At its I/O conference this week, Google took to the stage to show off some more details regarding the range of upcoming smartwatches which will run its specialised Android Wear operating system. Three devices were on display, the LG G Watch (which is on sale now), Samsung Galaxy Gear Live and Moto 360, showing the breadth of interest from major manufacturers in this sector, but it is the latter device that could prove the most attractive.
With a smooth and sleek round-face design that is noticeably distinct from the range of chunky, square devices already released onto the market, the Moto 360, set to be released later this summer, could well be the first truly desirable smartwatch.
At the moment, smartwatches are primarily fitness focused, with many offering the same tracking and monitoring features seen in devices from the likes of Fitbit and Pebble. The Moto 360 looks to be the first smartwatch to deliver something more – providing improved connectivity with social media and online sites, as well as standard communication services such as texts and calls.
In the same way that the iPod, iPhone and iPad marked breakthroughs for the portable music player, smartphone and tablet markets, the Moto 360 could be the entry point for many consumers into the smartwatch market – but only time will tell. Apple looks set to release a smartwatch later this year, which could become the must-have gadget thanks to this track record, so Google could profit from having a device like the Moto 360 available first to get the jump on its great rival.
Many industry observers predict that the wearables market is set to explode over the next few years, (with IDC predicting that nearly 120m units will be shipped by 2018) and the Moto 360 could well be the catalyst for this.
