Google formally announces cellular connectivity for Android Wear
When LG originally announced the Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE and its cellular connectivity, we questioned whether it was even running Android Wear. The wearable OS didn’t natively support the functionality to now, after all. But now we know that Google was just a bit late getting their announcement out: Android Wear will soon support cellular connectivity.
You’ll be able to hop onto 4G LTE and use your LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition without needing to have your phone nearby, and without having to have a WiFi connection. This is great news for those who might often find themselves needing to leave their phone behind, such as those who are going for runs, at the gym, or simply can’t have their phone on them at work.
This functionality also enables the use of messaging and calling (both receiving and initiating) without the need to have your phone handy. That’s a pretty big deal, folks.
Google reiterated that LG is the first (and to date, only) manufacturer with an Android Wear watch with such functionality, with Verizon and AT&T looking to offer it in the days and weeks to come. There’s still no word on whether other carriers will ever offer the thing, nor do we have any idea who the next manufacturer will be to make one. That said, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition is a pretty fine smartwatch on its own, so if you’ve been holding out specifically for this functionality then there’s no good reason to delay a purchase any further. Who’s getting one?
[via Google]