Like what experts who sell electronics say, one can never have too many gadgets these days. You can have a laptop here, a smartphone there, a Bluetooth gadget here, a smart watch there& and maybe another one like the Android Wear. This gadget can be a good addition to your existing collection.
But sometimes, no matter how familiar you already are with technology, it could still get a bit overwhelming to get to know a new device. This article is all about helping you set up, tweak, and use your new Android Wear.
Hand Gestures for Android Wear
Similar to most apps and gadgets these days, using the Android Wear means swipes and taps. Your Android Wear has two faces the full face when active, and the minimal display during its Ambient Mode.
The full face of the watch shows information on battery temperature, weather, and the current date. When you stop tapping or swiping, and the watch becomes idle, the screen will prompt the Ambient Mode. This is when the screen dims and more limited info is displayed onscreen to save power. The watch will only show the most important information you might need.
When the watch is on Ambient Mode, and you want to snap out of it and see the full display, just tap the screen of the watch face. Sometimes, it could take half a second of holding the
screen before the Ambient Mode is deactivated. Other smart watches show the full face once the user turns his wrist to look at the time. However, there are hit-and-miss instances with other similar watches. If this happens, just wait
for a few seconds for the watch to go to Ambient mode again. You could also press the watch face with your palm to dim it.
To get a quick view of your notifications, just swipe from the bottom edge. Swipe from the top edge if you would like to access some quick settings that would let you set the watch to silent mode or adjust brightness. This is the Theater Mode, which prompts the screen to turn off until you click the side button.
Swapping right to gain access to your existing apps. (This can also be done by pressing and holding the side button). Swapping right again gives access to the Contacts. A third swipe prompts Googles voice actions.
Voice Control
The Android Wear listens for commands. You can say commands out loud to bring out the Voice Actions screen. From there, you can do even more actions by talking and giving commands to your Android Wear. Here are a few things you can say to accomplish stuff on your watch:
- ” Take a note adds a new note on your Google Keep
- ” Send a text to launches the message app to send a new text message
- Play music – starts the default music app and plays music or launches the Google Play Music even without connecting to your phone.
- ” Navigate to launches the map app and takes you to a particular address
Note that this guide is based on Lollipop for Android Wear and will be updated as the Marshmallow OS comes along for new, added features.
Cesar is a Product Manager at Gadget Salvation, a leader in the refurbished electronics industry. An avid technology enthusiast, he’s always on top of the latest tech trends and applies that knowledge to drive product innovation.
