Today, Google announced launch details of its new Android Wear 2.0 update, which it originally planned to release last year before delaying its rollout in September. The new version of the OS will make its way to a selection of existing devices "in the coming weeks" - but before then, it will debut on two new devices.
Details of the new LG wearable devices have been extensively leaked in recent weeks - but now the two new watches have officially stepped out into the spotlight.
The LG Watch Style is the more affordable of the two, priced at $249. It features a 1.2-inch fully-circular display, a 1.1GHz Snapdragon Wear processor, 512MB of RAM, and 4GB of onboard storage. Along with a 240mAh battery, it also includes IP67 dust- and water-resistance.
It will be available in three finishes - silver, rose gold, and titanium - and is compatible with "snap-and-swap" 18mm leather and silicone bands.
The LG Watch Sport features a larger 1.38-inch display, as well as a more generous 430mAh battery. It will need that extra battery capacity, given that it also comes with integrated 4G LTE and NFC (including Google Pay support), as well as GPS, and a heart rate sensor. On top of that, it also has a higher IP68 dust- and water-resistance rating. These additional features push the price of the Sport up by $100 over its smaller, less capable sibling.
Google describes the Watch Sport as "Android Wear"s most powerful watch yet", and it will be available in titanium and dark blue.
Both watches will launch first in the United States on February 10. The Watch Style will go on sale at Best Buy and the Google Store, while the LTE-equipped Watch Sport will be available at AT&T, Verizon and the Google Store. Availability will be expanded to carriers and retailers "across Canada, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom in the coming weeks."