Update, 4:15 p.m.: Droidfe has published what looks to be official user guides for both models of the – watches. This article has been updated to reflect this information.
It’s been a while since there’s been a splashy Android ar release, but it looks like all that’s about to change in a few short days. Rumors have been swirling around the release of a new watch co-designed by to drop alongside the long-delayed release of Android ar 2.0, the wait will likely end this week.
The release should kick off a new round of watches from the likes of Huawei, Asus, others, but for now, all eyes will be on ’s first foray into wearable hardware. Here’s what we know so far.
at will they look like?
There aren’t a ton of Android ar options for users with small wrists, but a report from VentureBeat’s Blass claims that the new – watches will likely come in large small varieties, with the Sport variant featuring a 1.38-inch, 480×480 screen, the more petite Style watch having a 1.2-inch, 360×360 display. That might not seem like much of a difference, but it will definitely be noticeable for people who have found Android ar watches to be too big to wear.
However, the watches will be a little bulky, according to Blass, with thicknesses of 14.2mm for the Sport model 10.8mm for the Style. Based on leaked images, the watches follow Android ar’s round aesthetic feature rounded bezels, which should help them appear more svelte than they are.
@evleaks The smaller Style model will feature a 1.2-inch display, according to reports.
Additionally, the companies have opted to fit both devices with Apple tch-style digital crowns to aid in navigation. Based on leaked photos, the Sport model also includes a pair of buttons above below the crown, but a purported leak of the user guide published by Droidfe gives a little insight into what they do: The top button will launch the Fit rkout app the lower one will be tied to Android y. It’s unclear from the description whether they can be customized to launch other apps.
According to the user guide, you’ll press hold the crown for one second to summon the Assistant. Of course, we assume “OK ” will still do the same.
The watches are said to come in a variety of colors. The larger model will reportedly be available in titanium dark blue options (though a leaked picture seems to indicate the existence of a black or dark grey model as well), while the smaller watch is said to be sold in titanium, silver, rose gold finishes. ctures of the Style watch in rose gold titanium have already been spotted.
GSMArena The retail packaging of the – Style watch is allegedly seen here.
Additionally, is set to sell an array of swappable bs for the new watches, putting a focus on style. The pictures we’ve seen show the titanium rose gold Style watches paired with light brown beige bs, respectively, but a spy shot of the box shows a titanium-colored Style watch with a black leather b, so it’s likely that buyers will be able to select a specific combination of b finish upon purchase. According to images in the user guide, the bs will swap out by pressing a small button on the underside, similar to the way Samsung’s straps are changed.
at will they do?
One of the best features of the new version of Android ar is support for Android y, but your watch is going to need a built-in NFC chip to take advantage of it. According to VentureBeat’s report, however, only the larger Sport model will include an NFC chip, meaning the smaller model likely won’t be able to enjoy on-the-go wrist payments, a claim that has been backed up by the user guide leak. It’s a curious decision to hold back such a major feature on a br-new watch, so if true, it’ll be interesting to hear the explanation.
The larger model will also ship with with E, G, a barometer, a heart-rate sensor, while both watches will include Bluetooth -Fi, along with the usual fitness features. Additionally, both watches will reportedly be I7-certified, meaning they can be submerged in about 3 feet of water for 30 minutes. Under the hood, Blass reports that the Sport watch will have 768MB of RAM, compared to the Style’s 512MB, as well as a much larger 430mAh battery, compared to 240mAh on the smaller model.
Droidfe These images, which are reportedly from the watches’ user guides, show a cradle for the Sport (left) a puck charger for the Style.
Charging the batteries will differ between the models as well. According to the user guide, the larger model will feature a Gear S3-style cradle, while the Style model will simply include the magnetic puck-style induction charger like the one Apple includes with its watch.
en are they launching how much will they cost?
It was originally reported by Blass that would be releasing their new creations on Thursday, Feb. 9, but now he says the unveiling has been moved up a day to dnesday, Feb. 8. According to reports from Android lice, the Style watch will cost $250, while the Sport will set you back an extra $100 for $350 total.
