The first apps for Android Wear have been released on the Google Play store, currently 31 are available to download, a rather small size in comparison to the whole of Android, but exciting considering the store only opened this week.
Android Wear apps run on the same code as Android, but developers need to make some changes to the UI in order to fit on the smartwatch. This means normal Android apps will not work on the Android Wear SDK, limiting the amount available.
Google already has ported Keep, Maps and Hangouts to Android Wear, alongside the SDK as an app. Google Now is already integrated into the smartwatch, allowing users to use voice controls and check different cards.
Popular apps on Android, like Fancy, Path Talk and Pinterest are already available on Android Wear. Different fitness and location apps are also available, but Uber is not available on the smartwatch at the moment, one of the most requested apps.
American Airlines and Fly Delta are also available on Android Wear, allowing American’s to board flights with their smartwatch. This has been available on smartphone for a while, it is nice to see both companies make an app straight away from the SDK.
We are awaiting apps like Spotify to come along and allow users to change music on their phone, through their smartwatch. It looks like most apps want to use Android Wear as a gateway to their smartphone app, where they can access more functions.
Currently, there are two smartwatches running Android Wear, the Samsung Gear Live and LG G Watch. Motorola will be launching the Moto 360 later in the Summer, all people present at Google I/O get all three smartwatches for free.
We have heard rumors of HTC working on a smartwatch, Sony has declared they will not work with Google. Other companies have not said much, but we expect more than three smartwatches by the end of the year.
