With Android Wear 2.0 in the works, Google has hinted at an upcoming addition to the wearable operating system – standalone apps that don’t require smartphone installation to function. According to Google, this will expand app developers’ reach to Android and iOS users as the latter will be able to search for, install, and use applications without leaving their Android Wear device. The company has revealed three upcoming standalone apps that cover messaging, travel, and wellness.
The first is Glide, which simplifies video messaging by being able to live broadcast right from the watch face. Tapping a contact shortcut directly launches into a conversation, making a promising case for wrist-based communication.
