Android Wear Gets Cellular Support

Google’s Android Wear OS for wearables has received features in bits and pieces. This was followed by Wi-Fi support and always-on display support which was rolled out earlier this year, and now Google has officially announced cellular support for Android Wear, enabling mobile data without requiring a smartphone .

Peter Ludwig, Product Manager, Android Wear, confirmed the news in a blog post. The addition of cellular support to Android Wear-based smartwatches means that users will no longer rely on just the Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capability of the wearable devices. The watches (those featuring the requisite hardware) will be able to automatically switch to a cellular connection when available. Additionally, when the smartwatch and smartphone are paired and connected to a cellular network, users will be able to send and receive messages as well as use apps via just the smartwatch. The biggest advantage of the addition is cellular capabilities of the smartwatch.

The company said in the blog post, “No more worrying about Bluetooth or Wi-Fi – your watch will automatically switch to a cellular connection when you’re out of range. As long as your watch and phone are connected to a cellular network, you’ll be able to use your watch to send and receive messages, track fitness, get answers from Google, and run your favorite apps. And yes, you’ll even be able to make and take calls right from your watch, for when your hands are full, or your phone is elsewhere.”

The first Android Wear watch with cellular support is the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE.

The watch’s three buttons offer quick access to what you use most: your contacts list, the LG Health fitness app, and back to the watch face to see the time. Its high resolution 480 x 480 P-OLED display makes it easy to read important info, no matter where you are. And the built-in heart rate monitor helps you get more out of your workouts. US customers can buy the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition from AT&T and Verizon. And international customers will be able to buy it within the coming months.