Android Wear smartwatches are now compatible with the iPhone
Your move, Apple
By Carly Page
Tue Sep 01 2015, 11:04
IN A WEIRD TWIST OF FATE, Google has announced that Android Wear smartwatches are now compatible with the iPhone.
The announcement, which comes just days ahead of IFA where a bunch of new smartwatches is likely to arrive, sees an Android Wear companion app in Apple's App Store that allows iPhone owners to pair an Android smartwatch with their handset.
This is bad news for iPhone users eyeing up Samsung's newly announced Gear S2 smartwatch, which arrives running the firm's own Tizen operating system.
The Android Wear for iOS app allows users to receive notifications like phone calls and messages on their Android smartwatch, along with information from Google Now such as traffic alerts, weather and flight status details.
Android Wear for iOS
'OK Google' functionality is also present, allowing you to bark questions at your wrist such as 'Is it going to rain tomorrow?', and the Android Wear app will also track your fitness information such as heart rate and steps walked.
David Singleton, director of engineering at Android Wear, said triumphantly in a blog post: "When you wear something every day, you want to be sure it really works for you. That's why Android Wear offers countless design choices, so you can find the watch that fits your style.
"Want a round watch with a more classic look? Feel like a new watch band? How about changing things up every day with watch faces from artists and designers?
"With Android Wear you can do all of that. And now, Android Wear watches work with iPhones."
The blog post noted that the LG G Watch Urbane is the only Android watch to offer iPhone compatibility so far, but users have reported that they have managed to get the app working with the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R, for example.
Google has said that all future Android Wear devices will be compatible with iOS, including the mooted Moto 360 2 and Huawei Watch.
The Android Wear app for iOS is available to download for the iPhone 5, 5C, 5S, 6 and 7 Plus, so long as the handset is running iOS 8.2 and above. µ
