Even as Samsung failed to set the wearable computing market on fire with its Galaxy Gear, Google is gearing up to launch its own smartwatch soon.
According to a report by tech website 9to5Google, the internet giant's smartwatch may see the light of the day soon. It did not give a specific launch date, but said the device is coming "sooner rather than later." Another report that came out earlier had speculated Google may unveil the smartwatch on October 31, along with Nexus 5 smartphone and Android 4.4 (KitKat) operating system.
The 9to5Google report stated the Google smartwatch would be heavily drawing functionality inputs from Google Now, Google Glass and Android 4.4 KitKat. The smartwatch would be able to accept voice commands and perform functions like checking emails and text messages, setting alarms and give frequent reminders for various tasks.
The site has claimed quoting a source that the product is nearing completion and Google is busy giving it the final touch. Google is also reportedly focusing on a longer battery life and other connectivity options like Bluetooth 4.0.
Google Glass, the company's first wearable gadget, has been in beta testing phase for nearly a year now. It can be used to make voice calls, show maps, notifications and stream live video as well as to translate languages, among several other features.
Speculation about Google making a smartwatch had been rife since it acquired smartwatch maker WIMM Labs and filed for smartwatch patents. An earlier report had claimed that Google may name the smartwatch either Gem, or Nexus.
The race for wearable devices like smartwatches is heating up among tech giants with almost every tech giant working on its own version.
Samsung had launched its Galaxy Gear smartwatch at the IFA event earlier this year and Qualcomm also came out with its Toq smartwatch. Apple too is reportedly working on a smartwatch, likely with a curved display. Sony and Pebble are the two other manufacturers of smartwatches.
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