If Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) really does release an iWatch this fall, there’s sure to be another epic battle with Android watches. Today both Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) and LG Electronics Inc (KRX:066570) have launched their Android wear watches, so Apple’s playing catchup.
Android watch goes on sale
Today the LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live hit store shelves. Both smart watches run on Android Wear, so the software is essentially the same thing. Wired reports that the two big things Android Wear focuses on is switching app notifications to the watch and also placing Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOGL) (NASDAQ:GOOG)’s Now on the wearer’s wrist.
Google Now is seen as one of the best tools in Android Wear. Wired’s Mat Honan, who tried out both Android watches, said the digital personal assistant reminded him that it was time to leave for a particular appointment. He said Google Now is great to alerting the wearer about “things happening in the real world” based on their location and also the things they have done online.
Wearers can also give commands to Android watches by saying, “OK, Google.” They can dictate a note, which then appears in Google Keep. It’s also possible to do Google searches and set reminders for yourself using normal, everyday language. Other things wearers can do on the watches include checking their calendar, as well as sending emails, getting directions, and counting the number of steps they have taken in a day.
Apple to play catchup to Android Gear
Wall Street and the technology community have been buzzing with rumors about Apple’s iWatch. There have been reports that it will land in October, but meanwhile, Android has a head start of several months. So will Apple be able to catch up? First Post suggests that it can.
One of the reasons Apple fans have remained so loyal over the years is because of the iOS ecosystem. It’s very likely that the iWatch will build up Apple’s ecosystem even further. The device is expected to fully utilize the HealthKit API and Health app Apple showed off last month at WWDC. Apple could also move into the so-called “smart house” industry as well by connecting parts of the home to the iWatch remotely.
The Apple brand has also focused on making fashionable devices, and the trend will likely continue with the iWatch. A number of key hires suggests that fashion will play a key role in the device as well.
