When Google introduced us to the Android 5.1.1 update for Android Wear, we were impressed with the new menu that cleans up both launching apps as well as calling your favorite contacts, but we were more interested in the WiFi feature. Essentially a way to “fill the gaps” when your watch is no longer connected to your phone, Android Wear devices running Android 5.1.1 will connect to a nearby WiFi network and still get notifications over the Internet. A neat feature that should allow users to leave their phones at their desks and walk around the office or home without missing a notification. Sadly, not all Android Wear watches are slated to get this new feature, and it was missing from the recent update for the G Watch R.
LG have now clarified their stance on WiFi and the G Watch R. In a statement given to AndroidWorld.nl, LG have said that the WiFi feature will be added to the G Watch R in a future “maintenance update” coming later this year, and that LG software engineers are already working on this update. Since the launch of the fancy new Watch Urbane, LG has come under fire for seeming like they’re not interested in customers with a G Watch or G Watch R. First, there was the launch of an Urbane-only dialer app and now the delay with WiFi on the G Watch R, and a complete lack of the required hardware on the original G Watch. Thankfully though, LG have put these rumors to rest with this latest little announcement.
Hopefully, Android Wear updates continue to roll out to users and the Android 5.1.1 update hits devices like the Moto 360 and co before too long. With Google I/O next week, we could hear more about new partners producing Android Wear devices as well as exciting new features planned for further updates in the future. For now though, we’re mostly content with being able to draw emoji on our wrists.