[News] LG Announces G Watch
LG Electronics today announced the introduction of their highly anticipated G Watch, one of the first devices powered by Android Wear, Google’s wearable operating system which extends the Android platform to wearables. As a wrist wearable device featuring a button-less design, LG’s G Watch will appeal to a mass audience with its simple minimalist design, quick access to useful information and connectivity with other Android devices.
“As one of the first companies to go to market with Android Wear, we wanted something that functioned as an essential companion device. Importantly, we also wanted a device that would be simple to learn and intuitive to use,” said Glen Chean, National Marketing Manager at LG Electronics New Zealand.
“With LG’s G Watch powered by Android Wear, we think we have struck that balance,” he added.
At the core of the G Watch is a powerful and energy-efficient processor, the Snapdragon 400 CPU clocking in at 1.2GHz. Paired with a low power consuming Always-On 1.65-inch IPS display with true-to-life colour reproduction, the G Watch enhances the functionality of Android smartphones by providing quick access to useful information. Connected via Bluetooth, the G Watch displays your messages, the caller and allows you to control music playback and more without taking your smartphone out of your pocket or bag.
Integral to the G Watch and Android Wear is a simple user experience giving you useful information when you need it, and voice recognition, which allows you to ask questions and get things done easily. With voice recognition, LG was able to develop the G Watch without any buttons or keys. LG and Google worked closely from the initial stages of development to ensure that the G Watch worked as envisioned. Users can send text messages and search for useful information just by saying “Ok Google”.
The G Watch combines form and function in a subtle, minimalist design under an intuitive touch-based user interface. With an Ingress Protection rating of IP67, the G Watch is protected from dust and is water resistant for up to thirty minutes to a depth of one metre. The G Watch will be available in two colours — Black Titan and White Gold — and is constructed of PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) coated stainless steel with a rugged silicone wristband. The G Watch can also be personalised with many standard 22mm straps available in the market.
The G Watch will be available for pre-order on the Google Play Store starting June 25 in 12 countries including key markets such as the United States, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, South Korea and Japan. The G Watch will also be available soon after at retailers in 27 markets such as Brazil, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Russia.
Information on pricing and availability for the New Zealand market will be announced at a later date.
