Google launches Android Wear project

Google announced the launch of Android Wear, a project that extends Android to wearables—specifically, watches. 

This technology will go beyond the functionality of a smartphone, and will include features to help individuals better monitor their health and fitness, according to a blog post from Sundar Pichai, senior vice president, Android, Chrome & Apps at Google.

“Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk,” wrote Pichai.

Android Wear also will include functionalities of providing “useful information when you need it most” by sending the latest posts and updates from favorite social apps, chats from preferred messaging apps and notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, according to the blog post.

The technology will offer “straight answers to spoken questions,” like how many calories are in an avocado, and provide the ability to call a taxi, make a restaurant reservation or set an alarm, among other tasks. Also the device will facilitate access to other devices, according to Pichai.

“We're always seeking new ways for technology to help people live their lives and this is just another step in that journey. Here’s to getting the most out of the many screens you use every day—whether in your car, in your pocket or, very soon, on your wrist,” he wrote.