Android have announced a new operating system that is going to be used only on wearable technology. This new OS will be called Android Wear, the new system will be just like the normal Android OS however it will have a large focus on interactivity with the user; you will be able to do much more that just tell the time and know what date it is by looking at your watch. The announcement of the new OS shows that Google have a clear interest in wearables and is planning to be the main company in the wearable technology industry.

Android claimed on their official blog that the Android Wear will show you information and suggestions that you need, when you need them. You will be able to still use the normal Android apps that will give you updates direct to your watch just like your phone would. There is also the ability to use voice commands, with the phrase “OK Google” you will be able to access the Google search engine. The voice command will be similar to Siri in the sense that you will ask it a question and it will give you an answer using its own information database however, with the Android Wear you will have access to the most popular and powerful search engine.

Android Wear will also have features that will follow your fitness and help you with exercise goals; similar to the Nike Fuel band that tracks your heart beat and tracks your steps and distance that you have travelled. So far all of the features that have been announced and displayed for the Android Wear OS are just features that you will able to find on your normal Android phone, the main reason that I would want to invest in an Android smart watch is because it does everything that your phone does, but it also has the ability to interact with other devices. Using the same phrase “OK Google” you have the ability to activate other devices, the example given is that you have the ability to fire up a music playlist on your phone by using commands on your watch. Cross platform integration is the future in my eyes.

Android have released the developer preview to be downloaded today you will be able to download the Android Wear and test your current applications with the integration to the new OS.  Android Wear will be used on devices by HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung, and will be arriving later this year.