Android Wear 2.0

Google launched Android Wear 2.0 at Google I/O. The new version of the smartwatch OS will roll out to devices later in the year, developers can get their hands on the developer version right away. The update brings a set of Google’s Material Design guidelines for the UI. The UI has been enhanced with more functionality and options given to developers. There are capabilities for notifications added, along with better input mechanisms. Android Wear 2.0 also reduces the dependence of smartwatches on an associated smartphone.

Action drawers have been introduced. The navigation drawer on the top allows users to switch between application views. These are say, settings, contacts and chats in a messaging application. At the bottom is the action drawer, that are contextual possible reactions to what is on screen. For example, in the messaging app, composing a reply, sending an attachment or location are options.

The capabilities for notifications have been expanded. There is a special type of notification reserved for messenger apps. There is a first action in the notification area that shows the one most natural response right up front. The response in the notification area is not mirrored in the action drawer. The action drawer shows a list of other possible reactions.

There is a bridging mode to handle redundant updates and notifications on the smartwatch as well as a smartphone. Something known as a dismiss ID has been added. The dismiss ID keeps track of which notifications were discarded by the user, and makes sure that they do not show up again on another device.