Google’s smartwatch is coming sooner than we thought

By Andy Boxall October 29, 2013

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Anonymous sources who have inside knowledge of Google’s hardware plans have been chatting to the Wall Street Journal, and indicated the firm is in the final stages of producing its first smartwatch. Apparently, it’s almost ready for mass production, and could make start its journey down the lines in a matter of months.

This follows on from a report published in mid-October, which said the device would be coming, “Sooner rather than later,” and that it had been codenamed Gem. Rumors have also gathered the watch would launch alongside the Nexus 5 smartphone, which will also introduce Android 4.4 KitKat. We’ve been expecting its arrival all month, and the end is finally in sight, as October 31 and November 1 are still potential launch dates. If the Wall Street Journal’s sources are correct, and mass production of the watch hasn’t started yet, then it’s unlikely to be joining the Nexus 5.

Smartwatches have been big news this year thanks to the success of the Pebble, and the subsequent introduction of the Sony SmartWatch 2 and the Samsung Galaxy Gear. We’ve not seen any pictures or leaked specs regarding Google’s Gem, but it’s expected to make full use of Google Now. This means it’ll keep you up to date with appointments, calendar entries, traffic reports, travel information, the weather and other personal business, all with minimal prompting from you.

Google has often talked about poor battery life ruining our smartphone experience, and according to the WSJ’s sources, Google is working just as hard to extend the life of the Gem’s battery by reducing power consumption. So far, the Pebble leads the pack in this respect, thanks to it not using the color screens favored by the SmartWatch 2 and the Galaxy Gear.

Wearable tech is Google’s latest baby, and it’s obviously excited about the prospects. The question is, when both the Gem watch and Google Glass are finally on sale, does Google really expect you to wear both?

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