The updated Android Wear 2.0 will be launched with two flagship smartwatch devices in early 2017.
The two new watches launched by Google will be the first ones coming with the updated software version for Android Wear, 2.0. Google has confirmed the launch in a bid to convincing customers about wearable still being in demand.
Updated Platform
It is well known that the market for wearable watches has not picked up so well. However, Google seems to be shaking up the market for wearable smartwatches. It was rumored for some time that the updated Android Wear 2.0 would be released in the early part of 2017. However, Jeff Chang, the product manager of Android Wear has affirmed to The Verge, saying that the updated 2.0 version would be launched on two new smartwatches.
Not Pixel Smartwatches
However, the two flagship smartwatches on which the updated Android Wear 2.0 is to be launched are not actually Google watches. Google is sure to promote the wearables, but Jeff Chang states in his interview that the devices will come with the name of the manufacturer and not have the Google name on it.
Nexus and Pixel
Chang seems to be referring to Google’s deal with a mysterious manufacturer, similar to the Nexus phone program. In the latter program, Google offered the software and hardware manufacturers built the Nexus in the way Google wanted them to.
However, after the launch of Google Pixel smartphones that have been developed completely by Google, the company has retracted from its Nexus program. The Pixel phones are highly popular and the demand has been such that it has led to delay in delivery of Pixel devices that were pre ordered.
In House Smartwatches
If Google had indeed produced the new Android Wear 2.0 version smartwatches in house, no doubt they would be a big hit in the market. There have been rumors of such an in house smartwatch for some time now, so it is surprising that the new updated Android Wear 2.0 will be coming on non-Google wearables.
Risk to Reputation
However, there is a possibility of failure of the smartwatch, so if it is Google branded, this could affect the reputation of the company. Smartwatches are not very much the rage these days. In addition, it is possible that Google wants to give credit and attention to the actual manufacturer of the smartwatch. This might increase the sales and spur competition among other smartwatch manufacturers. This in turn will make Android Wear more popular. Instead of benefitting only Google, it will increase the sales of all smartwatch manufacturers.
Juicy Tidbits
Chang also let out some other juicy tidbits, implying that many other smartwear watches would follow the two flagship watches with Android Wear 2.0. In addition, the new devices would have Android Pay enabled on them and the mobile payment software could also be used on iOS devices. This will be very crucial for Google, as it increases the value of Android Wear. Other smartwatch options of Apple or Samsung already provide built in solutions for payment.