Tag: wearable mobile devices

Wearable technology take from Google: “We’re just scratching the surface”

Sundar Pichai, the head of Android, Chrome, and mobile apps, made the quote at his SXSW appearance.

While speaking at the SXSW, Sundar Pichai explained that wearable technology is only just getting started with Google, and that “Android for wearables” will be released before the conclusion of March.

Google is getting ready to launch an SDK that is specific to wearable devices later on in the month.

They are hoping that hardware firms will choose to implement Android in their wearable technology devices such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, and other gadgets in the form of jewelry or clothing clip-ons. The senior vice president of Android, Chrome, and Apps, Pichai, made the announcement for the plans for the software development kit and the operating system specifically for wearables while he was at the Austin, Texas based SXSW.

The wearable technology Android software development kit will be out in under two weeks.

Pichai made this statement as he discussed Google’s vision when it comes to the market for wearables. He explained that when they picture these mobile devices, they think of them from the perspective of a platform. “We see a world of sensors… Sensors can be small and powerful, and gather a lot of information that can be useful for users. We want to build the right APIs for this world of sensors.”Wearable Technology - Google Android

He also pointed out that while fitness bands and trackers, and smartwatches are easily the most obvious categories in the overall environment of wearables, Google is hoping that its SDK release will only encourage a greater evolution of different gadgets and devices. He said that he believes that “we are just scratching the surface” in this ecosystem.

Android was added to the various responsibilities under Pichai last year when the founder of the operating system, Andy Rubin, stepped into other areas within the company. He did not give any details regarding Google’s intention to create its own wearable technology devices. Instead, he spoke exclusively of the platform and the APIs and the plans that the company has for those in the near and more vaguely distant but foreseeable future.

Smartwatches: What is behind the appeal of this wearable technology?

Despite the fact that the majority of these mobile devices are ugly and limited, wearers adore them.

It is no mystery that smartwatches are taking off like wildfire, as they were the focus of all of the top headlines from the Mobile World Congress at the end of February, but what is striking to many is that these geeky, limited devices are becoming just as popular among consumers as they are among manufacturers.

This has caused analysts and tech experts to ask themselves where the true appeal of these gadgets lies.

While some more attractive models are now being released, until very recently, smartwatches looked like something straight from a bad made for T.V. sci-fi movie. Still, that hasn’t seemed to stop manufacturers from pumping them out and it hasn’t halted consumers from considering them the newest must-have accessory. These additional mobile screens are being seen a little bit of everywhere, whether they are from Pebble, Sony, Samsung, SPOT, Fossill, or any number of other players (other than Apple, who hasn’t arrived in this market, yet).

What is the secret to the way that smartwatches have won over the public?

These wearable technology devices did receive the first wave of attention from early tech adopters. That said, many of this demographic instantly fell in love with their new accessories. It gave them the chance to experiment with the latest types of products on the market while taking advantage of a whole new line of features and conveniences.iWatch Smartwatch - Smartwatches Wearable Technology

However, over the last handful of months, the interest in this type of wearable smart technology has suddenly taken off, far beyond that limited niche. This is particularly true among devices that offer fitness tracking features and apps. Suddenly, these mobile devices are no longer being lumped into the same category as the taped glasses and pocket protector cliché. Instead, they are being seen as mainstream and quite fashionable.

This shift in attitude toward smartwatches is expected to be a massive driver for the sale of these devices, which will only be expanded as next generations of the devices are launched based on the features and capabilities that consumers show that they value the most. Of course, the anticipated release of the iWatch before the end of the year will also be worth watching.