GWatchR
Latest
Android Wear 2.0 is ready for a bunch of new watches
It's a bit beat up, but my OLED-equipped LG G Watch R is still going strong (and bright) after nearly two years. So it's good news that, after being delayed by glitches, Android Wear 2.0 is rolling out this week to that model, the 2015 LG Watch Urbane and the more recent New Balance RunIQ.
Just 720,000 Android Wear smartwatches shipped last year
Wondering how well Android Wear managed in its first months on the market? Merely so-so, if you ask Canalys. The analyst group estimates that 720,000 Google-powered smartwatches shipped in 2014. That's not terrible for a young platform where many devices didn't even hit stores until the fall, but it's a drop in the bucket versus a total of 4.6 million total wearable bands. As Canalys explains to the Wall Street Journal, the current Android Wear crop is too rough around the edges to be a smash hit. The battery life isn't usually that hot (rarely more than a day), and there aren't enough apps to make the wristwear particularly useful.
The $299 LG G Watch R makes its way to Google Play
If you're after a Android Wear device that looks more like a traditional timepiece, Google put LG's wearable in its online store. The G Watch R was already tipped for the shelves of AT&T, but it made its way to Google Play today, ready to be snatched up after you part with the requisite funds. And yes, the stainless steel option with its "fully circular" display and various faces still carries that $299 price tag.
Engadget Daily: G Watch R review, life on the International Space Station and more!
We get it: You like the G Watch R's circular display, but aren't sure whether it's the one. We can help. Read on for our G Watch R review, the ins and outs of life on the International Space Station, and the rest of our news highlights from the last 24 hours. Enjoy!
AT&T launches new HTC phones, Lumia 830 and G Watch R on November 7th
When it rains, it pours -- on top of its Galaxy Note Edge announcement, AT&T has unveiled launch plans for no less than six smart devices that should reach stores by November 7th. It'll be a particularly big day for HTC fans, who'll get the Desire Eye ($150 on contract, $550 off), One (M8) for Windows ($200/$670) and RE camera ($199 contract-free). And that's just the start. The previously promised Lumia 830 will arrive at the same time, costing $100 on contract and $450 up front; you'll get a free Fitbit Flex activity tracker with the Windows Phone if you act quickly. Meanwhile, smartwatch lovers will like that both LG's G Watch R and Motorola's Moto 360 will go on sale for respective prices of $299 and $249. That's a lot of release info to digest, but it's hard to complain too much about getting so many gadgets in one day.
AT&T will carry LG's G Watch R in stores
LG may still be coy about when you can strap a US version of the G Watch R on your wrist, but you'll at least know where you can get it. AT&T has confirmed that will be "among the first" carriers to sell LG's nicer Android Wear timepiece in stores. It's not discussing the details, although it's safe to presume that you'll be paying more than the $229 you'd shell out for a regular G Watch. You probably won't have to wait long, either -- LG already said the G Watch R would ship in the fourth quarter of the year, so don't be surprised if you're picking up this smartwatch in a matter of weeks.
Engadget Daily: Dyson's robot vacuum cleaner, LG's G Watch R and more!
Today, we interview Oculus VR's John Carmack, gawk over Dyson's new robot vacuum cleaner, take a closer look at the LG G Watch R, learn how IBM plans to kill the hard drive and more! Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
A closer look at LG's circular G Watch R (hands-on)
LG was one of the first out of the gate with an Android Wear smartwatch and, well, let's just say there was room for improvement. The original G Watch suffered from short battery life, a high price and a homely design. Now, just a few months later, LG is back with the G Watch R, the first smartwatch with a completely circular screen (read: no black strip at the bottom, like on the Moto 360). Unfortunately, the G Watch R doesn't correct all of the original's shortcomings -- it has a similar-sized battery, rated for up to two days, and an LG rep told us it will be more expensive.
Amazon's war on e-books, LG's G Watch R and other stories you might've missed
This week, we reviewed the HTC One for Windows, investigated Amazon's controversial e-book-pricing model, played around with Hyperlapse, learned about LG's G Watch R and more! Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last seven days. Oh, and be sure to subscribe to our Flipboard magazine!
Engadget Daily: Amazon's war on e-books, Ralph Lauren's smart shirt and more!
Today, we break down Amazon's controversial e-book-pricing model, learn about Ralph Lauren's smart shirt for athletes, anticipate LG's round-faced G Watch R and more! Read on for Engadget's news highlights from the last 24 hours.
