ASUS to Debut Cheapest Android Wear Watch Yet in Sept
Android Wear fans, watch out! A better-looking, cheaper smartwatch could be on its way. ASUS is the latest company that's developing a product for Google's wrist-optimized operating system, and its device could be announced as soon as September.
According to Focus Taiwan, ASUS CEO Jerry Shen said at an investors' conference that the company could unveil its smartwatch at the IFA conference in Berlin, Germany early next month. Shen also said ASUS's watch is better looking and cheaper than rival products, and that it has been "well-received by Google." Not much else has been revealed about the possible watch.
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The Taiwanese company was one of the manufacturers picked by Google as an Android Wear hardware partner, joining a list that includes Samsung, LG and Motorola. Samsung's Gear Live, LG's G Watch and Motorola's Moto 360 were announced with the launch of Android Wear earlier this year. The Gear Live and G Watch are already available for sale for $199 and $229 respectively, while the Moto 360 should arrive in weeks.
Android Wear puts your notifications and apps on your wrist, but requires a companion smartphone to operate. Samsung is rumored to launch a smartwatch at IFA, called the Gear Solo, that will work independently via a built-in SIM card slot and radio.
The world's tech giants all appear to be jumping on the smartwatch bandwagon, with Apple rumored to announce a purported iWatch later this year. Apple's wristband is supposed to have a stronger focus on fitness tracking, but it is also expected to work with iOS devices to show notifications and apps.
Staff Writer Cherlynn Low keeps losing her dumb watches. Follow her @cherlynnlow and on Google+. Follow Tom's Guide at @tomsguide, on Facebook and on Google+.
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