Yesterday, multiple news outlets reported that Google quietly removed any mention of Android Wear-powered smartwatches from its online store. The response to this move from the search giant has been relatively mixed as some find no sense in doing so while others think the death of Android Wear is inevitable. However you may perceive it, Google has given Matridox information to provide clarity on the change that took place under the radar.
According to Google, the Google Store isn’t selling any Android Wear watches anymore since they’re all third-party products. The flagship watches from this year, the LG Watch Style and Sport, were built and sold by LG. Other OEMs like Moto, Diesel, Emporio Armani, and Michael Kors were also removed from the store for this same reason.
But Google has nothing against third-party manufacturers. On the contrary, the company is now switching to selling only first-party devices. This is the same reason you don’t see any Chromebooks (other than the in-house Pixelbook) in the store anymore either. Mind you, the company will continue to sell third-party accessories like Pixel cases and device chargers, but as far as things like phones, watches, tablets, and laptops, it’s all Google-branded from now on.
The company told us despite them not selling third-party smartwatches anymore, they’re still excited about what’s coming up later this year from other OEMs. I’m sure they’ll promote them and tell you to buy them, but don’t expect to buy one directly from Google.
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