Sony’s head of U.S. mobile operations Ravi Nookala has explained this week in an interview with CNET that Sony would not be one of Android Wear’s OEM partners, at least in the foreseeable future.
Instead, Sony will be concentrating on developing its own Android-based operating system that currently powers both the older generation Sony SmartWatch and SmartWatch 2 devices.
Investment in Proprietary Technology
“We’ve already invested time and resources on this platform, and we will continue in that direction,” Nookala told CNET. It also seems that Sony’s Android operating system may offer more autonomy to users and developers when compared to Google’s Android Wear operating system which was announced earlier this month.
Sony’s decision to stick with its proprietary Android-based OS is rooted in its desire to maintain control over the user experience and the development environment. By doing so, Sony can tailor its smartwatch features more closely to its hardware, potentially offering a more integrated and seamless experience. This approach allows Sony to innovate independently, without being constrained by the broader Android Wear ecosystem.
Comparing Sony’s OS with Android Wear
Google’s Android Wear operating system is a slimmed-down version of its smartphone Android operating system, designed to provide users and developers with a method of displaying notifications from smartphone applications rather than running applications directly on wrist-worn devices. This design choice aims to extend the battery life of smartwatches and simplify the user interface. The LG G Watch will be the first device to debut running with Android Wear installed.
In contrast, Sony’s Android OS allows for more robust functionality directly on the smartwatch. This means that applications can run natively on the device, offering a richer and potentially more versatile user experience. For example, Sony’s SmartWatch 2 can run standalone apps that do not require a constant connection to a smartphone, providing users with more flexibility and independence.
Moreover, Sony’s platform encourages developers to create unique applications that leverage the specific hardware capabilities of Sony’s smartwatches. This could lead to innovative uses and features that are not possible on the more standardized Android Wear platform.
Market Implications and Future Prospects
Sony’s decision to go its own way could have significant implications for the smartwatch market. By differentiating its products through a unique operating system, Sony can attract a niche audience that values the specific features and capabilities of its devices. This strategy could also foster a dedicated developer community focused on creating specialized applications for Sony’s smartwatches.
However, this approach is not without risks. The broader adoption of Android Wear by other manufacturers could lead to a more extensive ecosystem of compatible apps and services, potentially making it more attractive to consumers. Sony will need to ensure that its proprietary OS continues to evolve and offer compelling advantages to stay competitive.
In conclusion, Sony’s commitment to its own Android-based operating system for smartwatches reflects its broader strategy of maintaining control over its technology and user experience. While this approach offers unique benefits, it also requires ongoing investment and innovation to compete with the growing Android Wear ecosystem. As the smartwatch market continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Sony’s strategy plays out and whether it can carve out a significant niche for its devices.
Source: Tech Crunch : CNET
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