Google releases Android Wear 2.0 preview with iOS support

Google has released the latest preview version of Android Wear 2.0 for its release next month. In this early release, the long-awaited iOS support has been added, allowing third-party apps to now work on smartwatches paired with iPhones.

On its developer blog, Google announced the new preview version of Android Wear 2.0. Developers who want to make their applications compatible with iOS should include ‘standalone=true’ in their app manifest. That tells the Play Store application on the smartwatch that no paired Android smartphone is necessary. Anyone who develops apps for Android Wear should take into account a new api when the preview is released.

Furthermore, Google has renewed the navigation drawer in Android Wear, which should make navigating within an app easier. There is also support for nfc host card emulation, a technology that could be used for making payments, among other things.

Google will release Android Wear 2.0 early next month. Two new smartwatches are expected to be released, made by LG. Images of this have already leaked out.