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Rumors on Google’s smartwatch have not been scarce, but just how soon will we be able to wear the Search Giant’s watch? The latest rumor suggests that it will be very soon, making Google’s device the very next addition to our smartwatch comparison!
We are not sure just how soon is “very soon”, though. The source states that the anonymous tipster was not able to give any exact dates, jsut that it would be “sooner rather than later”.
What will it do?
According to the rumor, Google is to take a slightly different approach on its smartwatch. It’s said to be heavily focused on Google now and Android 4.4. This seems to make sense – turning your smartphone into an assistant, as opposed to a smaller version of your smartphone.
We can picture being able to ask the watch for assistance, just as one would with Google Now. Asking for the time, setting alarms, text messages and emails could all be easily added to the equation then. It would add a twist to the idea of the smartwatch, one we haven’t yet seen.
At the same time, we really hope this watch is not limited to Google Now. We would also love to see some social networking and compatibility with other apps. Will the watch be open to third-party developers to make apps? We are not sure yet. The details are scarce.
Battery life is key
Those who follow our podcast will know that I am a huge supporter of the Qualcomm Toq. One of the main reasons is its expected battery life, which will average at about 2-3 days. Battery life is one of the most important factors in a smartwatch. We already worry too much about charging our smartphones, we shouldn’t have to worry about charging our watch in the middle of the day.
The anonymous tipster tells us Google is heavily focusing on battery life and Bluetooth 4.0. We are not sure just how well battery life will be handled, but let’s hope Google can surprise us!
Other rumors and announcement
We have had suspicions of a Google-branded smartwatch coming for a while. In fact, Google purchased WIMM Labs and even filed for smartwatch-related patents. There really was not much of a doubt that said device would come to life.
Release/announcement dates are still unknown, but the source says the device should be announced “sooner rather than later” (as we mentioned above). Past rumors state the announcement should be aligned with the Android 4.4 KitKat release, which should be this month. We wouldn’t exactly hold our breath on that, though. We just have to wait and see.
Would you get one?
Details are scarce, so we are not yet sure whether this phone is worth your hard-earned cash or not, but how are you liking the idea of this smartwatch? Would you buy one? Does it depend on the price? Does it depend on the features?
[via 9to5Google]
I likely wont be able to resist one. Unless it’s like the Galaxy Gear (LOLWTF).
I have a large collection of watches and this will absolutely join my collection. As a user of only Nexus phones, it would almost be a sin not to.
I think Google has a bit of a head start on most of the industry due to all of its work with Glass. I expect the watch will basically use a slightly modified Glass interface. Even a lot of the inner tech could be the same (given the similar size restrictions, etc).
It depends on how it looks. A smart watch is not going to change your life, so it’s got to sell on more than functionality alone. It’s got to be a fashion statement as well.
I would buy a Nexus Watch for sure. I’d actually prefer the interface to be a watch face, notifications and Google Now. That’s pretty much it. No cameras, galleries, mp3 players or phone calls. (as long as its waterproof and has a substantial battery life)
have a look at the omate truesmart
I have a wimm one; that watch wasn’t great (battery especially) but with google behind them over the last year it could really be a boon. I personally like the transflective screen that was on the wimm better than the e-ink on the pebble. I’m going to be getting a nexus 5 so might as well double up and get the nexus watch with it!
“turning your smartphone into an assistant, as opposed to a smaller version of your smartphone”
I’m guessing you meant to type turning your *smartwatch* into an assistant, right Edgar?
It sounds good if a tweaked BLE and battery life r good. Like the square design myself.
HELL YEAH, bring it on already……
Damn straight! And it would great if it looked like a watch and not a phone strapped to your arm. Looking at you MotoActv.
If they really nail the presentation, skip the bloat that Samsung stuck on the Galaxy Gear, whenever they announce it, I’d definitely get one. It’d be a much more ideal situation, since my Galaxy Nexus from Sprint has horrid coverage and regularly stumbles over itself doing a simple search.
So the smartwatch will probably last quite long, but it gets the data and internet acces from the phone in your pocket, wich – when mobile data is enabled – only lasts half a day, or so. Sooo, what exactly is the point? /: |
LTE was on and I was moderately using my HTC one since 7 am this morning and I have 63% left.
Hmm, time for an upgrade then… (Nexus 5 : P) // Gps off, Mobile Data off, Moderate WiFi use, auto-rotation off, Bluetooth off. My HTC Desire HD has been on battery for 17 hours. Down to 42 percent. Mobile data would suck my phone juiceless in 6 hours, I dare say.
Doesnt even sound like its worth having a smartphone at all if you have to go through that.
Tell me about it.
Not yet, will have to see how this unfolds first. Wait, that would be novel idea if the watch had a flexible OLED screen and you could unfold it.
Right now the winner in my opinion is the Galaxy Gear (which is OK at best.)
This might take the cake. I really hope it does.
The reason the Galaxy Gear is the loser is the fact that its only compatible with Samsung smartphones. Googles watch will be compatible with all.
I know. I was rather disappointed to learn that as I recently traded my S4 for an HTC One. Lets go Google.
I know, lets go ! I want to see what theyve been working on. Plus i need a new watch, lol.
Right?I haven’t bought a watch in years. This might get me back into wearing them.
I have a watch thats built into one of those rubber bracelet thingys. Its a sport one or something like that. Battery gave out…id get a smartwatch if Google made it. To be able to see and send texts and other things from my smartphone even if its in my pocket would be awesome.
IF this is essentially google now on my wrist I’m in! Just pulling up my watch and googling stuff, writing text messages, setting calendar appointments, ect sounds very awesome to me.
I’ve been waiting for a Google produced smartwatch to go with my Nexus devices. So, yes, I’ll definitely get one.
Samsung’s watch doesn’t interest me at all, and it wouldn’t work on my Nexus devices anyway. Release a good one, Google.
depends on the price and what it can do beyond notifications on my wrist but yes I am very interested in a “Nexus” smart watch.
Can it tell time? I mean, that’s what a watch is for, right? Or will telling time fall by the wayside for a watch just like voice calls are not an after-thought for most “phone” users?
Take my money!
I’ll buy Google before anyone else, especially seamless connection between all my current Google stuff.
Not sure why there’d be a circular screened watch. Yes, it looks more like a conventional watch, but EVERYTHING for any electronic device is obviously optimized for a square/rectangular screen. Seems like you’d just be letting part of the screen go to waste or the watch would have to resize everything which doesn’t make sense.
Wireless charging?
If they sell it i will buy it. A whole hell of a lot faster than i would purchase a proprietary Samsung Smartwatch. At least it will be compatible with every smartphone.
Needs to be able to function like a fitbit one.
if this watch can be used to control my music so i dont have to keep taking my phone out to change track/volume, and comes at a ‘nexus’ price, it will be mine.
I would consider buying it if the battery life is excellent and if it’s really functional am and intuitive.
I would think that the watch would be a google now / glass mash up. I dont really see any difference if a little screen is in front of your eye or on your wrist. I would almost prefer glass on my wrist as opposed to my face.
Would like to see it have the ability to perform as a stand-alone device with its own storage, wi-fi, and bluetooth (ANT+) connectivity options so I can use it while exercising, without having to carry my cell phone around.