News

LG Watch Style and Sport introduce Android Wear 2.0

Published

February 9, 2017

Marvin Velasco

It’s hard to believe, but Android Wear has been around for more than two years, and it’s only now we’re seeing a serious update. Like with the first version, LG is once again launching new smartwatches to introduce the latest update of the operating system.

While Android Wear 2.0 isn’t introducing any revolutionary features — a lot are available on other platforms — it makes smartwatches feel more functional and independent. As explained by its developers at Google, the latest update provides more useful watch faces, Google Assistant integration, and less dependence on a connected smartphone to function.

That last part is especially handy for smartwatches with SIM card compatibility. By connecting directly to the internet, they can be used on their own to talk to Assistant, track your workout progress on Google Fit, and download apps directly from Google Play. You can even reply to messages from the smartwatch using your voice, handwriting, or keyboard input.

Combined with an always-on screen you can now personalize, glancing at the screen for information you choose to display becomes all the more intuitive, and all it takes is a single tap to order an Uber ride or contact someone. And thanks to native Android Pay integration, smartwatches with NFC connectivity can execute wireless transactions without a hitch.

LG Watch Style

To show off all these new features, Google partnered with LG to launch the Watch Style and Watch Sport which come with Android Wear 2.0 off the bat. Both will arrive in the US on February 10; other countries will follow shortly after. Prices start at $250 for the former and $350 for the latter.

As the more affordable of the two, the Watch Style is pretty basic, offering Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, but no 4G LTE for the neat features we mentioned earlier. Still, the 1.2-inch display is perfectly round, and the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 2100 processor should keep the 240mAh battery alive long enough. There’s also IP67-rated water and dust resistance for its steel frame and leather straps. It’ll be available in titanium, silver, and rose gold.

The Watch Sport ups a few of the specifications, opting for a larger 1.38-inch display and 768MB of memory (compared to the Watch Style’s 512MB of memory). The chipset and 4GB of storage remain the same, but a battery capacity of 430mAh should increase endurance. What really sets them apart is the inclusion of LTE, NFC, GPS, and a heart rate sensor for the Watch Sport, as well as a stronger IP68 rating. Dark blue and titanium are the color options here.

LG Watch Sport

Already have a smartwatch and want all the upgrades that come with Android Wear 2.0? Your device has to be part of this list:

LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE
LG Watch Urbane
LG G Watch R
Moto 360 (2nd Generation)
Moto 360 Sport
Huawei Watch
ASUS ZenWatch 2
ASUS ZenWatch 3
TAG Heuer Connected
Fossil Q Wander
Fossil Q Marshal
Fossil Q Founder
Michael Kors Access
New Balance RunIQ
Nixon Mission
Polar M600
Casio Smart Outdoor Watch
Casio PRO TREK Smart

No promises have been made by Google on when all these gadgets will get the update. If it’s anything like Android Nougat’s rollout, expect this to take a long time.

[irp posts=”8920″ name=”Smartwatches are doing even worse than expected”]

Related Topics:Android Wear LG Watch Sport Watch Style

Apps

Going cashless? GCash now accepted in Europe

United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Thinking of going cashless on you next trip to Europe? GCash can offer just that, as the mobile wallet app is now accepted in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Italy.

The cross-border payment service is part of the e-wallet’s strengthened partnership with Alipay+, offering users a seamless and secure payment experience without the need for money changers and carrying to much actual cash on your pockets.

Among the popular merchants that will be accepting GCash from now on are:

Harrods
Liberty London
Harvey Nichols
Printemps
Müller
dm-drogerie markt
itTaxi
IVS Group

To pay using GCash at these establishments, travelers will simply have to look for the Alipay+ logo at the checkout.

Open the GCash app, select the QR or PayQR button, scan the merchant’s QR code, or tap “Pay Abroad with Alipay+” to have a generated QR.

Finally, check the amount, and tap Pay to see the receipt.

Gaming

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth coming early 2024

Second of the Remake trilogy

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth to excite gamers even more for its 2024 release in Asia on PlayStation 5.

The Summer Game Fest 2023 trailer previewed the title’s gameplay. It also showed story elements and its expansive world that players can look forward to experiencing starting in “early 2024.”

Thanks to Square Enix’s previous easter eggs, it can be expected that there will be new characters with more action outside of Midgar. This mimics the feeling players of the original game. The world opened up following the events that transpired in Midgar.

The trailer also showcased new combat mechanics. Characters like Yuffie and Red XXIII were seen doing team-up attacks. Our main girls Tifa and Aerith were also shown doing the same.

Though yet to get an exact release date and price, the second entry to the Final Fantasy VII remake project is already anticipated by many. Oh and something that caught people’s eyes — the end of the trailer says Rebirth will have two (2) discs.

It will continue the story in Final Fantasy VII Remake, which has earned tremendous praise from players and critics globally.

The first of the remake trilogy garnered more than 20 perfect scores. It also became the highest-selling digital release on PlayStation in Square Enix’s history.

Watch the trailer.

Gaming

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown announced

A fresh take on a legendary franchise

Published

June 9, 2023

GadgetMatch

Ubisoft has announced Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, a new action-adventure title to be released on January 18, 2024. It will be available on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One. It will also be on Windows via Ubisoft and Epic Games.

The brand-new adventure which is a fresh take on the legendary franchise. It was announced at Ubisoft’s Summer Game Fest live showcase.

It will feature Sargon, a young gifted warrior who is part of an elite group called The Immortals.

The group is tasked to rescue Prince Ghassan, and they will explore Mount Qaf. It is a cursed and hostile place that was once wondrous. It is here where Sargon and the rest discover a treacherous foe they must defeat to restore balance in the world.

Well-represented culture

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown lets players explore a Persian mythology-inspired world at their own pace. This includes everything from the Citadel of Knowledge to the Hyrcanian Forest.

Along the way, players will acquire time powers to unlock unique abilities for combat. Sargon will then delve deeper into Mount Qaf to solve puzzles, uncover secrets, and complete side quests.

The game also highlights original soundtrack created by Iranian-born composer Mentrix, who mixes traditional with modern to guide players from one environment to another.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is one of Ubisoft’s upcoming titles that will be previewed during its Ubisoft Forward conference on June 13.