Android Wear, an operating system designed specifically for wearables officially announced

Google has just now announced a new version of Android operating system. Dubbed as Android Wear, the operating system is specifically designed for smartwatches aka wearable devices. Android Wear extends Android to wearables. Google is starting with the most familiar wearable — watches. Google has released a video on YouTube (embedded below) which describes how Android Wear watch interface will look like in reality. Google has also announced that wearables based on this platform are coming in 2014.

As you can see in the video below, Android Wear basically focuses on Google Now. The whole experience has voice interaction and swipe gestures, no keyboard or buttons.

Hot keyword "Ok Google" will active voice interaction, just as it does in the Google Now Launcher. Users can ask questions, performs commands like make calls, send messages, set alarms or even fire up a music playlist on their phones, or cast any favorite movie to the TV by just simply saying "Ok Google", followed by the command.

Google has also revealed that it has started working with current Android partners like Asus, HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung to bring watches powered by Android Wear later this year. According to Engadget, LG will be the first to bring an Android Wear smartwatch. 

Developer Preview If you’re a developer, there’s a new section on developer.android.com/wear focused on wearables. Starting today, you can download a Developer Preview so you can tailor your existing app notifications for watches powered by Android Wear. Because Android for wearables works with Android's rich notification system, many apps will already work well. Look out for more developer resources and APIs coming soon. 

Features of Android Wear:

• Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you need them. The wide variety of Android applications means you'll receive the latest posts and updates from your favorite social apps, chats from your preferred messaging apps, notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, and more. 
• Android Wear lets you access and control other devices from your wrist. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game.
• Or say “Ok Google” to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation, setting an alarm, firing up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favorite movie to your TV.
• The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk. 

Source - Android Blog & Engadget