Android Wear smartwatch is a go for the first quarter of 2017 as confined by Google. Apple smartwatches may have a stiff competition in the wearable market beginning next year.
According to an exclusive interview hosted by The Verge, Jeff Chang, Android Wear product manager, confirmed that Google is indeed launching its two new flagship smartwatches. This will be used to launch the next version of Android Wear, Google's watch-based operating system, Android Wear 2.0.
Google Will Launch Two Flagship Smartwatches Early Next Year https://t.co/cQk5JnY33Q via @Verge #IoT #Tech #wearables #SmartWatch
— Joe (@GottaGreatDeal) December 23, 2016
Also, Chang noted that the flagship smartwatches will not be carrying the Google or Pixel branding. Much like the Google Pixel smartphone, Google will have a 3rd-party manufacturer to build the hardware per their specifications, as reported by Mirror UK.
"We've enabled a lot of diversity with our hardware partners to target different types of consumers and preferences," said Jeff Chang in the interview. However, it wasn't revealed who will manufacture the flagship smartwatches.
The report furthered that Google verified that the smartwatches will soon be released in order to convince the public that the wearable market is still in demand, especially the smartwatches. Smartwatches failed in breaking into mainstream success unlike other devices on the market. This could be attributed to the device's relatively steep price or lack of any standout features. One such example would have been the acquisition of one of the pioneer smartwatch makers, Pebble, by Fitbit this year valued at less that $40 million.
However, Chang stated that Google will bring in a whole range of new features into their flagship smartwatches with Android Wear 2.0. This could include support for Android Pay, standalone apps without a phone to function, compatibility with Google Assistant.
Forbes reported that according to a leak from Android Police, the two flagship smartwatches have code names Angelfish and Swordfish. One would have no hardware compromises, while the other would have slightly lower specs.
With Google entering the smartwatch market, other smartwatch makers such as Samsung and Apple have to step up their game.
