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8 Apple Watch features that Android Wear watches should borrow

posted by Luis D. / Mar 10, 2015, 7:04 AM

8 Apple Watch features that Android Wear watches should borrow

Yesterday, we had a good look at the Apple Watch. And when we were done with that, we turned our attention to the Android Wear tickers adorning our wrists. We've grown pretty fond of them in the span of a few months, but we're also objective - Android Wear is work in progress. Lurking beneath the pretty watchfaces, there are the rough edges, the questionable omissions, the "playing-it-safe" feel of technology that was put on the market a little bit early. Nothing deal-breaking, but we have to say, Apple really took its time with this project. In the process, it came up with some nice ideas about the Apple Watch's functionality that Android Wear developers & Google should borrow if they want to see the platform progress.

Here they are!

8 Apple Watch features that Android Wear watches should borrow

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31 Comments

1. rockers123

Posts: 137; Member since: Sep 08, 2013

PA, how do you even know it has an accurate heart rate sensor? Did you compare that with a an actual HR device?

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:09 AM 14

13. Finalflash

Posts: 4063; Member since: Jul 23, 2013

All heart rate sensors are fairly accurate, you can even use your camera as a sensor as shown again and again and it is fairly accurate. This is largely a fluff piece for Apple once again, because they have to feed their kids too. 1) Wifi, yea, they can add that, wouldn't be too bad. 2) NFC for payments, no thanks, NFC in general sure. All android phones have NFC (like 99%) so payments through the watch are just stupid since most authentication requires the phone. Only Apple needs this for payments seeing has how the 6/+ are the only ones with NFC. 3)Shazam....okay, they'll have it soon enough, maybe even before the Apple watch since that isn't out yet. But is anyone going to be identifying music on their watch? If it needs the phone to function then why not just use the phone and find the song and DL or something. 4) Animations....on a watch with limited battery, no thanks. Keep it practical, no one needs slow animations like on the iPhone wasting time and battery on the watch. 5) Force touch, no thanks. No need for hidden menus and 10 different functions not intuitively visible. it literally just takes long press and replaces with a gimmick yet accomplishes the same thing. 6) Comm with heart beats....no thanks, keep the gimmicks to Apple stuff. 7) Heart rate sensor....I think some already have it and its just as accurate. 8) More choices....are u F'in with us or something?

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:40 AM 12

15. Scott93274

Posts: 6040; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

In response to point 8, did you happen to read the article in the below link? http://www.phonearena.com/news/Motorola-exec-Apple-charges-outrageous-prices_id66163 It's about Motorola's response to Apple's Chief Designer when he was quoted saying "I believe that's abdicating your responsibility as a designer," in regards to Motorola's model of giving users options in making their phone look the way they want it to. Talk about the height of hypocrisy. But you know, they say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and with the latest iPhone and iOS release, the Android developers and OEMs should be really flattered.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:06 AM 2

31. sgodsell

Posts: 7430; Member since: Mar 16, 2013

Option 4 UI doesn't matter, especially since Android Wear gives you the ability to add launchers for even Android Wear. You could even design a watch face to add a new UI if you really wanted to. if you really wanted to. But as far as Google redesign their UI. They could but its quite functional as is, and when you change allow your users to change the UI. Then it becomes a moot point for Android Wear. BTW does Apple let its users change the UI? Well we all know the answer to that question. The answer is a definite NO. Option 8 has to be a joke, especially since there is currently 8 completely different smart watches for Android Wear (LG G Watch, Gear Live, Moto 360, LG G Watch R, Asus ZenWatch, Sony SmartWatch 3, LG Urbane, Huawei Watch). The Apple watch comes in a his/her sizes, but they are the exact same design. The only thing that changes is the materials and the bands. The Android Wear smart watches range from square to round, and the vast majority of them are stainless steel, and are much friendlier on consumers wallets. Not to mention you have tons of options for the bands. If you don't like the bands that some of these Android smart watches offer, then you can buy regular watch bands from your local jeweler, or from Amazon, or where ever you can find a regular watch band that will fit. With Apple your ONLY choice is to get the bands from Apple. They charge $50 for a rubberized band. You can get good leather bands for less then $50. Not to mention you can get some stainless steel bands for less then $50 as well. Apple charges $200 for a stainless steel band. BTW the Sony SmartWatch 3 has WiFi and built in GPS.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 3:14 PM 1

16. techperson211

Posts: 1280; Member since: Feb 27, 2014

Really? Are you kidding me then tell that to Sony smart watch 3. This the time that PA highlights everything about apple even the most irrelevant ones.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:07 AM 1

17. techperson211

Posts: 1280; Member since: Feb 27, 2014

One thing is for sure it reminds me of ipod nano.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:09 AM 0

18. Scott93274

Posts: 6040; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

I like my iPod nano. I got a really nice metal wrist band for it too... sadly though I rarely use it these days...

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:17 AM 2

19. techperson211

Posts: 1280; Member since: Feb 27, 2014

Yeah I've got one too.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:20 AM 0

23. jerzyiroc

Posts: 36; Member since: Sep 16, 2014

Just to expand on what you said. Most Android Wear watches already have WiFi support. Android Wear is supposed to be getting an update very soon to finally enable WifI on them. Also, PA has to be trolling about 8. Most Androi Wear watches can use REGULAR F'in WATCH BANDS!!! There is nearly an infinite amount of customization with Android Wear watches. Go to your local jeweler and get any band you want as long as it's the correct mm. Fluff piece indeed

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 10:01 AM 3

25. cezarmed2

Posts: 71; Member since: Jul 22, 2014

We dont have superficial arteries on our back of the forehand to make it accurate.2 arteries,radial and ulnar and both are on the medial side of the forehand. If you want an accurate senzor build it on the watch belt so it can be in contact with the arteries.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 10:12 AM 0

27. Reluctant_Human

Posts: 913; Member since: Jun 28, 2012

Whoever wants to send me their pulse is a creep and/or stalker. No thanks.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 11:31 AM 0

20. TechieXP1969

Posts: 14967; Member since: Sep 25, 2013

Nope. Apple said so, so it's truth. The only accurate read of a heart beat is the Dr using a monitor. I would say, your pulse is an echo of the actual beat. It is delayed.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 8:21 AM 0

2. tech2

Posts: 3487; Member since: Oct 26, 2012

With regards to Slide 3, doesn't Google Now on Android Wear recognize songs ? Why do you need Shazam if Google does.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:10 AM 10

3. Industriality

Posts: 131; Member since: Sep 08, 2014

Those are definitely good things : it ruins the battery life but hey, you have to choose...

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:12 AM 0

4. NotAGeek

Posts: 279; Member since: Jan 26, 2014

Sony sw3 already have nfc.Number 4 is just stupid since the UI is frustrating (are you f***ing kidding me small round icons on a toy-ish square display?)

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:13 AM 9

5. Saioofi

Posts: 344; Member since: May 23, 2014

Now that's a smart watch

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:13 AM 1

6. dirtydirty00

Posts: 428; Member since: Jan 21, 2011

I heard the Apple watch also 'plays dead' very well....

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:15 AM 1

7. HugoBarraCyanogenmod

Posts: 1412; Member since: Jul 06, 2014

Android make a great phone after Apple does it Looking forward for a better watch, after this

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:16 AM 0

8. Zekreon

Posts: 6; Member since: Feb 18, 2015

Imao omg phone arena how much did apple pay you to write this.you are clearly kissing their a$$.Android wear should copy icrap whose price is $10000.Seriously have you even held that $h*t in your hand.Every features are on this list are clearly great only in your opinion and especially the last one which is complete trash since you were running out of ideas.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:20 AM 1

9. Awalker

Posts: 1981; Member since: Aug 15, 2013

Most Android watches don't have WiFi connectivity. It's soarly needed if you're transferring music to the watch. I think that's the only thing listed that's useful.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:26 AM 0

24. jerzyiroc

Posts: 36; Member since: Sep 16, 2014

Actually, most do have wifi connectivity. It's just enabled in Android Wear itself. But there will be an update to Android Wear very soon to enable it.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 10:02 AM 0

10. Donotnameme

Posts: 47; Member since: Jul 01, 2014

Sony sw3 technically has wi-fi, it has gps, already has NFC. As for "more fashion choices" there's an "adapter" so that you can use any 24mm straps. Plus the stainless steel version is sexy

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:27 AM 2

21. j2001m

Posts: 3061; Member since: Apr 28, 2014

The gear s as wifi

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 9:27 AM 0

11. Scott93274

Posts: 6040; Member since: Aug 06, 2013

More fashion choices? Apple should give its users more choices than broke and bankruptcy.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:31 AM 4

12. Nathillien unregistered

1. Yeah if you want the 18h battery. 2. Payments are quicker with the phone. 3. Hm...No. Useless. 4. Depends on the taste. 5. Force touch is missing one thing - force back. 6. You are kidding me. Right? 7. How good is that one? Not that I need one. 8. Doesn't Galaxy Gear S use standard strap holders so you can switch to any f&♤♡ strap you please. Now that is a fashion choice. Not that I need one.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:36 AM 2

14. jpd514

Posts: 57; Member since: Nov 08, 2013

I am happy to have a Tizen watch like Samsung solo. I have nearby all those features and much more. The earth rate monitor of the Solo can't be more accurate so Apple invented nothing. On this watch Apple copied Samsung so much that it's embarassing. Samsung should sue Apple, in Korea, to win, like Apple in USA.

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 7:42 AM 0

22. j2001m

Posts: 3061; Member since: Apr 28, 2014

Just for other reader he as the gear s (usa name)

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 9:29 AM 0

26. ChunkDiesel072014

Posts: 39; Member since: Feb 26, 2015

So what is it? Luis D... Do YOU FEEL this way about the apple smart watch or does everyone at Phonearena have the same exact brain??!!! Its not just him who does this either, why does every Phonearena writer put "we" for everything with an opinion? I definitely don't agree with everything you say so stop saying we were this and we were that it's actually quite annoying!! Sure there's the comment section but I come here to see people's personal opinion versus mine but when I read an article its like that's impossible to accomplish because I can't tell if ALL Phonearena is Bias or just a big portion is with all that we crap flying around. Please speak for yourself thats all I'm asking is it really that hard?

posted on Mar 10, 2015, 10:14 AM 0

28. erikiksaz

Posts: 170; Member since: Apr 22, 2010

LMFAO, "communicating" with pulses. Right. We have things called words that work fairly well, you know?