How Android smart-watch works

The long-awaited Android Wear technology is finally available for pre-order. The first items on the list are smart-watches from LG and Samsung running on Android operating system.

The LG G Watch and the Samsung Gear Live watch have a rectangular shape but, later this summer, Motorola will introduce a circular smart-watch dubbed Moto 360. All three run on Google’s Android.

While prices for the Samsung device vary aroun $199, the LG smart-watch will cost $229.

Google hopes to overcome the public’s reluctance to wearable technology which is mostly due to unspecified device features. People are unsure if the smart-watch will function as a phone or simply as an accessory with some extra features.

David Singleton, director of engineering in the firm's Android division, clarified many blur areas surrounding the Android smart-watch during the company’s annual developer’s conference, held last week in San Francisco.

Overall, the smart-watch is a device that aims to ‘quickly show you relevant information, and make sure you never miss an important message, while letting you stay engaged with the people that you are actually with.’

The device vibrates whenever a notification is received on the smartphone the watch is synced with. The user can then dismiss the alert, reject calls, introduce new data into the phone’s diary and access map navigation.

The user can also input reminders, take notes, set an alarm or play music.

Android’s Wear user interface is similar to that of a smartphone, meaning that you navigate by swiping and sliding your finger on the touchscreen. The smart-watch also responds to voice commands, similar to the way Google Glass functions.