A week before Apple will officially release its highly-anticipated Apple Watch, Google announced that it will roll out a major update to its Android Wear software that is used by several smartwatches currently available in the market.
The search-engine giant added that the first smartwatch to run its updated Android Wear software is the LG Watch Urbane which is set to hit the market on Apr. 27. Among the new features that will be integrated to the update is the ability to dismiss smartwatch notification by simply flicking it outwards.
According to Financial Review, the new update will enable smartwatches running in Google's Android Wear software to support Wi-Fi compatibility. This means that as long as the smartwatch is connected to a Wi-Fi connection and the phone has data or Wi-Fi connectivity, notifications can be received on the smartwatch without the need to connect the two devices.
Aside from hands-free controls and Wi-Fi connectivity, the new update will also feature hand-drawn emoji and always-on apps. It is important to note that these features are currently unavailable on the upcoming Apple Watch operating system.
The always-on app feature means that apps will be kept open for as long as it is needed. According to Independent, the apps are in black and white mode to conserve battery life.
Aside from the upcoming LG Watch Urbane, six additional Android Wear watches will also receive the update. Many analysts predict that this new update from Google will play a crucial role not only to the success of Android Wear devices but can also affect the overall sales performance of the Apple Watch.