Android Wear Update Brings Wi-Fi Connectivity

In addition to Wi-Fi capability, the latest OS adds new gestures and navigation.

With all eyes on the Apple Watch, Android knows exactly when to turn things in its own favor, and it has done so yet again with the latest Android Wear update, which was announced today. The updated platform brings with it Wi-Fi support, which means that Android Wear smartwatches are going to be less dependent on the smartphones. Within the next few days, all seven Android Wear watches are going to be eligible for the update and LG’s Watch Urbane is the first in the line.

Joining the Wi-Fi capability are several other new gestures and navigation features. Want to scroll down the screen? Just flick your wrist and consider the task done. Sensing messages and opening apps has become more than easy with just a tap on the screen. Before these changes were accommodated, the watch face had to be swiped up and then to the left multiple times to launch the app.

For those who rely on their own artistic skills, drawing emojis in your replies is another interesting feature added to the OS. The updated Android Wear also supports always-on apps so the display never dims while you’re navigating to your friend’s house or crafting your reply to a message. Thanks to the Wi-Fi connection, you don’t have to worry about being close to your phone all the time.