LG launches first ever Android Wear watch at Google I/O

LG has launched the LG G Watch - set to be one of the first devices powered by Android wear, at Google's I/O developer conference.

The Android Wear Project was launched in March, along with a new developer section on the Google website, encouraging developers to create applications for the device.

Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps said at the launch: "Watches powered by Android Wear aim to show you the right information and suggestions you need, right when you need them. It's been great to work with LG on the launch of the G Watch especially given its simple, easy-to-use design."

The LG G Watch runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor clocked at 1.2GHz. On the front of the device is an always-on 1.65-inch IPS display with 'true to life' colour reproduction. It's dust and water resistant with an IP67 rating and will be available in both black and white.

The strap can be customised with any 22mm band available on the market although it will ship with a silicone strap, while the face is made from Physical Vapor Deposition coated stainless steel.

LG's watch connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and can display information such as messages, who's calling, which music track you're listening to and other information relayed from your Android device.

The watch's interface is built upon cards, surfacing relevant information to the user when it's needed, with voice recognition controlling the device. Instead of integrating buttons on the watch that interfere with its design, most functions can be carried out using the 'OK Google' command and then speaking the action you want it to do - such as composing a text message or firing up the music player.

Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company said: "As one of the first to market with Android Wear, LG wanted to develop a product that functions as an essential companion device but most importantly, was simple to use. We wanted a device that would be simple to learn and so intuitive that users wouldn't even have to think about how to use its features. That's what the LG G Watch is all about."

The LG Wear is already available for pre-order on the Google Play Store, although a price hasn't yet been announced.

Clare Hopping
Freelance writer

Clare is the founder of Blue Cactus Digital, a digital marketing company that helps ethical and sustainability-focused businesses grow their customer base.

Prior to becoming a marketer, Clare was a journalist, working at a range of mobile device-focused outlets including Know Your Mobile before moving into freelance life.

As a freelance writer, she drew on her expertise in mobility to write features and guides for ITPro, as well as regularly writing news stories on a wide range of topics.