Google has recently released the developer preview of Android Wear 2.0 to its beta testers, and this means that the company will launch the public version sometime next year. On the bright side, new APIs were included in the preview, which translates to new features.
The main focus of Android Wear 2 is for the watch apps to be independent. The development team is trying to lessen the connection between Android smartphones and Android wearables. With the upcoming new version, users can do all the normal things they want to do without worrying too much if they have their smartphones with them. Ordinarily, smartwatches become nothing more than ordinary time pieces with some added features when their paired phones are not close by.
Google has developed new APIs that will let third-party developers create better and more powerful standalone applications. With this in mind, "users can respond to messages, track their fitness, and use their favorite apps, even when their phone isn't around," according to the official announcement.
One of the new major features is Seamless Authentication. Since the watch will be loaded with standalone apps, users will have to login at some point. To simplify the process, users will have to tap a button on the watch and the authentication process will happen on the smartphone. This is easier than typing a password or email address on a watch.
The swipe-to-dismiss gesture is making a comeback. The navigation action allows users to either go back to the previous screen or dismiss an app. This feature was incorporated in the Android Wear 1.0 versions, but was taken out during the previous preview developer release of the new version. The physical power button was used as the back button instead. Additionally, the power button will now act as the Home button that is also similar to Android Wear 1.0.
More Play Store APIs were also included that expands the smartwatch's features. Soon, users will be able to make in-app purchases directly from their smartwatch. However, a 4-digit Google Account PIN will still be required before any purchase commences, Android Police reported.
Originally, Android Wear 2.0 was scheduled for a fall 2016 release, but to avoid future issues that may arise from bugs, Google decided to push back its release. The company did not specify any public release date, but it is speculated to be by early 2017.