The long-awaited Android Wear 2.0 should arrive in the next few months, bringing with it a number of very welcome features. Perhaps the biggest of these new features is the ability to run stand-alone apps, which don’t necessarily require a paired app on your Android phone.
Today, Google is giving us a look at three of those standalone apps that we’ll be able to enjoy on Android Wear 2.0 devices. Here’s a quick rundown.
First up is Glide, which is an app that simplifies video messaging. Assuming your Android Wear device has a camera, through Glide you’ll be able to live broadcast directly from your watch. All you need to do is tap on the contact shortcuts to launch into a conversation — without the need for a phone.
The second app, and also perhaps the most well-known, is Foursquare. Using Foursquare on your Android Wear device will essentially let you discover hidden places in cities that you travel to. Not only that, but the Android Wear 2.0 version of the app features a new notifications interface and a more immersive experience.
Last but not least is the Lifesum app, which is basically aimed at helping users make smarter decisions about the food they eat, the exercise they do, and the health goals they set. With the Wear 2.0 app, you’ll be able to easily track how much water and the types of food that you ingest throughout the day, and you won’t need to pull your phone out until you want to analyze that data.
“It’s all about increasing access and being there for the user in a quick and simple way,” said Joakim Hammer, a developer at Lifesum, in Google blog post. “We believe a simplified way of tracking meals and water will make it easier for our users on their journey of becoming healthier and happier.”
