As we do know there's a lot of features coming in that update, including better support
for custom watch faces.
Today a new update has arrived that not only
adds custom watch faces to the mix, but also provides a built - in editor right within the app.
Some manufacturers install a
few custom watch faces and apps, but what you get is basically what everybody else gets.
We've talked a little bit about
how custom watch faces were coming, however, and indeed they have — as standalone apps.
With that said, the most manufacturers can do is
add custom watch faces and a few small software enhancements.
Overnight, Wayne Piekarski, a senior developer advocate at Google, explained what's up
with custom watch faces on Android Wear.
- High - end, classic design - Straps are easy to replace - One of the best displays on a smartwatch to date - Long - lasting battery - Plenty
of custom watch faces included out of the box
We've been awaiting an official watch face API for months — you'll recall how Google basically suggested folks hold off on
making custom watch faces as standalone apps, which of course loads of developers ignored.
Whether it be the LG G Watch or the Samsung Gear Live, both of which are shipping now, you can now
use custom watch faces.
There are some new features
like custom watch faces and the aforementioned local music storage, but the system for finding them on Google Play and getting them to my watch isn't very intuitive.
You'll also
get custom watch faces and some third - party apps — and that latter part is unique to Pebble among third - party smartwatches that work with the iPhone (and Pebble's app catalog is actually pretty respectable).
Yes, if you start from scratch on a new iPhone you'll still
lose custom watch faces, app lists, and your general Apple Watch preferences, but you'll no longer lose your heart rate or workout records, your Activity Rings, and past activity.
Keep in mind there are also special partnership watches with Hermes and Nike, both of which come with unique packed - in straps and
pre-installed custom watch faces.
It is a huge leap from Android Wear 1.6, with a host of new features including a new vertically scrolling app drawer and
additional custom watch faces.
The ability to have a different image show up each time I raise my wrist is something I love about Android Wear's
flexible custom watch faces, so having an equivalent here, albeit one that is heavily restricted in its functionality, is appreciated.
The good thing about Android Wear, though, is the ability to
load custom watch faces and complications with just a few taps!
What's amazing here is that you can completely build your own icons, backgrounds and watch faces from scratch too and position them here however you'd like, so if you're looking for a
more custom watch face you will absolutely be able to build it here.
Apple detailed the software update at WWDC 2015, which include long
awaited custom watch faces, a nifty nightstand mode, and the most important feature, native apps.
There are a number of
great custom watch faces for the Marshal and Wander, and the Q app simply provides a way to organize them.
My Social lets you link in your Instagram and Facebook accounts, granting direct access to any images you have on there for
custom watch face purposes.
Interestingly, though Google discouraged developers from
pushing custom watch faces to the Google Play Store ahead of the release of an official watch face API, Singleton seems okay with current workarounds.
Unfortunately, Android Wear doesn't allow developers to create
custom watch faces yet, though Google tells me that will come in time.
The drawback with Android Wear is that it's identical across all devices, bar from a
few custom watch faces and apps, whether it's Sony, LG, Motorola, or Huawei.
The device will also boasts a variety
of custom watch faces that can suit your style as well as it will feature a built - in heart rate monitor and compass for your health and direction needs.
Wearers can even create their own
custom watch faces in the new Watch Face Land app for a truly personal and unique ZenWatch 2 experience.