UPDATED 08:20 EDT / MARCH 19 2014

LG and Motorola to launch first Android Wear smartwatches

medium_6323054995Android Wear is sure to open a whole new opportunity for wearable technology, but will manufacturers be able to deliver on wearable tech that people actually want to wear?

Though some may argue that fashion and technology do not go well together, others believe that in order for a piece of technology to capture the hearts of consumers, it should be aesthetically pleasing.

Currently, smartwatches and wearable health and fitness trackers are quite bulky and seem to cater to those who live a very active and sporty lifestyle. Not everyone falls into that category of course – it would be much better if we could wear some kind of technology that fits well with our own personal styles, or something that could even be worn on formal occasions.

Motorola and LG have already revealed plans for wearable tech powered by Android Wear, but will their devices be something consumers actually want?

Moto 360

 

Moto 360Motorola has yet to reveal the features of its Moto 360 smartwatch, but on its web page, visitors will be able to see what the device will look like when it’s ready for commercial release. It sports a round face, a touch-based LCD display, a button on the side probably to turn it on or off, a possible optical sensor at the back of the watch for vital signs monitoring, and will come in various styles to fit specific needs.

The device will not only provide the time, but also lots of information at a glance, and the ability to interact with the device using your voice.

“The wristwatch has been through several evolutions since it first became a popular fashion accessory more than a 100 years ago. From mechanical to electronic movements, analog to digital faces, the wristwatch has been reinvented several times over, but the basic design has endured for a century because of its elegance and usefulness ‘at a glance.’ Our vision for Moto 360 was to celebrate that history as we reimagined the wristwatch for the future,” wrote Lior Ron, Motorola CVP Product Management.

The Moto 360 is slated for a Summer 2014 release.

LG G Watch

 

LG-G-Watch-2In collaboration with Google, LG is also working on its own smartwatch, the LG ‘G Watch’. The device looks like any other smartwatch available today – it’s quite bulky and not too stylish, but the company promises that it will be compatible numerous Android smartphones, unlike the Galaxy Gear for example, that only works with a few of Samsung’s higher-end handsets. There’s also a chance that the design will change in order to attract more consumers, but if it doesn’t let’s just hope it’s very affordable so you won’t regret purchasing a not-so-good-looking device.

“The opportunity to work with Google on LG G Watch was the perfect chance for LG to really pull out all stops in both design and engineering,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.

“With the LG G Watch, LG is continuing the milestones we’ve set in wearables following in the foot-steps of the world’s first 3G Touch Watch Phone in 2009 and the Prada Link in 2008. We’re confident that a well-designed device has the potential to take the smart wearable market by storm.”

The LG G Watch is slated for a Q2 2014 release.

photo credit: anieto2k via photopin cc

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