The Huawei Watch 2 looks like being the next heavy-hitter to break out from Google’s Android Wear smartwatch stable. The wearable has been pictured online courtesy of serial leaker Evan Blass over on VentureBeat.
The smartwatch sequel, which will undoubtedly come packing the updated Android Wear 2.0 operating system, looks to be a lot sportier than the original Huawei Watch. The Chinese company’s Android Wear debutant was a dressy affair but this new entrant looks to be a lot more focused on the sports watch market with its textured rubber strap and diver-style bezel. It looks a lot like the LG G Watch R, in fact.
From another leaked image we can see that the Huawei Watch 2 will offer cellular connectivity – the nanoSIM slot is built into the lug of the device at the bottom-end of the watch face.
Cellular connectivity was added as an option in a 2016 Android Wear update, but it’s already clear that Wear 2.0 will make the inclusion of a 4G radio on the wrist much more common. The LG Watch Sport, Google’s Android Wear 2.0 flagship device, is already available through Verizon and AT&T; and Verizon has even announced its own smartwatch, the Wear24.
Back to the new 2017 Huawei Watch and, from previous Blass leaks, we know to expect a 42mm case, a 1.4-inch display, and leather and stainless steel strap options. It will come in three colours and is expected to be officially announced at MWC 2017, in Barcelona, this coming weekend – along with the P10 and P10 Plus Android smartphones.
It’s not just Huawei who are excepted to reveal a new Android Wear smartwatch at the big mobile expo, however. ZTE are likely to take the shackles off the ZTE Quartz watch and there’s also murmurs that Acer will finally pitch up at the Android Wear party.
We also know that Tag Heur and Swarovski have Android Wear 2.0 devices up their sleeves, but a Baselworld launch for these is more likely – the Swiss watch show takes place next month.
Android Wear 2.0, first announced back in May at Google I/O 2016, is the most significant update to the smartwatch OS thus far. Originally set to launch in the fall last year, Google pushed the release in order to ensure software quality requirements.
Reviews for the new LG Watch duo, the first devices to come loaded with the new software, have been positive and it’s clear that Google’s wearable platform is back on track after a shaky start.
