Nine days ago, we talked about how Google was planning its entry into the world of wearables. Recently, we also covered leaked specifications for LG’s potential contender in this new product space. Now, Google has gone one step further by officially announcing Android Wear.

Android Wear is a new version of the Android OS, built specifically for wearable devices. Rather than relying on a traditional touch-driven interface, it features an entirely new UI with a heavy emphasis on voice commands. As such, Google Now / Search will be at the heart of the device’s functionality.

Developers will naturally want to start creating new applications for the platform as soon as possible. As such, Google will be releasing a developer preview of the Wear SDK today to help you bring notifications notifications to smartwatches and other wearable devices.

While Google states that many different OEMs are planning on releasing their own takes on Android Wear, the platform’s first device is expected to be from LG. However, Motorola has also announced its moto360, which will be available some time this summer.

Are you excited for Wear? We sure are! Did Google just make all other smartwatches obsolete? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Make your way over to the Android Wear Developer Preview to download the preview SDK. And of course, head over to our newly created Android Wear forum!

[Source: Official Google Blog, Android Developer Pages, Android Wear Developer Preview]

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