LG Watch Urbane (Photo : YouTube)
Google announced today on its blog post that its Android Wear smartwatches are now compatible with Apple' s iOS devices such as iPhones, starting with LG's Watch Urbane. The announcement of the new Android app confirms last week's buzz when an Amazon.com pre-order page listed Huawei Watch as curiously being compatible with both platforms.
Google revealed that Android Wear gadgets will work on iPhone 5 models and up. They are also compatible with iOS versions 8.2 or newer.
A new app for the LG Watch Urbane will give iPhone owners the first chance to link their smartphones to an Android wearable. They can now enjoy various features such as text and call notifications, and third-party watch faces, according to The Australian.
Other features of the new Android app include support for Gmail and Apple Calendar. Google wearables' users can also receive Google Now cards, which provide headline news, and use the Google Fit fitness tracker to check heart rates and count steps.
In addition, the app gives iPhone users the chance to say "OK Google." It is the search giant's version of Apple's Siri personal assistant.
iPhone owners will miss out on some features. They include the ability to use voice dictation to respond to messages, and third-party Android Wear apps found on Google Play.
Google also stated in the post that all future Android Wear smartwatches will support iOS. That includes those from companies such as Huawei, Motorola, Asus, and possibly even Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer, according to Mac World.
The LG Watch Urbane has a base model price of $280. Meanwhile, the price point of Apple Watch's cheapest unit is $350.
Here is a video previewing the iOS-compatible LG Watch Urbane:
