There has been a lot of buzz in the market lately about a possible smartwatch from Google and there are those who have even managed to find its name – Gem. Google is hosting an event on October 24, just two days after Apple’s October 22 iPad event and Nokia World 2013 and it is believed that alongside Nexus 5, Android 4.4 KitKat, the search engine giant will debut its smartwatch also. We are seeing signs that Redmond may indeed deliver a first true smartwatch and here’s why:
Software
Google has been progressing a lot lately when it comes to software that powers not only smartphones and tablets, but wearable gadgets. Google Glass is a strong example of this and with its Google Now, the search engine giant has built a strong platform that keeps users informed about things that matter to them. The interface is just right for any form of device – be it tablets, smartphones, and can easily be adapted to wearable gadgets. The information that oozes out of Google Now will keep you informed about all the things that are unique to your requirements. Everyone may not go for a Google Glass and a smartwatch is something that can make life a lot easier it is powered by actual ‘smart’ software like Google Now, which Google already has.
Designer Connection
Google has been working with designers lately specifically for its Google Glass and generally for its different gadgets. Designers Diane Von Furstenberg and Yvan Mispelaere have played a pivotal role in the design of Google Glass and chances are that they may have lent their expertise to Google’s smartwatch as well. Gadgets are not always considered main stream and there are very few that actually break out of the definition of being geeky. Apple’s iPod was one of them and to ensure that Google Glass doesn’t land within the geeky circle, Google has been trying hard to emphasize on the design aspect of the wearable tech. Smartwatches too tend to be geeky and Google will definitely utilize its designer connections to make the smartwatch more fashionable rather than nerdy.
Hardware
With acquisitions like Motorola and WIMM, Google has blessed its smartwatch plans with the right level of hardware expertise. Google wouldn’t need to reinvent the wheel as both the companies have done so with their MotoACTV and WIMM One smartwatches as early as 2011. Google will have to build up on its using its designer connections and the ‘smart’ software that all other smartwatches lack.
Interactivity
From the days when every command to a gadget had to be delivered through a tap on the screen or press of a button, Google’s software has matured enough such that almost all functions can be performed through voice commands. Google’s ‘digital assistant’ Google Now is smart enough and combining the software’s smarts with the ease of interactivity with what one finds on Google Glass, the search engine giant has the right chemicals for a perfect reaction. Using the voice activated functioning of Google Glass, Gem can deliver a true smartwatch experience that is standing by for its owners’ commands.
Missing link
Smartphones are becoming bulky with an average of 5-inch screens, tablets were already bulky with their 7-inch screen and users find it increasingly troublesome to take out their smartphones / tablets every now and then when a message or an email alert pops up. Users need something that is right there, readily accessible, but doesn’t occupy both their hands. You have a smartwatch on your wrist just waiting there to inform you about an incoming message, call, weather conditions, schedules, and any other alerts that you may have configured without actually intruding a whole lot in your routine activities. Smartwatch is the missing link that caters to almost all facets of a wearable gadget – mobility, usability, and accessibility. Google Gem is the answer!
Google gem might be a really good addition to this category and it’s interesting to see somebody in the media has enough imagination to at least understand the concept