Google has confirmed that it plans to launch a software development kit in the next two weeks that will allow third-party developers to create Android software for use on wearable computing devices. The news was confirmed by Google’s head of Chrome and Android, Sundar Pichai at SXSW (South By Southwest Interactive Festival) 2014.
Sundar Pichai, during a panel discussion at SXSW 2014, stated that a new SDK would be released by Google which is designed to help developers create Android apps for devices like smartwatches and fitness bands. He also stated that Android SDK for wearable’s would help developers take advantage of current and emerging sensor technology. Google had previously released similar SDKs for Android for automobiles, televisions and tablets. Pichai likened the wearable technology to the smartphone revolution and stated that the goal was to take Android beyond tablets and smartphones to a multi-screen world.
“In two weeks we are launching the first developer SDK for Android that will lay out the vision for developers in how we see this market working,” Pichai said.
Google is reportedly working with LG to produce a smartwatch that will make a debut at Google’s I/O developer’s conference in June. Pichai added that Google is releasing its Android SDK for wearable’s ahead of actual devices in order to get “plenty of feedback,” as the internet giant’s smartwatch will likely be the first device to run on the new software. According to reports, the new mobile operating system will integrate the company’s Google Now voice assistant and search feature. Google will go up against Samsung Galaxy Gear and Apple’s rumored iWatch with its new LG Nexus smartwatch.
Source: TNW