Home
News
You are here

Watch faces to be booted from Play Store if they don't update to the API by Jan. 31st

By Michael Heller

Updated: Dec 10, 2014, 2:56 PM

Android

Wearables

Add us as a preferred source on Google Search

Watch faces to be booted from Play Store if they don't update to the API by Jan. 31st

Google just announced the official Watch Face API for Android Wear, and that means there are big changes in store for the lawless world of Android Wear custom watch faces. Google has already cracked down before, removing watch faces from the Play Store that violate copyrights or trademarks; now, Google is saying any watch face not using the official API will be removed starting in February of 2015.

Developers have been building custom watch faces for months using unofficial methods, but now it's time to get on board. As noted before, the official APIs will allow for OpenGL graphics, pulling data like weather and calendar events, and make customization more consistent. And, while Google is putting a time limit on the update process, and developers can start work on making their watch faces work through the official API, Google is also urging that those updates not be pushed to the Play Store until after the Android 5.0 update has been pushed to hardware.

Because of the changes in the API, apps updated too soon will not be compatible with Android Wear 4.4, and will become invisible to users who haven't yet updated. And, since the Android Wear 5.0 update hasn't even started yet, devs would be wise to wait. Assuming everything goes to plan, devs will still have about 6 weeks to push out updated watch faces before facing repercussions, since Google's deadline is January 31st. That should be plenty of time.

source: Android Developers

$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.