watch faces is from an "iconic fashion" designer or brand, including Ted Baker, Melissa Joy Manning, Vivienne Tam, Nicole Miller, Y-3, Mango, Zoe Jordan, Harajuku Kawaii, and ASICS. They all bring a unique flair to the Android Wear world, and best of all, they're free to download.


image: http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/35993/content/Android_Wear_Watch_Faces.jpg
http://hothardware.com/ContentImages/NewsItem/35993/content/Android_Wear_Watch_Faces.jpg


These new watch faces are part of an ongoing effort to add a bit of uptown appeal to Android Wear. It's not just about attracting the geek crowd with an interest in technology, but also those who want to make a fashion statement. Along those lines, Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer (http://hothardware.com/news/tag-heuer-announces-1500-46mm-connected-android-wear-smartwatch-with-intel-power) and fashion brand Fossil released their first smartwatches powered by Android Wear last month.

As for the new watch faces, they're not just single coats of paint for your Android Wear smartwatch. Ted Baker's includes 10 designs to cycle through, while Vivienne Tam's features an Opera Girl who twirls, takes selfies, and more.

The designs are available now (https://play.google.com/store/apps/collection/promotion_3001892_wear_designer_watch_faces) for Android Wear owners in the Play Store. What about iPhone owners (http://hothardware.com/news/google-drops-tactical-nuke-announces-official-android-wear-support-for-iphones) running and Android Wear device? Hang tight, Google says the new watch faces will be available via the Android Wear app for iOS soon.



Noticia:
http://hothardware.com/news/google-hits-the-catwalk-with-nine-designer-watch-faces-for-android-wear#ublOTMrYIDx6Sa0v.99

[Jorge-Vieira]

Android wear gets Marshmallow

http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/80ac691c70ddd1868c111fb32db69407_L.jpg (http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/80ac691c70ddd1868c111fb32db69407_XL.jpg)

Appearing on a wrist next to you
Android wear has been going through many changes and the Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) is set to appear next.

It might take a few weeks to reach all watches, but Google has officially announced (http://officialandroid.blogspot.co.at/2016/02/android-wear-designed-for-your-wrist.html) that it will roll out the update to all of them.
The first and major update is that you can now navigate your watch with new gestures. You could scroll the content before but now you can expand a card, bring up your apps, or return home to your watch face with a push, lift or shake. The watch's wrist flick was not that precise or useful but let's hope that the new update things makes things better.
With the Android 6.0 for wear update you can send more voice messages. You can ask your watch some questions and get limited answers now, but the new update means you can use your voice to send messages from apps like Google Hangouts, Nextplus, Telegram, Viber, WeChat, and WhatsApp.
Just say “OK Google, Send a WhatsApp message to Sergey Brin: "Get your act together, let Elon make self-driving cars and make Android updates faster for all.”
Another new update is pitched at those who have a watch with a speaker and so far that is the Huawei Watch (349 Euro) and the ASUS ZenWatch 2 (49mm) (179 Euro), The best looking watch at a reasonable price LG Urbane unfortunately doesn't have a speaker.

http://www.fudzilla.com/images/stories/2016/February/LGUrbane_blog.jpg
You can take calls directly on the watch and listen audio/video messages with apps like Glide. You can't take them from the more popular Skype, Facebook messenger, Viber or even What's up. We guess that this has something to do with the fact Microsoft owns and mismanages a Skype and Facebook tries doing to the same for What's up and its own messenger.
The update supports Intel and Qualcomm-based watches and some new watches like the Casio Smart Outdoor Watch and Huawei Watch for women.
If you own an Android wear supporting watch you can only wait for your device and region to update. Who knows maybe Godot, the second coming, or a usuable jet pack will show up at the same time.



Noticia:
http://www.fudzilla.com/news/wearables/39880-android-wear-getting-the-marshmallow-treatment

[Jorge-Vieira]

Android Wear getting battery boost

http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/373f96185c75f18d466da99302fb4344_L.jpg (http://www.fudzilla.com/media/k2/items/cache/373f96185c75f18d466da99302fb4344_XL.jpg)

Android 6.0 gets Doze power

Android Wear watches have a rather modest battery life of one to two days. The upcoming Android Wear 6.0 might change that, as it includes Doze power management.

Motorola is leading the way. The second generation not-so-round Moto 360 watches have the Android 6.0 and Android Wear 1.4 version updated.
The update will become available for other wear devices, but it remains to be seen when will this happen. The update is supposed to extend the battery life on Android Wear powered devices. We saw a rather nice boost on the Nexus 9 after receiving its Marshmallow Android 6.0 update, and the boost prolongs the battery life when the device is in sleep mode.
The Android 6.0 for Android Wear devices started reaching watches six days ago. We have already written about new features including (http://www.fudzilla.com/news/wearables/39880-android-wear-getting-the-marshmallow-treatment) the voice and video chat support, new gestures and some new apps. The LG G watch R didn’t receive the update but many second generation Moto 360 users are reporting that the update is available for them.
One can assume that after Nexus phones and tablets, Android Wear, the Android TV will be next to receive a taste of Marshmallow.



Noticia:
http://www.fudzilla.com/news/wearables/39926-android-wear-to-get-significant-boost

[Jorge-Vieira]

Fossil reveals seven new wearables, including Android Wear and 'smarter analog' watches


http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2016/03/2016-03-16-image-5.jpg

Fossil will soon be seven devices closer to reaching its target of releasing 100 wearables this year. In addition to a pair of activity trackers, the company has unveiled (https://www.fossil.com/us/en/blog/design/introducing-q-wander-and-q-marshal.html) two Android Wear smartwatches and three “smarter analog watches.”
The two Android Wear watches, the Q Wander and the Q Marshal, offer a smaller, sleeker take on last year’s Q Founder (http://www.techspot.com/products/smartwatches/fossil-q-founder.127440/). The Q Wander seems to be the more feminine of the two, featuring a soft curving, sculpted wire lugs, and an interchangeable leather strap. The Q Marshal, according to Fossil, has a rugged case, a navy blue finish, and comes with either metal or “vintage-inspired” leather straps. Both devices will be available in 44mm and 46mm sizes.
http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2016/03/2016-03-16-image-6.jpg
The watches will charge wirelessly and, being Android Wear, come with always-on touchscreen displays, notifications, information, etc. The face designs can also be customized with exclusive Fossil designs.
Fossil’s Smarter Analog watches, which are set to be released this fall, expands the company’s Q Grant line. Similar to the Tag Heuer Connected (http://www.techspot.com/products/smartwatches/tag-heuer-connected.127470/) and the Breitling Exospace B55 (http://www.techspot.com/news/63195-breitling-becomes-latest-watchmaker-enter-smartwatch-market-8900.html), these devices combine the looks and style of a traditional analog timepiece with certain connectivity features found in modern smartwatches.
http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2016/03/2016-03-16-image-7.jpg
By connecting to an Android device or iPhone via Bluetooth, the smarter analog watches can alert you to incoming calls and notifications, as well as track your daily activities. They also feature automatic time zone updates, and can show a second time zone within the sub-eye on the analog dial.
Finally, Fossil is introducing its latest generation of activity trackers – the Q Motion. In addition to tracking activities, these devices offer call and text notifications using haptic feedback and LED lights. The water resistant, bracelet-like trackers don’t need charging, but you will have to replace their button cell batteries every six months.
http://www.techspot.com/images2/news/bigimage/2016/03/2016-03-16-image-8.jpg
The Q Marshal and Q Wander will be priced from $275 when released later this year; the Q Motion goes on sale this summer, with prices starting from $95. Prices for the smarter analog watches are not yet available.



Noticia:
http://www.techspot.com/news/64124-fossil-reveals-seven-new-wearables-including-android-wear.html