Google confirms WiFi update for some Android Wear smartwatches

Google has announced an update to Android Wear that will give four smartwatches the ability to make WiFi connections. Furthermore, apps can now keep the screen on and a locking function will be available.

According to Google, the WiFi support will apply to the LG Watch Urbane, Moto 360, Sony Smartwatch 3 and the Samsung Gear Live. If WiFi is activated, the watch will establish a data connection with the internet if there is a loss of Bluetooth connection with the paired smartphone, provided there are WiFi networks nearby. According to Google, smartwatch and smartphone remain synchronized. However, WiFi networks that require login via a web page will not work with the new WiFi functionality in Android Wear.

Also new in Android Wear is the arrival of a lock function. This can automatically lock the smartwatch if the user does not wear the watch for a certain time or if the connection with the smartphone is lost. The smartwatch can be unlocked again by entering a swipe pattern.

App developers can now also build apps for Android Wear that always leave the screen on. According to Google, this is useful for navigation and fitness apps, for example. Furthermore, wearers of a smartwatch can draw emojis on the screen, for example when sending a message, and the size of the font used can be adjusted. Furthermore, ‘heads-up notifications’ can show text messages on top of other apps and Android Wear will receive a number of new gestures, such as ‘clicking through’ to the next card after tilting the arm. This should make one-handed operation easier. Finally, it is possible to manage multiple smartwatches with the Android Wear Companion App.

Google says it has now started rolling out the update for Android Wear. Users have to update the Android Wear app on their smartphone via the Play Store.