Google reportedly looking to bring Android Wear support to iOS
Google is allegedly developing an Android Wear app for iOS, a move that would expand support for the wearables platform beyond Android handsets and enable iPhone and iPad owners to use products like the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch.
Prominent French publication 01net carried word of Google's supposed plan on Tuesday, suggesting that iOS support options could be announced at Google's I/O developer conference in May. Google's ramp schedule might be pushed up if initial Apple Watch sales are high enough to pose a threat to the existing Android Wear ecosystem, the report said.
Google could not be reached for comment on the claims.
Support for Apple's mobile OS could potentially give the Internet search giant an advantage in an already crowded wearables space, since the Apple Watch compatibility is limited to iOS devices. Even if people prefer the features of Apple's product, some may choose to go with an Android smartwatch simply to have the option of switching between platforms.
In addition to being flexible, Android Wear hardware has also proved to be much cheaper than Apple's upcoming offering. Whereas an Android product typically costs between $199 and $300, the least expensive Apple Watch will start at $349. In a report to investors earlier this week, investment firm Piper Jaffray said it expects mid-tier Apple Watch models to sell for between $499 and $549, while gold Apple Watch Edition versions could go for as much as $7,500.
Porting Android Wear to iOS wouldn't be an unprecedented move for Google, which has frequently brought technologies to Apple's platform through app development. Support for Glass, Google Now, Chromecast and Google Maps, among others. Apple, conversely, has never developed an Android app; the only Apple Android title is Beats Music, something it picked up by acquiring Beats last year in a deal worth $3 billion.
As for Apple's wearable device ambitions, the company is expected to reveal final Apple Watch details at press event on March 9, including prices and an exact launch date. AppleInsider will be providing live coverage of Apple's announcements from Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco starting at 10 a.m. Pacific.
Prominent French publication 01net carried word of Google's supposed plan on Tuesday, suggesting that iOS support options could be announced at Google's I/O developer conference in May. Google's ramp schedule might be pushed up if initial Apple Watch sales are high enough to pose a threat to the existing Android Wear ecosystem, the report said.
Google could not be reached for comment on the claims.
Support for Apple's mobile OS could potentially give the Internet search giant an advantage in an already crowded wearables space, since the Apple Watch compatibility is limited to iOS devices. Even if people prefer the features of Apple's product, some may choose to go with an Android smartwatch simply to have the option of switching between platforms.
In addition to being flexible, Android Wear hardware has also proved to be much cheaper than Apple's upcoming offering. Whereas an Android product typically costs between $199 and $300, the least expensive Apple Watch will start at $349. In a report to investors earlier this week, investment firm Piper Jaffray said it expects mid-tier Apple Watch models to sell for between $499 and $549, while gold Apple Watch Edition versions could go for as much as $7,500.
Porting Android Wear to iOS wouldn't be an unprecedented move for Google, which has frequently brought technologies to Apple's platform through app development. Support for Glass, Google Now, Chromecast and Google Maps, among others. Apple, conversely, has never developed an Android app; the only Apple Android title is Beats Music, something it picked up by acquiring Beats last year in a deal worth $3 billion.
As for Apple's wearable device ambitions, the company is expected to reveal final Apple Watch details at press event on March 9, including prices and an exact launch date. AppleInsider will be providing live coverage of Apple's announcements from Yerba Buena Center in San Francisco starting at 10 a.m. Pacific.
Comments
Okay, but why would anyone want to do that??
I also noticed the Moto 360 has an IP67 rating which means it will remain dust free and can be submerged in up to 1M of water for up to 30 minutes without issue. I hope we get this same rating or better next week for ?Watch.
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They claim it works without the phone being jailbroken but it is a jailbroken iPhone they're using.
The Moto 360 isn't completely round but the Huawei one is:
http://www.theverge.com/2015/3/3/8140837/huawei-watch-design-interview-mwc-2015
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You can see they've ramped up security at 1:03, each watch is attached to a springy cord. Reasons to get an Android Wear watch would include that they'd be cheaper and look better than the entry Apple Watch. People who want a formal watch wouldn't want to be wearing a sports watch and the stainless steel model could be twice the price of a few of the Android ones.
$249
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$349
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i wonder if compatibility comes with google's own 'we are watching you' software?
it is a smart move since apple is suspected to sell more apple watches on release week than all the androids did so far as a whole. even in Korea i have yet to see a samsung or lg smartwatch on a wrist. but judging by the amount of iPhone 6 and 6 plus i see everywhere- i expect to see a few apple watches.
OMG thats so crazy.
Because there are people that use an iPhone, and an Android phone on a daily basis.
i wonder if compatibility comes with google's own 'we are watching you' software?
it is a smart move since apple is suspected to sell more apple watches on release week than all the androids did so far as a whole. even in Korea i have yet to see a samsung or lg smartwatch on a wrist. but judging by the amount of iPhone 6 and 6 plus i see everywhere- i expect to see a few apple watches.
In Austin, the Android watches are surprisingly popular, but only among the tech crowd (which is a huge crowd here). I'm sure that the Apple Watch will crack the barrier beyond tech workers though.
Beside the Apple watch supporting Apple Pay I would like more smart home integration. I would love a watch that open my door lock (home and car), useful when you carry groceries, a watch that controls my philips HUE lights and a watch that control my Apple TV or my Apple TV set. There is so much possibilities. The watch could be the ultimate remote control for anything in the home because its always on you.
I would also love it if Apple would have 2 types of watch format next time, a square and a round watch.
Regarding Android wear integration with iOS, this is where I think Apple could do better. I think Apple should support android too, like iTunes for Android, FaceTime for android, Apple Pay for Android....
Regarding Android wear integration with iOS, this is where I think Apple could do better. I think Apple should support android too, like iTunes for Android, FaceTime for android, Apple Pay for Android....
Nope, nope, nope. No reason to make Android users happy at all.
Also, a round watch for this application is incredibly stupid. You don't have a round computer monitor.
Originally Posted by herbapou
Regarding Android wear integration with iOS, this is where I think Apple could do better. I think Apple should support android too, like iTunes for Android, FaceTime for android, Apple Pay for Android....
It’s already been tried and found to damage Apple rather than help it. It was called Mac OS licensing and the clones nearly finished off the company. If people want the Apple experience then let them buy into the entire ecosystem.
No Thank You.
Google is actually trying to bring iOS support to Android ware.
Nope, nope, nope. No reason to make Android users happy at all.
Also, a round watch for this application is incredibly stupid. You don't have a round computer monitor.
Actually, the way the icons are dispose hints at a possible round screen interface. imo its already planned. And you are too techie about it, round is a well known watch format, and the watch is a fashion item.
Wow. Those round watch faces are SO UTTERLY BAD for everything except the analog clock.
Just look at simple thing like a photo gets cut off. Text gets cut off. must be so frustrating using that thing for anything except looking at the time. The Android Wear OS is so ugly. so so ugly.
That what happen when you put a round screen without adapting the interface. doesn't mean its not doable to have functional round screen. Look at Apple icons, look at Apple activity monitor, those would work perfectly on a round screen.
Actually, the way the icons are dispose hints at a possible round screen interface. imo its already planned. And you are too techie about it, round is a well known watch format, and the watch is a fashion item.
Nope.