Google integrates Play Store in third preview version Android Wear 2.0

Google has released a third preview version of Android Wear 2.0. This release includes the Play Store, allowing users to install apps themselves. The final release of Android Wear 2.0 has been postponed to early 2017.

With the new software, smart watch owners can search for recommended applications, or use the search function to pull in a specific application. It is also possible to update or uninstall apps via the watch. Installing an associated app on the smartphone is no longer necessary; users can choose whether they also want to install the app on the device, or whether they only want the smartwatch version. When publishing their applications, developers can indicate whether their app is intended for smartphones or smartwatches.

To use the Play Store, a connection with a smartphone is still necessary. Also, the Play Store will initially not work on smartwatches paired with an iOS device. Google does promise that iOS users from Android Wear 2.0 can install a custom watchface on their smartwatch.

There are also a number of smaller improvements in preview version 3. Google has outlined the innovations on its blog. For example, there is support for Smart Replies, a feature in which pre-programmed answers are presented based on the context, something that is also included in the new chat application Allo. In addition, the support for vertical lists has been improved and the possibility to take immediate actions with a notification.

Google has posted a guide online to install the preview version, which includes downloadable builds for the LG Watch Urbane and the Huawei Watch. Those who prefer to wait for the final version will have to be patient; Due to the large amount of feedback, Google has decided to no longer release Android Wear 2.0 this year, but only to do so early next year.