With the Android Wear 2.0 update, Google's smartwatch platform unbinds itself from your smartphone. A complete overhaul based on Android 7.1. Nougat, it takes some big features from that OS, including the Google Assistant, superior battery saving settings, and fine control of app permissions. Speaking of apps, Wear 2.0 adds a full-fledged version of the Play Store, so you won't need to shift back and forth between devices to load your apps onto your watch. In fact, you don't need to connect your watch to your phone at all - though you probably should; Wear 2.0 allows for compatible apps to connect to the Internet directly, using either Wi-Fi or, on watches with the requisite radios, LTE. Increased sensor support also allows compatible devices to use Android Pay over NFC.



Other improvements include an update to Google Fit, which allows for the tracking of strength-training exercises on select devices; a QWERTY keyboard that allows direct response to incoming messages; support for homescreen complications, which function like smartphone widgets; and more.