At the Google I/O developer conference held last week, Google released the Android Wear 2.0 operating system, marking the first major upgrade to the system since the first Android Wear smartwatch was launched in March 2014. The upgraded Android Wear smartwatches can operate independently from phones and support new handwriting and full keyboard input, representing a milestone change in functionality and independence. Below, we introduce the updates and upgrades of the Android Wear 2.0 system in various aspects.Dark User Interface with Physical Crown KeyThe most obvious change is that the UI interface of Android Wear 2.0 has been redesigned with a darker tone. This design helps save more battery life for smartwatches with AMOLED screens. This update also emphasizes colors more, for example, the colors used in notifications are the primary colors created by each application.The new watch face interface is also more suitable for the currently popular round smartwatches, displaying more completely without any display defects.In terms of operation, Android Wear 2.0 fully utilizes the physical buttons on the watch, making human-computer interaction more direct and smooth. Previously, users needed to swipe left and right to find applications; now, they only need to rotate the mechanical crown on the side of the watch case. Testing on the LG Watch Urbane LTE 2 shows that compared to previous versions, the feedback of Android Wear 2.0 is more responsive and easier to use.Introducing Apple Watch’s Complication Feature to Watch FacesThe Complication feature of third-party applications is a very practical feature of the Apple Watch, and it has now arrived on the Android Wear platform. With the help of the Complication API, applications can be embedded as plugins on the watch face, allowing users to trigger corresponding applications or perform specific actions by clicking.Additionally, in the Android Wear 2.0 system, message notifications have become more concise. In the previous version, message reminders were often hidden in the extended panel at the bottom of the page. Now, the message pop-ups on the watch interface are replaced by small icon prompts, and when there is a new message, it will be displayed in full screen and then disappear. If there is no reply, the icon prompt will remain on the watch interface, reminding the user of new messages.Finally Independent from the PhoneThe biggest update for Android Wear 2.0 is the increased independence of Android Wear smartwatches. Android Wear watches can directly connect to Wi-Fi networks, downloading and installing applications independently without needing a phone. If you have an Android Wear watch with built-in LTE, such as the LG Watch Urbane LTE, it becomes even more convenient, allowing you to connect to the internet directly, listen to music, and no longer need to carry your phone while running.Furthermore, Android Wear 2.0 has enhanced its exercise monitoring capabilities, automatically recognizing the user’s type of exercise and opening the corresponding application to record data. Moreover, the applications on Android Wear 2.0 can connect directly to Wi-Fi, so even if they are not connected to a phone, they can operate independently and synchronize data from different applications.Brand New Handwriting and Full Keyboard Input ExperienceIf Android Wear 2.0 allows smartwatches to be used independently, then the most shocking feature is undoubtedly the introduction of a QWERTY full keyboard in the new system. Unsurprisingly, the keyboard feels very cramped on the small screen of the watch. The sliding input method is used, which means that despite the small screen, the experience of using it is almost identical to that of the sliding input method on smartphones, making it a miniature version of the mobile Google Input Method, although it is still not as smooth as the mobile version.In contrast, handwriting recognition is more practical, especially for simple replies. When using handwriting input, each letter automatically moves to the edge of the screen after being entered, allowing users to have more space to input the next letters, which is a response to the limited interaction area of smartwatches.In practice, there are not many opportunities to use text input on the watch. When a reply is needed, users can choose the smart replies automatically provided by Google.
｜More Outdoor Information｜
Hackers are here SkinTrack technology can turn skin into a touchpad.
Google crosses into fashion, partnering with Levi’s to enter smart clothing – Project Jacquard.
Traveling abroad without communication barriers, real-time translation earphones for various languages.
Want to know more information?
Reply with keywords to connect with our outdoor expert.
Follow us if you find us attractive!
