One of the best things about the Android platform is that it’s constantly being updated by Google to include new features and support. Apple fans are going to get a bit irritated by this statement, but that doesn’t make it any less true: the Android platform has far surpassed iOS when it comes to software features and functionality. There’s always the argument that iOS has better usability and that may true, but we’re not here to talk about that.

Taking that concept and applying it to the Android Wear smartwatch software it’s easy to see the vast amount of potential these devices have. There are so many different ways Google can expand the platform to add new features. Of course, there was a bit of initial concern over how the Android Wear software update process would play out.

The biggest difference between Android Wear and traditional Android is that Google is handling the Android Wear software update, and will be in control of the changes across the board. This prevents the various manufacturers and carriers from giving the software a complete overhaul – and ultimately delaying future software updates in the process. Long story short, when Google releases an update for Android Wear every device owner is going to have access to it whether they are using a Moto 360, LG G Watch or Samsung Gear. Since handset updates sometimes take close to a year to arrive, that’s excellent news. Seriously, screw those guys it should never take that long.

Introducing the First Android Wear Software Update

Anyway, the first update for the Android Wear platform just came down the pipeline and the Google devs have made quite a few changes and updates to the software. If you’re wondering how your AW device is going to be affected, read on!

The new Android Wear update is a move by Google to distance the devices from handsets. In other words, Google is trying to make their AW powered watches more independent. Of course, you’ll always need a paired device to synchronize calls, messages, and emails – unless you have a standalone device like the Gear S.

What’s different this time around is that Android Wear users can now track data during a workout, run or bike ride even without a phone nearby. The watches will keep track of the route traveled, distance, speed and fitness information. The OS will also work directly with devices that have integrated GPS, which means you can ditch your phone if you have the option. As for all devices – even those without GPS – the information will synchronize once you’re within vicinity of the paired device again. This is great news, because no one likes to lug around a bulky smartphone in their pants – or on their person – while they’re getting all sweaty. Okay, maybe some of you do, but I sure as hell don’t.

Moving on.

The Android Wear watches can also access music stored on the device. This means during those workouts – where you decided to ditch your phone – you can also listen to music that’s being played back on your watch. Don’t worry, you can tap into the device with Bluetooth headphones so you’re not annoying everyone at the park when you run by. People at the gym probably want you to wear headphones too, but that’s just a guess.

To reiterate why the music playback is important, it means you can now listen to music while you’re offline. Before, you had to be connected to the internet through some kind of wireless connection in order to take advantage of this common form of media playback. It was a little depressing to find out, but now it’s all fixed.

Android Wear’s product manager, Kenny Stoltz wrote an entire blog post on the new update, revealing the features and support that would be added.

“If you have a watch with GPS, you can try today’s new features with apps like Golfshot and MyTracks, and if you want to rock out directly from your wrist, just grab thelatest version of Google Play Music.”

As an aside, he also went on to assure everyone that there are tons of apps already available for the platform.

“Many of the Android apps you know and love already work well with Android Wear. In fact, tens of thousands of apps are now enhanced for Wear using things like voice controls—with more added to Google Play every week. To help you find apps that work for you, we’ve created eight new app collections in Google Play. So browse thefitness and health collection, or take a look at travel, and let us know what you think in the new Android Wear community forum!”

Android Wear Software Update: What’s in Store for the Future?

Google foretold of this coming update in a past blog post on the official Android blog. They also discussed a few additional features that will be coming in subsequent updates. The next update coming down the pipeline is going to introduce a whole slew of downloadable watch faces for the Android Wear platform. In turn, that should also mean custom watch faces will be supported – provided one is able to properly utiilize the necessary dev tools to create a watch face.

“The second update will enable downloadable watch faces, so you can customize the visual design of your watch’s home screen to show the information you want to see most—like your calendar or fitness sensors. Developers will soon be working on watch faces, making them available on Google Play.”

In the post they expressly mentioned that devices such as the Moto 360, Asus Zen Watch, LG G Watch R, Sony SmartWatch 3 and many more AW powered watches will be receiving these updates. As we said above, it looks like Google is in full control – which is promising news indeed.

As for what else is coming in future updates after the downloadable watch faces, we have no idea. It will definitely be interesting to see what Google does with the platform. We’re not worried, since they’ve done a great job supporting the traditional Android OS for smartphones. Plus, what is there not to be happy about since all the manufacturers are stuck using the stock Android Wear OS for the most part – that alone is worth celebrating.

How Do I Get the Android Wear Software Update?

Believe it or not, updating your Android Wear smartwatch is pretty easy and it follows along the same lines as the traditional Android OS – although you shouldn’t have to continuously check for updates as much. When it is finally available for your device – or in your area – you will see a notification prompting you to download and install the Android Wear software update. By following the notification you should be able to gain access to the process.

Like Android, you can also “check for updates” in the settings menu.

They say patience is a virtue, and it certainly applies here. Since Google just announced the update it may be a few days before it’s ready for your device(s). Believe us, we’re as excited as you are but there’s no need to rush the process.

What Do You Think?

Do you own an Android Wear device? Are you excitedly waiting for the Android Wear software update like us? Have you already received the Android Wear software update on your device, and if so what do you think? Feel free to share.