The final developer preview of Android Wear 2.0 rolled out this year, and it packs features that could positively expand android development. The new OS update came out a month ago along with a surprise from Google. The tech behemoth partnered with LG and introduced two flagship smartwatches out of the box featuring the 2.0.
The developer preview, that came out earlier, is a different story. As always, Google made sure the developers have things to work on….primarily the iOS support.
YES! A massive feature of the operating system is full iOS support. For the mobile application development sector, this is a pretty big deal.
What it means
Basically, it means that android developers can create iPhone apps that will be supported by wearables running Android Wear 2.0.
Previous Android smartwatches connected to iOS were able to access apps through the Android Wear iOS app, and only use the ones distributed by Google. Now, with the iOS support, Android and iOS developers can team up to enhance user experience even further opening the doors to integrating more innovative tech to the much beloved platform.
iOS support is just one feature. Other noteworthy additions include:
- Navigation drawer app
- NFC Host Card Emulation support
- Bug fixes
The NFC Host Card Emulation support could make it possible to pay for purchases through Android Pay.
It should also be noted that the iOS support doesn’t work both ways i.e. iOS users can use Android powered wearables running the 2.0 Android Wear. They will be able to run iOS apps in the device. But the same cannot be said for Android users. They still won’t be able to connect Apple Watch to their Android smartphones.
Developers will be able to submit applications developed with the Android Wear 2.0 version to the Google Play Store for publication. Once authorized, the apps can be made available to users owning Android Wear 2.0 devices.
That said, the Android Wear 2.0 update still hasn’t rolled out except for a select few devices. Even those with the developer preview haven’t received the update. The delay may not be Google’s fault but rest assured when it does come out for the wearables, it will not be disappointing the users.
