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Google said to be planning iOS support for Android Wear, could debut at I/O conference

android-wear

Last month a developer managed to hack together a solution that enabled iPhone users to see their notifications on Google’s Android-powered wearable operating system, but at the moment there is no official way to use the two competing platforms together. That could change at Google’s annual I/O conference later this year, if new rumors are to be believed.

According to French tech blog 01Net, Google is developing an update to Android Wear that would enable it work with Apple’s iOS devices…

With Apple launching its own smartwatch in April, Google’s developer conference at the end of May could serve as the start of a much more heated war of wearables. Mountain View would be bringing the fight directly to Cupertino, especially given the fact that the latter plans to market the Apple Watch by highlighting its connection to the iPhone as a main selling point. Providing a potentially cheaper alternative that comes in even more styles than Apple’s offering could provide Google with a big leg-up over its rival.

Even if Google does truly launch such a bold new offensive by bringing iOS support to the ever-growing lineup of Android Wear devices, to say that it’s highly unlikely Apple will follow suit and introduce Android support to the Apple Watch would be a massive understatement.

Apple will be pitching its watch and phone as a package deal where both devices are required to get the full experience. To suddenly change course and start selling the watch as the perfect companion for any smartphone would undermine the effectiveness of the whole campaign. Don’t expect to see it happen. Ever.

Still, for those willing to forgo the unique features the Apple Watch offers—heartbeat messaging, animated emojis, and a wide variety of software bundled with iPhone apps—Android Wear could provide a decent alternative for getting notifications and managing basic phone features like calls and email.

Since it’s unlikely that opening up Android Wear to other smartphone platforms would put a big dent in Android handset sales, Google isn’t missing out on much with this change, but is potentially gaining an entire new segment of the market: iOS users who wouldn’t buy an Android phone, but aren’t sold on the price or look of the Apple Watch.

If the rumors turn out to be false and Google isn’t planning to welcome iPhone users to the world of Android Wear, perhaps it’s time to start considering it.

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Comments

  1. standardpull - 9 years ago

    Given Google’s awful privacy statements and rules, I could never consider allowing Google access to a device I wear. Google Glass failed for many reasons, the largest being Google’s lack of desire to keep their hands off of the very personal data of their users.

    I would never consider giving Google direct access to my data until they modernize their transparency and posture. Unfortuately, Google’s legal team is continually making statements making it clear that Google is just trying to build a huge personal dossier on everyone.

    • cdm283813 - 9 years ago

      I bet you also believe that NSA is tracking your every move and that a US spy drone is following you when you leave the house?
      When Google spies on me all that they willl find are my funny comments sprinkled throughout the internet. And a fetish for old women.

      • standardpull - 9 years ago

        Once an old lady across town is found dead, you will be their first suspect. Hopefully you didn’t sleep in that day.

  2. dksmidtx - 9 years ago

    Is Google trying to compete with Apple or Pebble in this move?

    • strawbis - 9 years ago

      Sounds to me as though they’re trying to offer a cheaper alternative to the Apple Watch, and if you’re in the smart watch market, you’d be mad not to! Apple might just be their own worst enemy in this arena regarding price. That is unless the opposition’s compatibility to iOS can be limited somehow.

  3. Martin Stær Andersen - 9 years ago

    Sounds like it’s easier said than done. Considering it supports ApplePay, it must require a secure encrypted connection to the phone; similarly you would’t want anyone next to you to pick up your personal notifications. Apple is paranoid about security, so surely Android support would require reverse engineering and probably spoofing, any of which Apple could disable with an OS security update, and frankly a 3rd party watch being able to snoop on notifications and other personal data would have to be considered a serious security flaw.
    Who would want to buy an expensive smart watch for use with their phone, knowing they might stop working with each other without warning?

    • Tim Farrell (@timster83) - 9 years ago

      Apple provide an API (Apple Notification Center Service) which allows third party bluetooth devices to receive notifications. It’s the same technology which allows the Pebble to work.

  4. varera (@real_varera) - 9 years ago

    notifications are not enough. full control, dual-platform apps, etc. but anyhow, google should do this a year ago, that would kill apple watch before arrival. now it is a bit too late.

  5. pineapplevanl - 9 years ago

    I wonder if this has to do with pebbles rise and they can support ios

  6. P.NIKHIL MOHAN - 9 years ago

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