Tag Archives: Android Wear

Technology

Fitness should be at the forefront of my smartwatch!

Android Wear is great, it really is. But why on earth is fitness tracking an afterthought? Especially when these devices are becoming more and more expensive!

Why does a fitness band at $90-150 dollars do fitness way better than a device, which has fitness companion apps, yet costs upwards of $400?  Not only could OEMs include GPS so that runs could be triangulated, the app developers could do a better job at showing us fitness details about ourselves.  As noted on the Android Central Podcast (Ep. 254: New toys, old grievances), people that want fitness should just get a fitness band.  No.  That is where you are wrong.  Why should we accept a half-backed solution?  If there are fitness apps to go along with these devices, then naturally it should be able to track my fitness-self more accurately.  Apple Watch is a perfect example, as it is a premium device at it’s finest; however, the most expensive one (excluding the gold edition) is approximately $1049, with no GPS.  New Android Wear devices, with increasingly higher price tags also do not have GPS.

Popular smartwatches.
Popular smartwatches.

My question is: Why?  With our mobile devices becoming larger and larger, it would be great to be able to track a run with carrying around a gigantic iPhone 6 Plus, Nexus 6 or Galaxy Note 5 — it just makes sense. These bands that are supposed to do so much for us but they cannot integrate such a simple thing as fitness tracking properly.

Bottom line: OEMs, GPS should go in a wearable, period. Until then, I’ll pass on the next round of Android Wear devices.

Technology

Apple Watch Initial Impressions

In a reactive move Apple Inc. has officially released a beautiful new product line called the Apple Watch.  This device will pair easily with your iPhone to display notifications, make mobile payments and make your life easier — or so the company says.

However, the interface seems too difficult to use. Let’s take a step back and remember that this thing sits on your wrist and should require minimal attention and touching in order to initiate a task or act upon an actionable item — this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Of course time will only tell how users interact and feel about the device but it is surely different than the likes of Android Wear devices.

Technology

Moto 360 STILL runs Android Wear

Is the to be released Moto 360 an aesthetically pleasing device?

You bet it is; however, is all of the hype really worth it? Especially when the device will run an operating system that we’ve seen, touched and have a wealth of experience with already.

Personally, I’ve had conversations with people waiting on this device like it will offer a drastically different experience. Sorry to crush your dreams….but it won’t.  Android Wear as an operating system for wearable devices cannot be manipulated by OEM (thankfully); so, the differences between the Moto 360, LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live will be minute.

Moto 360 shown running Android Wear.
Moto 360 shown running Android Wear.

Bottom line:  “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”  The Moto 360 is a fantastic device; however, it will not make or break Android Wear.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Quit whipping it out…..Android Wear is here!

Smartphones have become a staple in the typical “busy” person lifestyle.  These neat little devices help manage our contacts, calendars and ultimately our lives.  With such powerful peripherals at arms reach one cannot help but to pull their device out for a quick check.

What if you could reach in your pocket less?  What if you could receive notifications that keep you plugging throughout your day that are unobtrusive and don’t make you seem rude to people you may be talking to?

The day is here.

Android Wear was officially introduced at Google I/O 2014 and this platform is looking promising from the very beginning.  Android was essentially built around the premise of multitasking and notifications that allow you to get a glimpse inside of applications on your device without the constant need to open one up.  Android Wear gives you the ability to see all notifications on your wrist and take action on them.  This added convenience is certainly a game changer and the industry has taken notice.

Bottom line:  The perfect companion to your smartphone is here.  It is officially time to free your hands from your pockets and have notifications in your face that are easily managed and there when you need them.

Definite buy.  Get Android Wear [here].