We’ve known that Google is planning to add support for LTE to Android Wear for quite a while now, but we didn’t know when. Obviously we know now, because Google just added support for LTE to Android Wear, and the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE is the first smartwatch to come with that support, which means it’s not nearly as reliant on a nearby smartphone in order to operate.
Just after LG announced that the first Android Wear smartwatch to sport LTE, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition, will begin shipping this month, Google has made cellular support in Android Wear official. From Google: “No more worrying about Bluetooth or Wi-Fi—your watch will automatically switch to a cellular connection when you’re out of range. As long as your watch and phone are connected to a cellular network, you’ll be able to use your watch to send and receive messages, track fitness, get answers from Google, and run your favorite apps. And yes, you’ll even be able to make and take calls right from your watch, for when your hands are full, or your phone is elsewhere.” Of course, this was pretty much confirmed to be coming to the platform once the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition was announced, and you’ll initially need LG’s wearable to take advantage of the support. However, this should signal the start of more Android Wear smartwatches with built-in cellular support appearing on the market soon.
