Google vs Apple: Android Wear smartwatches likely to get Wi-Fi support and gesture control with next update

Smartwatches powered by Google's Android Wear operating platform will soon get Wi-Fi support and a host of other features with new updates coming to the operating system.

According to The Verge, that quotes reliable sources, the next update to Android Wear will bring along support for Wi-Fi and two other updates.

It is known that the Wi-Fi calling feature boosts devices by several notches and Android smartwatches already have in-built Wi-Fi (but the feature is not active as of now). The next software release would enable the Wi-Fi support feature.

At present, data can be transferred on Android Wear devices only via Bluetooth connected through an Android smartphone. And to take on competition from the Apple Watch, which comes with built-in Wi-Fi support, Google is updating the Android Wear operating system.

Along with Wi-Fi support, Android Wear smartwatches will also get gesture control that will allow users to view, scroll and dismiss notifications with a simple flick of the wrist, rather than physically use a finger to navigate through notifications.

The Verge report also suggests that current Android Wear users can check for a modified user interface (UI) that is expected to provide one-touch access/navigation to contacts and Android Wear apps.

Apart from the above, users can also expect some stability and performance enhancements with the update.

As of now, it is not known when the new update will be released, but Google may consider releasing it before 24 April, as this is when the Apple Watch will be released.