A deeper dive with the LG G Watch (pictures)

Announced at Google I/O 2014 and available for preorder today, the LG G Watch is one of the first smartwatches to run on Google's new Android-based smartwatch OS, Android Wear.

Five pins on the back of the G Watch line up with the pins in its charging base, which connects to a Micro-USB cable.

The G Watch weighs a slight 0.13 pounds (63 grams) and is 38mm long, 47mm wide, and a sliver under 10mm thick.

The watch is also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, a gyrometer, accelerometer, and a built-in compass.

Here you can get a better view of the thickness of the G Watch: just 9.95mm, to be precise.

The G Watch comes in two colors (white gold and black), but its bands can be interchanged with standard watch bands.

Just like your phone vibrates in your pocket when you have a text, the LG G Watch will vibrate and show the latest message so you don't need to take out your phone.

For the active user, the smartwatch can also collect data on how many steps you've taken in the day.

The LG G Watch (far left) next to some typical time pieces.

The device is compatible with handsets running Android 4.3 or later.

The G Watch will also display Google Now cards so you can check things like the weather easily. Another swipe on the weather screen will bring up a weekly forecast.

The G Watch is powered by a 400mAh battery, which has a claimed standby time of about 36 hours.

When you want to perform a search, find nearby locations, or get directions, just say, "OK, Google" to your G Watch and speak your query. As you can see in this screen, if it doesn't register, you can try again.

The G Watch has no external buttons, instead relying on touch and voice to activate this wearable gadget's many features.

Another look at the G Watch (right) next to an analog watch.

As mentioned before, the device has a built-in compass for navigation.

The powerhouse of the smartwatch is a Snapdragon 400 processor from Qualcomm. You charge its 400mAh battery by clipping it into a stand -- the juice flows over those five pins on the back.

Some people worry smartwatches will be too bulky for everyday use. Here, an LG representative wears the G Watch. Those with smaller wrists will certainly have a different experience.

The 1.5-inch LCD touchscreen has a 280x280-pixel resolution.

Because it supports voice command, you can also record voice memos or activate commands. Simply say, "OK, Google, set an alarm for 7 a.m.," and your watch's alarm will start blaring at the appropriate time the following day.

The G Watch is available for $229 in the US, £159 in the UK and AU$249 in Australia. You can preorder now from the Google Play Store in all three countries and it ships out July 3.

Other Android Wear watches shown off at I/O include the Samsung Gear Live, and the Moto 360 by Motorola.

Click here for more of CNET's coverage of Google I/O 2014.