Get moving. Google wants you to move and exercise with the updated Android Wear. If you still don’t have a smartwatch, maybe it’s time to get one. You’ll be motivated to do some workout in a geeky way.
The software giant has released a new update for the Android Wear. It’s not the rumored Android Wear 2.0 yet so don’t keep your hopes up. It’s a regular firmware update that adds support for watches with GPS sensors. This means you can use most smartwatch features even if phone is not near.
You can go jogging and listen to music on you Android Wear-running watch. Simply save your favorite songs on your wearable device and listen to music via Bluetooth headphones. No need to keep your smartphone close, you can actually leave it at home.
The latest Android Wear version enables wearables with GPS to give user exact GPS location even without a phone nearby. Android Wear’s new GPS support lets you enjoy apps like MyTracks and Golfshot. MyTracks app lets you track your run while Golfshot calculates distance to the next hole. All these you can do even without the phone, thanks to GPS technology. You can also take advantage of the new Google Play Music.
There are only a few smartwatches with GPS but Sony will soon make its Smartwatch 3 available. It’s now ready for pre-order from Verizon Wireless and is coming to Google Play Store any day this October.
Note that the update can only be enjoyed on wearables that have built-in GPS. For devices that don’t have GPS, there’s a solution available in Google Play Services that uses GPS from a connected smartphone.
The first Android Wear-powered smartwatch to have a GPS sensor, the Sony Smartwatch 3 will make most of today’s update release. It comes equipped with what Sony calls a transflective display that makes reading easy even under the sunlight. The kind of display also saves battery, therefore, improving battery life.
For current wearables that do not have GPS, the Android Wear update will include new music functionalities. This is perhaps the same update for the Moto 360 and the LG G Watch.
