Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Wearables
  3. News

Google wants to remind you that Android Wear is just as personal as the Apple Watch

By

how to increase android wear battery life lg watch urbane mwc hands on 2
Andy Boxall/Digital Trends
Google wants to remind the world that its Android Wear software, and the watches on which it’s installed, are just as personal and customizable as the Apple Watch — perhaps even more so. Google’s now directing Android Wear owners to an updated and expanded version of its watch face corner of Google Play. It boasts there are now more than 1,000 different faces available for download, both for free and with a price tag attached.

Changing the watch face is only a small part of making a smartwatch your own, and Google is keen to point out many of the Android Wear watches use a standard 22mm watch strap, so it’s easy to change the basic one for another with more flair. Google’s only to happy to make a big deal over this, because the Apple Watch has a proprietary strap, and is currently limited to only those options provided by Apple.

Recommended Videos

Google’s gone a step beyond just saying the watch band can be changed: It has teamed up with three companies which sell straps explicitly designed for selected Android Wear smart watches. Worn and Wound sell tapered, leather straps for the LG G Watch R, the G Watch, and the Asus ZenWatch, all priced at $65. Clockwork Synergy also has a range of leather straps at a far more reasonable $25, or $12 to $15 if you’re quick, because they’re on sale. The compatible watch range is expanded to include the Moto 360 and the Samsung Gear Live, but the straps should also fit other models.

Finally, E3 Motorcycles is selling hand crafted leather NATO bands for the LG G Watch, G Watch R, Moto 360, Asus ZenWatch, and the Samsung Gear Live. Different color leather is available, and you can choose the finish for the buckle too, all for $64 up, depending on your choices.

Apple puts the Apple Watch up for preorder on April 10, with a wide selection of straps to help personalize the device available at the same time. It’s also promoting the watch’s ability to bring wearers together, with features such as sending a virtual heartbeat to loved ones. Prices start at $350, and you can read more about ordering one here.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Andy Boxall
Andy Boxall
Senior Mobile Writer
Andy is a Senior Writer at Digital Trends, where he concentrates on mobile technology, a subject he has written about for…
5 smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2
The main workout screen on the Google Pixel Watch 2.

It's no secret that we weren't fans of the first Google Pixel Watch. However, Google heard all the criticism of its smartwatch debut and made amends, coming back with the Google Pixel Watch 2. Its second attempt was much better, adding strong performance, exceptional comfort, and a solid battery life to the fitness tracking of Fitbit. While it still has some issues, it's now a product we can recommend buying.

But just because it's now good doesn't mean there aren't alternatives to be had. There are a number of smartwatches that are better suited for those looking for a longer battery life, a focus on fitness, or a simpler experience. Some are just flat-out better. If you're considering buying a Google smartwatch, you need to know about these five smartwatches you should buy instead of the Google Pixel Watch 2.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6

Read more
Google just released the first Android 15 beta. Here’s what’s new
The Android 15 logo on a smartphone.

Google has just released the first public beta build of Android 15, marking an end to the developer-focused test phase. The beta version’s release also means that Android 15 is finally in a state where it can be tried by the masses without people having to worry about too many bugs leaving their phone in a sorry state.

The first beta version of Android 15 doesn’t introduce a ton of new features, as most of the notable additions have already appeared in the Developer Preview builds. Google’s blog post, however, mentions the following features as the key highlights

Read more
Why you shouldn’t buy these 5 Apple Watch Series 9 alternatives
A person wearing the Apple Watch Series 9, showing the Snoopy watch face

Nike Globe watch face Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Not only are there a lot of smartwatches and fitness bands to choose from these days, but the Apple Watch range itself is surprisingly extensive — especially considering it began life with only a single model available. Simply put, it remains the best smartwatch to get if you own an iPhone.

Read more