Android Wear 2.0, LG Watch Sport, Watch Style Break Cover

At long last, the smartwatch market is getting fresh new blood and a chance at becoming popular again. At least that is the promise and dream of Android Wear 2.0 which, after a few months' delay, is finally officially launched. Of course, it's going to take some time for it actually be available on anyone's wrists, including the still to ship LG Watch Sport and Watch Style smartwatches, but Google is promising it will very well be worth the wait.

So what exactly are you getting in Android Wear 2.0? There has already been the much-advertised standalone features of the platform, which allow users to install apps and use the smartwatch even without the smartphone. And if the device can handle its own LTE connection, it can even make calls on its own.

Of course, that's not the only highlight of the release. The list includes single tap actions for, say, hailing an Uber ride or starting a workout. What was not exactly hinted before but totally expected, is the addition of Google Assistant. This makes Android Wear 2.0 the fourth official place where you can find the AI-powered personal assistant, next to the Google Pixel, Google Home, and Google Allo. It's really a no-brainer considering how dependent the smartwatch is to voice-activated assistants.

A new Android Wear release naturally needs a new Android Wear smartwatch, which is where the LG Watch Style and Watch Sport come in. They're no Nexus, but, considering the lack of new notable Android Wear devices, they're still pretty much welcome. The LG Style does justice to its name, compatible with the 18 mm MODE watch bands, but at the sacrifice of functionality. If you want everything that Android Wear 2.0 has to offer, however, you'll want the LG Watch Sport. Although bigger, it is also equipped with everything you need to take advantage of 2.0, including LTE connectivity as well as NFC for Android Pay.

Both the LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport will be available starting February 10. Aside from their usual place on the Google Store, the LG Watch Style will also be available from Best Buy with a $249.99 price tag. The LG Watch Sport, on the other hand, because of their connectivity features, can be purchased from Verizon as well as from AT&T.

LG Watch Sport Specifications:

- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 featuring 4G LTE

- Operating System: Android Wear 2.0

- Display: 1.38-inch P-OLED Display (480 x 480 / 348ppi)

- Size: 45.4 x 51.21 x 14.2mm

- Memory: 4GB eMMC / 768MB LPDDR3

- Battery: 430mAh

- Network: LTE / 3G /Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.2 LE / NFC

- Sensors: 6-Axis (Accelerometer / Gyro) / Barometer / PPG / GPS / Ambient Light Sensor

- Color: Titanium / Dark Blue

- Other: Dust and Water Resistance (IP68) / Speaker / Microphone / Wireless Charging

LG Watch Style Specifications:

- Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100

- Operating System: Android Wear 2.0

- Display: 1.2-inch P-OLED Display (360 x 360 / 299ppi)

- Size: 42.3 x 45.7 x 10.79mm

- Memory: 4GB eMMC / 512MB LPDDR3

- Battery: 240mAh

- Network: Wi-Fi 802.11 b, g, n / Bluetooth 4.2 LE

- Sensors: 6-Axis (Accelerometer / Gyro) / Ambient Light Sensor

- Color: Silver / Titanium / Rose Gold

- Dust and Water Resistance (IP67) / Microphone / Wireless Charging

As for existing smartwatches, Android Wear 2.0 is set to roll out in the coming weeks. Actual arrival will, of course, vary, but Google lists the devices that are, at least, promised to get the update.

• ASUS ZenWatch 2 & 3

• Casio Smart Outdoor Watch

• Casio PRO TREK Smart

• Fossil Q Founder

• Fossil Q Marshal

• Fossil Q Wander

• Huawei Watch

• LG Watch R

• LG Watch Urbane & 2nd Edition LTE

• Michael Kors Access Smartwatches

• Moto 360 2nd Gen

• Moto 360 for Women

• Moto 360 Sport

• New Balance RunIQ

• Nixon Mission

• Polar M600

• TAG Heuer Connected

SOURCE: Google