The “snap-and-go” MODE watch band is designed to be easily swapped with a new clip system. (Photo : YouTube/Android)
There are many sizes, shapes and watch faces for Android Wear, but its choices for watch bands are few. Now, with Google's MODE watch bands, people can easily change their style. With them, every smartwatch manufacturer has their own set, while there are also watch bands for different watches.
The versatile watch bands from MODE are compatible with mechanical watches as well. MODE is in partnership with century-old American watch firm, Hadley Roma, according to the Android official blog.
Google has posted several Android Wear devices on its online store and is now into smartwatch accessories. MODE watch bands are already available in various silicone and leather forms starting April 26, Tuesday. The silicone and leather watch bands are priced $50 and $60.
The bands are "snap-and-go" as they are made to be easily swapped with a new clip system. With spring bars on the watch, one can use the slider on the underside to lock it into place, or remove it. Once it is locked, a metal barrier will put the band in place.
The bands come in four sizes: 16, 18, 20 and 22mm, and there are 16 colors. There are also different-sized spring bars and a small sprint bar to install them.
The band's mechanism is robust and easy to operate. While any smartwatch which standard spring bars in the right size range can work with Google for MODE bands, the Search firm is targeting Android Wear. It cannot work with non-standard smartwatches like the Smartwatch 3, LG Watch Urbane 2 and Moto 360 version 1.
The MODE watch bands seem to be in good quality though they still have to prove that they can last long enough. Their "genuine" leather is flexible, soft but not spongy, while the silicone bands are not sticky but are silky smooth that had a hands-on with the watch bands, according to Android Police.
Google provides a vendor playbook with requirements, instructions as well as brand guidelines. The MODE watch bands are already available online at the Google Store U.S., Best Buy and Amazon, starting April 26, Wednesday.
The video below features Google's MODE watch bands especially designed for Android Wear.
