Asus ZenWatch

Google is easing its rein over Android Wear, with the first “glimpses” of OEMs’ increased control over the smartwatch OS to be visible on the Asus ZenWatch.

That’s the gist of a talk that Google VP of Engineering Hiroshi Lockheimer had with Recode’s Ina Fried. “It’s not some Google-way-or-the-highway kind of thing,” said Lockheimer in response to questions about the tight control that Google has over the first generation of Android Wear smartwatches.

Devices like the LG G Watch, Moto 360, and Samsung Gear Live are basically identical in terms of software experience. Google only allowed its hardware partners to customize the watch faces users can choose from, as well as to pre-load some apps, like Motorola’s heart rate monitoring app.

According to Lockheimer, Google wanted to “have the basics right” before giving OEMs the freedom to tweak Android Wear. But that’s changing now, and the Asus ZenWatch will be the first smartwatch to show “glimpses of how hardware makers can customize software on Android Wear watches,” said the Google executive.

Striking a balance

It’s not clear how Asus and other OEMs will get to tweak Android Wear: it’s possible that Google will allow some sort of theming, but it seems unlikely that companies will get to create heavy skins the way they could with Android on mobile devices.

When it comes to added functionality, Asus’ top brass talked in the past about support for Chinese language voice controls, as well as some kind of gesture support. The Asus ZenWatch is expected to launch this month for less than $200.

Google will be taking the same approach when it comes to its others Android-derived operating systems, Android TV and Android Auto, as well as Android One devices. Android One phones, currently selling in India, run a stock version of Android, but include some carrier- and manufactured-added apps. Users can remove these apps if they wish. Google hopes that this approach – same UI, different functionality through apps – will allow it to strike a balance between “differentiation and customization.”

Time-honored Tradition, Smart Innovation

Fine Watch Craftsmanship

• Exquisitely-crafted using premium materials
• Sophisticated design enhanced by rose gold color layering
• Genuine stitched-leather watchband and quick-release clasp design
• 100+ combination watch face choices to fit your mood and personality 
• Vivid AMOLED display and Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3 

Smart Companion 

• Seamless ASUS ZenUI integration and enhanced functionality
• Automatically unlock your phone with ASUS ZenWatch
• Tap Tap and Find My Phone helps you locate your phone instantly if misplaced
• Simply cover ASUS ZenWatch with your hand to mute an incoming call 
• ASUS Remote Camera frees users to take photos from creative angles where the viewfinder would be difficult to see. 
• Presentation Control enables ZenWatch to be used as a remote control and time manager when giving a business presentation or lecture

Wellness manager 

• Monitor and track a range of health-related statistics with the ASUS Wellness app
• Measures steps taken, calories burned, activity duration, heart rate, exercise intensity and relaxation level
• View an easy-to-understand relaxation score based on relaxation-level measurements

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 400 processor with 1.2GHz CPU
Operating System: Android Wear
Memory & storage: 512MB RAM, 4GB EMMC
Display: AMOLED 1.63-inch, 320 x 320, 278ppi touch display
Cover Lens: 2.5D curved Corning® Gorilla® Glass 3
Sensor: 9-axis sensor, Bio sensor
Bluetooth: Bluetooth 4.0
USB Port: Micro USB on charging cradle
Audio: Built-in microphone
Battery: Li-polymer 1.4Wh
Water Resistance: IP55
Colours: Silver- and rose-gold-coloured layers, Brown leather strap
Size:50.6 x 39.8 x 7.9-9.4mm
Weight: Body - 50g, Strap - 25g