You’ll Have Way More Smartwatches to Choose From Pretty Soon
Sundar Pichai, head of Google’s Android operating system, has announced that software development kits for creating operating systems for everything from smartwatches to headsets are coming this month.
This could mean an explosion in the number of Android-based smartwatches, smart glasses and more, just as the availability of Android for smartphones and tablets made those devices plentiful.
Pichai made the announcement at SxSW Interactive and said that the software development kits (SDKs) will not only make it easier for companies and individuals to use Android on fitness trackers, motion sensors and other wearable tech devices, but they would also simplify data collection from sensors in order to create supporting apps and functionality.
Google has identified a need to create a common platform and language for wearable devices so that they work with one another. And, for the time being at least, Pichai said that is where the company will be focusing its efforts.
It currently has no plans to announce a consumer-ready wearable tech device of its own.
In recent months, reports have emerged that Google is developing a smartwatch in collaboration with LG, and of course the company already makes one of the world’s highest-profile wearable technology devices in the form of Google Glass. However, Pichai’s comment that Google is not ready to make any consumer announcements suggests that the smart headset is still some way from being ready for the mass market.
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