Android Wear gets native wifi support, gesture controls and more
Google has announced a big software update for Android Wear adding a bunch of new features. In what we’re sure isn’t a coincidence, this news comes just days from the launch of the Apple Watch.
According to TechCrunch, Wear is getting native wifi support, so that your watch can connect directly, rather than via bluetooth with your phone. This means that if you go anywhere with your watch but not your phone, you’ll still be able to pick up notifications and so on.
The user interface is also getting a refresh, making it easier to find third party apps – and apps will also be able to be “always on”, which will no-doubt be useful for runners and the like.
There will also be wrist-flicking gestures, to help you navigate menus more easily, and you’ll also be able to draw emojis – which will then be translated into actual emojis for transmission to friends.
It isn’t clear exactly which Android Wear devices will get the update (perhaps it will be all of them) – but the round-screened Moto 360 looks like a dead cert. We’ll let you know when it hits.
