Google’s wearable platform went from just a weird-looking science experiment to a more mainstream product this year. That’s because there were so many new watches, such as the second-generation Moto 360, LG Watch Urbane, Huawei Watch, Fossil Q Founder, and the $1,500 Tag Heuer Connected. And the launch of the Apple Watch had the advantage of bringing the idea of a smartwatch into the public consciousness.
There was another wise move by Google: Android Wear works with the iPhone. While it might seem counterintuitive for an Android Wear watch to work with iOS, it allows Google’s partners to market their wearables more widely. I’ve paired it up with an iPhone 6S Plus, and it’s a pretty good experience.
It may not do as much as Apple Watch, but Android Wear has a lot of great things going for it. It’s simpler to use and plays well with a whole host of watches, which kind of gets to the heart of Android. The OS is flexible and available on different-looking and priced devices.
In 2016 we will hopefully see some improvements to how Android works on tablets - a split-screen mode is badly needed. And while I’m not holding out hope, it would be great for everyone if Google took more control over how often handset makers and carriers should send out updates. I get that this goes against some of the initial ethos of Android. But as the Nexus devices demonstrate, the best of Android is only really available if it’s left alone.