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Google's much-anticipated hardware unveiling yesterday included the Pixel ii, some new Google Homes, and more than. One thing notably absent was any mention of Android Wear. The Google Store got a visual refresh equally all the new product pages went up, and that refresh apparently included the complete removal of the Android Wear section. It'southward quite telling that no one noticed correct abroad. Imagine if Apple updated its website and stopped selling the Apple Lookout man.

The Google Store used to have a whole section for Android Wear with devices from various manufacturers like Fossil and LG. Prior to the removal of this section, Google was selling a pair of LG watches, the Lookout Sport and the Lookout Style. These were the launch devices for Android Wear 2.0 in early on 2017. Now, virtually eight months later, those watches are discontinued. If you cheque the direct product page links, neither one is available for sale.

Android Habiliment has been largely stagnant since the release of v2.0 early this year. Google hasn't discussed new features for that version since launch. Wear 2.0 added features like a keyboard and an on-device Play Store customer for apps. It too made notifications much more awkward to manage and disconnected the do-not-disturb setting on the watch from your phone. Those are both negative changes in my opinion every bit a long-time Android Wear user.

Conspicuously, Android Wearable needs some work, merely it wasn't even clear Google was still working on Android Article of clothing evolution until it quietly launched a developer preview of the Oreo update terminal week. Unfortunately, the preview will take many months to launch on any watches, and in that location are no meaning changes.

The electric current Google Store with no wearables.

This comes at a time when many electronics companies are pulling back from Android Wearable. Motorola said last year that it had no plans to release a new smartwatch, and Asus is likewise reportedly done with smartwatches. Meanwhile, well-nigh of the current Android Wearable devices y'all tin can buy come from traditional watchmakers like Fossil and Movado.

In the past, Google has worked with hardware partners to ensure at that place are watches bachelor that support all of Android Vesture'south latest features. Even so, there'south no indication any new Google-blessed watches are in the works. Who would brand them anyway? Most of its major partners are wary of launching new wearables, especially with new players like Fitbit inbound the market place. Google just seems determined to run Wear into the ground.