Google’s answer to wearable tech

Android Wear may be just what the tech giant ordered

A Moto 360 smartwatch is seen in this Motorola Mobility LLC handout image released to Reuters on March 18, 2014. Google Inc said on Tuesday that smartwatches based on its Android mobile software will be available later this year, enlisting a variety of partners and signaling the Internet company’s intent to play a leading role in what could be the next big computing market. REUTERS/Motorola Mobility, LLC/Handout via Reuters (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS) ATTENTION EDITORS - NO COMMERCIAL OR BOOK SALES. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS
A Moto 360 smartwatch is seen in this Motorola Mobility LLC handout image released to Reuters on March 18, 2014. Google Inc said on Tuesday that smartwatches based on its Android mobile software will be available later this year, enlisting a variety of partners and signaling the Internet company’s intent to play a leading role in what could be the next big computing market. REUTERS/Motorola Mobility, LLC/Handout via Reuters (UNITED STATES - Tags: SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY BUSINESS) ATTENTION EDITORS - NO COMMERCIAL OR BOOK SALES. NO SALES. NO ARCHIVES. FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. IT IS DISTRIBUTED, EXACTLY AS RECEIVED BY REUTERS, AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS

Announced last week, Android Wear is Google’s answer to the relentless march of wearable tech. It will give you fast access to everything from mapping information and traffic data to access to your messages and calls when you link up with your smartphone.

Fitness is also expected to be a big part of the system. Initially aimed at smartwatches, this software is likely to make its way into other wearable devices in the future. In the meantime, you'll have to be content with watches from the likes of LG and Samsung.

Android.com/wear