On Tuesday, Google announced Android Wear, its new platform for smartwatches.
A Youtube video provides details about the platform's user interface. The video shows users swiping "cards" that can open menus, provide information on notifications and updates, send messages and set alarms. The video also shows users saying "Okay Google" before asking questions, and the watch responding with the answers.
Forbes said that Google had announced the platform even before any hardware announcements were made.Google is currently working with several manufactures, including HTC, LG, Samsung and Motorola.
Senior Vice President of Android, Sundar Pinchai, said, "(Wearables) understand the context of the world around you, and you can interact with them simply and efficiently, with just a glance or a spoken word." He reportedly also said that the devices will launch later this year, according to USA Today
Hours after Google's announcement on Tuesday, Motorola announced Moto 360, its smartwatch based on Android Wear.
Through an official blog post, Motorola detailed features of the Moto 360. "Moto 360's iconic design, featuring a round face and premium materials, feels comfortable and familiar on your wrist." The post also said that the device would be available in the summer of 2014.
According to Forbes, Google has created a site to sign up for a developer preview, which allows users to run Android Wear in an emulator. When connected to a device, it can show developers how cards look.
Android Wear becomes Google's second major foray into wearable devices after Google Glass. Wearable devices are said to be next big thing in technology. Many companies have already launched devices that include everything from fitness bands to smartwatches.
