Google has another reason to celebrate and gather all Android fans at the Google I/O 2015 conference. Why, there are now 4,000 Android Wear apps ready for download from the Google Play Store. This is good news for everyone who owns an Android Wear-powered smartwatch because it means there are more apps to use and there are more ways for customization even if it’s only a small screen.
Google also showed off the latest wearable software update which brings new features like gesture controls, sketchable emojis, and WiFi calling. Flick-gestures for navigating through the card-based user interface are also included. There’s also support for always-on display for both third-party apps and watch faces.
Android Wear 5.1.1 updates were given a run through. It’s the same software update that began pushing to compatible smartwatches earlier this May. This is the version that now allows Google Play Music browsing and brings Google Maps to a wearable device.
With Google Maps, one can remain on-screen throughout his journey. More third-party apps are expected to bring more support and more localized suggestions like Foursquare with geo-localized venue and restaurant suggestions.
As we all know, not all Android Wear smartwatches can enjoy all the new features that come with the recent update. For one, the LG G Watch R won’t have WiFi support.
Android Wear hitting 4,000 apps beats the Apple Watch with 3,000 3rd-party apps already waiting for download but the latter was only released this year. Both mobile platforms are expected to see increasing numbers this year as the wearable industry expands.
VIA: SlashGear
