Google Reportedly Working on Android-Based Smart Watch

By Paul Thomson :: 3:11 PM

Joining the ranks of Apple and Samsung, it looks like Google has now thrown its hat into the ring for the development of a smart watch product.

According to reports published by the Financial Times, the search giant is developing a wearable watch-like device out of their Android development unit. Unlike the breakthrough product of the moment, Google Glass, this watch is not being developed in Google’s X Laboratory, but likely in conjunction with a hardware partner on the operating system side of the house, possibly Motorola.

The quote from the Financial Times article:

“While Glass is being created in its X Lab, home to experimental “moonshot” projects such as the self-driving car, Google’s smart watch is being developed by its Android unit, according to a person briefed on the project, to act as an extension to the smartphones using that operating system. The project is separate from Samsung’s efforts, the source said, although there is no indication of when it might launch.”

Now of course, all of these watch products, Apple’s, Samsung’s, and Google’s, are all rumors at this point. But, back in early October, Google did have a patent for a smart watch approved by the U.S. Patent Office.

The patent describes Google’s proposed smartwatch as having a camera and a clear cover that displays augmented reality information. The patent also outlines wireless network connectivity for the device, as well as a touch-screen interface.

As with all of the other futuristic timepiece rumors floating around, we’ll just have to hold tight and wait this out to see how real it is.