Categories: Performance

Google Announces Exciting Updates for Android Wear

Last week Google released its Android Wear 2.0 update, making the smartwatch even more user friendly than before. Let’s take a look at the most important changes coming to your Android Wear.

Standalone Apps

The most exciting change coming to Android Wear are standalone apps. Before this update, your smartwatch’s apps were connected to your smartphone. This meant that you needed to have your phone nearby to use an app on your watch, or if out of range, your phone had to be connected to a cellular network. Now, not only does your phone not have to be nearby, but it doesn’t even have to be turned on. Your Android Wear will operate independently of your phone by connecting to WiFi, a network, or Bluetooth.

Read More: How to Protect Your Facebook Messenger Account From Hackers

Because of this new independence, you will be able to access the Play Store directly on your Android Wear and download apps onto your wearable.

Google Assistant

You now have Google Assistant on your wrist. All you have to do is say “OK Google” to start a conversation with your intelligent, personal helper.

If you’re running errands and your hands are full, but you need to reply to a text, simply ask Assistant to respond for you. If you need to get to a restaurant, it can tell you directions, or even make reservations for you. So far, Assistant can talk in English and German, but will learn new languages over the launch period.

Complications

While the term doesn’t sound very positive, the addition of complications to Android Wear 2.0 is actually a great update. In the world of watches, a complication is any feature on the watch face other than the time. With Android Wear 2.0’s new capability, you can choose what you want to see on your smartwatch’s face — whether it’s the time and location of your next meeting, or stock prices, or even how you’re doing with your fitness regimen.

Google Fit

Updates to Google Fit include automatic activity recognition and rep counting. This means that your Android Wear will recognize when you start walking, running, or riding a bike, and will launch a tracking app to measure your workout. The rep counting update is a great tool for anyone who wants to track their weight training, push-ups, sit-ups, and more.

Notifications

Android Wear 2.0 also includes some updates to how notifications appear on the wearable. They will no longer take up the whole screen, and will instead show up as small icons that you have the option of expanding.

Android Wear 2.0 will not be available on every smartwatch, but will roll out gradually over several months to supported watches. Check out Android’s website to find out when you’ll be receiving the update.

PSafe Newsroom

The dfndr blog is an informative channel that presents exclusive content on security and privacy in the mobile and business world, with tips to keep users protected. Populated by a select group of expert reporters, the channel has a partnership with dfndr lab's security team. Together they bring you, first-notice news about attacks, scams, internet vulnerabilities, malware and everything affecting cybersecurity.

Share
Published by
PSafe Newsroom

Recent Posts

Vulnerabilities in Cyber Security: what they are and how to fix them?

Learn all about one of the hackers' favorite breach method and keep your company safe…

1 year ago

3 ways to recover deleted photos on Android

Have you ever wondered how to recover deleted photos on Android? After all, the lack…

1 year ago

What is worm?

Digital worms are among the most serious threats in the wild kingdom of the Internet.

2 years ago

Spoofing: What’s it all about?

Spoofing is a fairly sophisticated virtual scam that can fool even the most cautious and…

2 years ago

Careful With That QR Code! Five Steps For QR Code Safety

Five Steps to Reduce QR Code Risk! Step one? Read this article…

2 years ago

Pharming: Phishing’s Nasty Big Brother

Pharming is creating a new, dangerous brand of impostor syndrome. Check how to avoid pharming…

2 years ago