As part of the Google I/O event last night, Google announced some new additions to the Android Wear range. This, the LG G Watch, was one of them. It’s a device we’ve actually already seen and the company announced that they were .. err.. working on it back in March.
The LG G Watch uses Android Wear which extends the familiarity of the Android operating system to wearable technology. The G Watch features a button-less design which LG believe will appeal to a mass audience with quick and “glance-able” access to lots of useful information thanks to seamless connectivity to their Android smartphone so users can easily stay connected wherever they are.
Sundar Pichai, Google’s SVP of Android, Chrome and Apps had this to say about the G Watch:
The screen is “always on”, which means you can actually use it as… a watch ! Not only that, but you can view all your notifications and access useful information at the touch of a screen. The watch will display messages, allow music playback control and see who is calling without removing phone from your pocket. The UI is based around cards, which provide information at a glance and voice recognition which can be accessed by saying “Ok Google” in the same way as Google Now on your phone.
The LG G Watch will be available in two colours Black Titan and White Gold. It’s made of stainless steel coating with PVD (Physical Vapour Deposition). This provides a hard coat over the top for extra protection. The watch will come with a rugged silicone wristband in a matching colour although it can be personalised using a standard 22mm watch strap. The G Watch is due to be available for pre-order via the Google Play Store later tonight in 12 countries including the UK, USA, Canada, France and Japan with another 27 markets added shortly.
LG EYES MAINSTREAM ADOPTION OF WEARABLES
WITH FIRST DEVICE POWERED BY ANDROID WEAR
“Glance-able” Interface of LG G Watch to Appeal to both Consumers and Developers
LONDON, UK, 25th June, 2014 — With an eye on transforming wearable devices into more than just a conversation piece, LG Electronics (LG) today introduced the highly anticipated LG G Watch, one of the first devices powered by Android Wear™, Google’s new operating system which extends the Android platform to wearables. As a wrist wearable device featuring a button-less design, the G Watch will appeal to a mass audience with its simple minimalist design, quick and “glance-able” access to useful information and seamless connectivity with other Android devices, keeping users connected wherever, whenever.
“As one of the first to market with Android Wear, LG wanted to develop a product that functions as an essential companion device but most importantly, was simple to use,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We wanted a device that would be simple to learn and so intuitive that users wouldn’t even have to think about how to use its features. That’s what the LG G Watch is all about.”
“Watches powered by Android Wear aim to show you the right information and suggestions you need, right when you need them,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps. “It’s been great to work with LG on the launch of the G Watch — especially given its simple, easy-to-use design.”
At the core of the LG G Watch is a powerful and energy-efficient Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 processor clocking in at 1.2GHz. Paired with a low power consuming always-on 1.65-inch IPS display with true-to-life colour reproduction, the LG G Watch enhances the functionality of Android smartphones by providing quick access to useful information. The Always-On screen makes it easy to tell the time with a quick glance. Connected via Bluetooth, the LG G Watch displays messages, shows who’s calling, controls music playback and more, without thesmartphone ever having to be removed from a pocket or bag.
Integral to the LG G Watch and Android Wear is a simple new user experience designed around cards, which provides useful information when it’s needed, and voice recognition which allows one to ask questions and get things done easily. With voice recognition, LG was free to design the LG G Watch without any buttons or keys. Users can send text messages and search for useful information just by saying, “Ok Google”. LG and Google worked closely together from the outset to design a truly integrated experience.
The LG G Watch combines form and function in a subtle, minimalist design with an intuitive touch-based user interface. And with an Ingress Protection rating of IP67, the LG G Watch is designed to be protected from dust and water resistant for up to 30 minutes to a depth of one metre. The LG G Watch will be available in two colours — Black Titan and White Gold — and is constructed of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coated stainless steel with a rugged silicone wristband in a matching colour. The LG G Watch can be personalised with any standard 22mm strap available in the market.
The LG G Watch will be available for pre-order on the Google Play Store starting June 25 in 12 countries including key markets such as the United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea and Japan. The LG G Watch will also be available soon after at retailers in 27 markets such as Australia, Brazil, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Russia. Additional details will be announced locally at the time of availability.
Key Specifications:
Ÿ Chipset: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 400 processor
Ÿ Display: 1.65-inch LCD IPS (280 x 280)
Ÿ Memory: 4GB eMMC / 512MB RAM
Ÿ Battery: 400mAh
Ÿ Operating System: Android Wear
(compatible with smartphones running Android 4.3 and above)
Ÿ Size: 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95mm
Ÿ Weight: 63g
Ÿ Connectivity: Bluetooth 4.0
Ÿ Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro / Accelerometer / Compass)
Ÿ Colour: White Gold/ Black Titan
Ÿ Others: Dust and Water Resistant (IP67)
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About LG Electronics, Inc.
LG Electronics, Inc. (KSE: 066570.KS) is a global leader and technology innovator in consumer electronics, mobile communications and home appliances, employing 86,000 people working in 119 locations around the world. With 2013 global sales of USD 53.10 billion (KRW 58.14 trillion), LG comprises five business units — Home Entertainment, Mobile Communications, Home Appliance, Air Conditioning & Energy Solution and Vehicle Components — and is one of the world’s leading producers of flat panel TVs, mobile devices, air conditioners, washing machines and refrigerators. LG Electronics is a 2014 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year. For more news and information on LG Electronics, please visit www.LGnewsroom.com.
About LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company
LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company is an innovator and trend leader in the global mobile communications industry. LG is driving the evolution of mobile forward with its highly competitive core technologies in the areas of display, battery and camera optics and strategic partnerships with noted industry leaders. LG’s consumer-centric products — including the flagship premium G Series models — incorporate unique, ergonomic designs and intuitive UX features that enhance the user experience. The company remains committed to leading consumers into the era of convergence, maximizing inter-device connectivity between smartphones, tablets and a wide range of home and portable electronics products. For more information, please visit www.LG.com.
