Android Wear 2.0, what to expect February 8?

Google will release a new operating system for Android Wear next month, called Android Wear 2.0. Android Wear 2.0 contains a number of special options that will make Android wearables more stand-alone. What do you need to know if you are interested in Android Wearables or own an Android Wearable?

What's new in Android Wear 2.0?

Android Wear is Google's operating system focused on watches and other jewelry (also called Wearables). Android Wear 2.0 is Google's answer to watchOS, the wearable operating system Apple offers in its Apple Watch. With Android Wear 2.0 it is possible to use your Wearable without connecting it to a smartphone. This means that the Wearable itself has a store to install apps. This also means that it is possible for the developer to develop a Wear-only app as opposed to the past where a Wear and a Smartphone app had to be developed.

Google Assistant

Google Assistant is also coming to the Android Wearables. Google Assistant is a digital assistant and the successor to Google Now. Google Assistant is currently already available on the Google Pixel, Google Home and in the chat app Allo. Users can start a conversation with the assistant and ask the assistant anything, such as, "Put on Red Hot Chili Peppers in the living room." In this case, the Spotify app will be launched and the music from Red Hot Chili Peppers will be set up in the living room on the Chromecast audio. The Google Assistant can be used in any Android app are integrated and linked to any Android device.

Which Android Wearables are supported?

Sony:
SmartWatch 3: Unclear

LG:
LG G Watch (Original): No (Confirmed by LG)
LG G Watch R: Yes (LG's Website, confirmed by Verge)
LG G Watch Urbane: Yes (LG's site, confirmed by Verge)
LG G Watch Urbane 2nd gen: Yes

Motorola:
Moto 360: No (confirmed by Motorola)
Moto 360 2nd Gen: Yes (confirmed by Verge)
Moto 360 Sport: Yes (confirmed by Motorola)

Samsung:
Samsung Gear Live: Unclear

ASUS:
ASUS ZenWatch: Yes (confirmed by Verge)
ASUS ZenWatch 2: Yes (confirmed by Verge)

Tag Heuer:
Tag Heuer Connected: Yes (confirmed by Tag)

casino:
Casio WSD F10: Yes (confirmed by Verge)

Nixon:
Mission: Yes (confirmed by Nixon)

fossil:
Fossil Q Founder: Yes (confirmed by Fossil)
Fossil Q Wander: Yes (confirmed by Verge)
Fossil Q Marshal: Yes (confirmed by Verge)

Michael Kors:
Access Bradshaw Smartwatch: Yes (confirmed by Verge)

Huawei:
Huawei Watch: Yes (Developer Preview available)
Huawei Watch Ladies: Yes (Developer Preview available)

Polar:
M600: Yes (confirmed by Verge)

New wearables

In addition, Google also announced two new Android Wearables on February 8: the Watch Sport and the Watch Style. Both Wearables are produced by LG and of course come with Android Wear 2.0. As far as specs and functionality go, the LG Watch Sport wins. The LG Watch Style relies on its elegance and small size. Both wearables have the same size battery and storage. The Watch Sport is a bit more comprehensive in terms of connectivity, offering 3G and LTE options along with GPS and NFC (Near Field Communication). This makes Android Pay possible on the LG Watch Sport. The Watch Sport also has a better screen and more RAM capacity. The new LG wearables are expected to be available in Europe at the end of January or early February.