Google is updating the Android Wear to make it more helpful but also offer features of the Apple Watch. Most Android Wear watches include an always-on screen-no tapping, twisting or shaking required to see what time it is. Now Google is expanding this option to apps, so they can stay visible as long as you need them, instead of disappearing when you drop your arm. In either case the screen is only full color when you're actively looking at it'so you get the info you need, and you save on battery life.

With GPS and offline music support, you can already leave your phone at home, then go jogging and jamming like normal. Now Android Wear supports watches with built-in Wi-Fi. As long as your watch is connected to a Wi-Fi network, and your phone has a data connection (wherever it is), you?ll be able to get notifications, send messages, and use apps. And if you really do forget your phone, you can always ask your watch where it is.

 

Google is also making a number of Android Wear improvements to help you access your info:

• You no longer need them to check your news and notifications. Instead you can just flick your wrist to scroll through the stream.
• Your apps and contacts are now just a tap away from the watch face. Just touch the screen, and you'll be able to start apps and send messages immediately.
• Now you can draw hundreds of different emojis, directly on the watch screen. We?ll recognize your work (no art degree required) and send it via message or text.

These updates are coming to all seven Android Wear watches over the next few weeks, starting with the new LG Watch Urbane.