Google to open up wearable IT market with developer SDK release
Sundar Pichai hints at world of interconnected Android devices.
Google will release a developer software development kit (SDK) within the next two weeks to make it easier for organisations to create wearable Android devices.
The announcement was made by Google's SVP of Android and Chrome, Sundar Pichai, at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas, which is taking place this week.
"We want to develop a set of common protocols by which [wearable devices] can work together," said Pichai.
"They need a mesh layer and a data layer by which they can come together," he added.
According to Pichai, the launch of the first developer SDK for Android, which will happen before the end of the month, "will lay out the vision for developers in how we see this market working".
Pichai made no reference as to whether or not Google is intending on making any wearable devices itself, beyond its existing Google Glass product, saying it is "for partners and developers to figure out".
However, it is rumoured the company is working with LG to build an Android-powered smartwatch.
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Allegedly, plans for its smartwatch-focused operating systems will be unveiled towards the end of this month, possibly at the same time the SDK is released, with the LG device being unveiled at its June Google I/O conference.
Nevertheless, Pichai indicated Google was not just focusing on wrist-mounted computers.
"When we say wearables, we think about it much more broadly. It could be a jacket...with sensors I don't know," he said.

Jane McCallion is Managing Editor of ITPro and ChannelPro, specializing in data centers, enterprise IT infrastructure, and cybersecurity. Before becoming Managing Editor, she held the role of Deputy Editor and, prior to that, Features Editor, managing a pool of freelance and internal writers, while continuing to specialize in enterprise IT infrastructure, and business strategy.
Prior to joining ITPro, Jane was a freelance business journalist writing as both Jane McCallion and Jane Bordenave for titles such as European CEO, World Finance, and Business Excellence Magazine.
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