Englewood Cliffs, N.J. – The LG Watch Urbane, the first smart watch incorporating Google’s latest Android Wear OS version, is rolling out in the U.S. through Verizon, AT&T, and the Google Store at $349.
The latest Android Wear OS add multiple features, including the ability to connect to an Android smartphone via a Wi-Fi network even if the phone is out of Bluetooth range. In addition, the watch will get notifications, send messages and use all phone apps via a Wi-Fi network even if the phone is in a remote location, though the phone must have a data connection.
Consumers can order the watch at att.com, and the carrier will offer it in stores starting May 15. Verizon is also offering it online and ships in two days. Google ships May 8. Availability in Verizon stores was unavailable.
LG Watch Urbane features a stainless-steel body in polished rose gold or silver and a stitched genuine-leather strap, which can be exchanged for any replacement 22mm leather, silicone or metal strap.
It comes with round 1.3-inch P-OLED display viewable in sunlight, a heart-rate monitor, barometer to track elevation, 4GB storage, 512MB RAM, 410mAh battery, and IP67 waterproof and dust-resistance rating. The watch can be immersed in water up to 1 meter for up to 30 minutes.
In other Android Wear changes, Google added such convenience features as an always-on app screen, joining the always-on watch-face screen. With the always-on option available for apps, apps stay visible instead of disappearing when users drop their arm. The screen will be full color only when the user is looking at it to save battery life.
Consumers who forget their phone will also be able to ask their watch where it is. That feature was announced last month. Users say, ‘Ok, Google. Start. Find my phone,’ or they select the Find My Phone option in the Start menu. The phone will ring at full volume.
