Yesterday, Google essentially declared the invasion of Android. The platform may have its roots in mobile, especially for the consumer, but it's certainly branching out now. Between Auto and TV alone, if we keep on this heading, Google's going to have their hand in everything. Which, honestly, everyone saw coming eventually, but maybe not so early as 2014.
Of course, it helps that the majority of new features that Google showcased at their Google I/O Keynote are things people are going to want to use, especially in their mobile devices. Android's Project L is a big step for Google, not just because of the changes it makes to the smartphones and tablets we use every single day, but because of the scope the platform now encompasses. That's a lot of work for Google, but it's a company that has never looked more ready to take that pressure in stride.
Admittedly, the keynote was pretty long, but when you look at how much stuff Google felt the need to announce, there's no way it could have been shorter. Depending on what you wanted to see at the event, you probably had a favorite section, or new features/products that look more appealing to you than anything else the Mountain View-based company showcased. That's normal -- I'm the same way. I watched the entire event, but at the end of the day it was still Android Wear that had me the most excited for what Google's bringing to market.
And yet, I'm still waiting.
Google announced that both the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live would be made available for purchase (with a later ship date) by the end of the day yesterday, and sure enough both watches are up for grabs even a day later. (Which is shocking, since devices on the Google Play Store tend to sell out quickly these days. Especially the high profile items.) But I'm waiting. That isn't to say that the G Watch or Gear Live are bad devices, because they aren't. It's a good start for Android Wear, and it can only go up from here, right?
That's what I'm banking on, and that's why I'm waiting for Motorola's Moto 360. A lot of people thought we'd get to see more of the device at the keynote yesterday, including me, so I was sort of disappointed to only get a mention of a release date later this year. It hasn't even been that long since the device was unveiled, but I'm really chomping at the bit to get this watch around my wrist.
Google has high aspirations for where Android is going, and considering the effort they're putting into it, it may very well work out for them. Android is already everywhere thanks to smartphones, but now it looks like we're going to be seeing even more of it down the road. As long as that means Android Wear continues to get better, and the hardware that runs it continues to impress, I'll continue to be excited for it.
Oh, but one thing: Android Wear absolutely needs Project Volta attention. The Gear Live says it has a battery life of one day. That's not good enough, and it's still ridiculous to think that we should charge our watch every single day. Battery life is one of the first priorities when it comes to a smartwatch, as far as I'm concerned.
Did you already buy an Android Wear-based wearable, or do you plan to soon? Are you waiting for the Moto 360? Let me know!