Home
News
You are here

Google secretly acquired Android smartwatch maker WIMM last year

By Michael Heller

Published: Aug 30, 2013, 5:15 PM

Android

Google

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

We have known that Google has been working on its own smartwatch, and at the very least it is working towards optimizing Android for use on smartwatches. But, it seems that Google has been working on this longer than we have known. A new report is saying that Google secretly acquired Android smartwatch maker WIMM sometime last year.

The way this whole thing has gone down has been pretty interesting. WIMM released its first Android smartwatch, the WIMM One, back in 2011. The device got some positive reviews. Then, last summer, WIMM suddenly went quiet except for one statement saying that the company had "entered into an exclusive, confidential relationship" and would not continue with its current product line. A Google representative has confirmed that it has acquired WIMM, and it is assumed the deal happened when WIMM went quiet, but no one knows for sure.

What makes WIMM even more interesting is that the company didn't just make hardware, but also put together a platform to help developers create what it called "micro apps" for the devices. The app store is still accessible on the web and shows off a couple dozen apps.

There isn't much more info on what is happening, but it is very interesting that Google brought in a talented team to work on the company's own smartwatch efforts. It's unclear when we'll get more info on what is happening inside Google, but we're definitely excited to hear more.

source: GigaOM

reference: WIMM app store

$719 /mo

$1199

$480 off (40%)

On the Visible+ Pro plan, you get access to 5G Ultra Wideband data on Verizon's fastest network. Along with unlimited roaming across Mexico and Canada, 2 days of Global Pass per month, 3x hotspot speeds, 4K streaming, and Smartwatch service.

Buy at Visible

View Full Bio

Michael Heller is known for his clear and informative articles on mobile technology. He explores important topics such as the rollouts of 5G networks and the advancements in mobile payments, offering readers insights into the evolving tech landscape.