Android Wear 2.0 could officially launch in early February

Google is now informing developers that it currently plans to officially launch its Android Wear 2.0 update sometime in early February. Previously, the company said the major update to its smartwatch OS will begin rolling out in a more vague “early 2017” time frame.

Google is sending emails to these developers informing them of the more specific launch time frame for its release so they can prepare their apps so they are compatible with Android Wear 2.0. Those apps will also be visible in the new store. One of the big features in the update is that Android Wear apps can be installed on a smartwatch without the need for a smartphone.

The company has already set up a list of current and older Android Wear devices that will be able to download and install the 2.0 update. Google also plans to launch two of its own smartwatches in early 2017 that will be the first to have Android Wear 2.0 out of the box. So far, no other details on those devices have been revealed.

Other companies also plan to launch their own Android Wear 2.0 products in 2017, including the Casio WSDF20, along with a currently unnamed device from ZTE. However, some companies that launched Android Wear 1.0 smartwatches in the past, most notably Motorola, have decided to put its future wearable plans on hold for the time being.