LG gets into Android Wear with the G Watch
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.
Charging up for juice
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.
Sizing it up
The G Watch weighs a slight 0.13 pounds (63 grams) and is 38mm long, 47mm wide, and a sliver under 10mm thick.
Additional features inside
The watch is also equipped with Bluetooth 4.0, a gyrometer, accelerometer, and a built-in compass.
A few millimeters thick
Here you can get a better view of the thickness of the G Watch: just 9.95mm, to be precise.
Switching bands for style
The G Watch comes in two colors (white gold and black), but its bands can be interchanged with standard watch bands.
Convenient text notifications
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.
Follow these steps
For the active user, the smartwatch can also collect data on how many steps you've taken in the day.
In comparison for size
The LG G Watch (far left) next to some typical time pieces.
Only with Android 4.3 and later
The device is compatible with handsets running Android 4.3 or later.
Google Now notifications
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.
400mAh battery inside
The G Watch is powered by a 400mAh battery, which has a claimed standby time of about 36 hours.
"OK, Google"
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.
No buttons whatsoever
The G Watch has no external buttons, instead relying on touch and voice to activate this wearable gadget's many features.
Old meets new
Another look at the G Watch (right) next to an analog watch.
Where are we?
As mentioned before, the device has a built-in compass for navigation.
Powering its internals
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.
A fashion accessory?
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.
1.5-inch screen
The 1.5-inch LCD touchscreen has a 280x280-pixel resolution.
Voice command included too
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.
Availability and pricing
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.