Here’s the lowdown on Google’s Android Wear Initiative

Google has gone ahead and detailed what exactly the Android Wear intiative is. In a nutshell, it’s an Android-based OS meant for wearable devices, primarily smartwatches that will be made by partners like LG, Motorla and Samsung.

Since the screen real-estate on a smartwatch isn’t exactly the biggest in the world, most of the interactions will be done via voice recognition, though the displays on Android Wear devices can be controlled via the display much like a smartphone.

Android Wear watches like the one demoed during the I/O keynote connect to an Android device, and displays relevant, contextual information depending on what you’re doing. If you’re going on a trip, for example, it shows you what time your flight leaves, your e-ticket, as well as your itenerary once you get to your destination.

Speaking of destinations, Android Wear also allows you to see information that’s relevant to you depending on where you are. If you’re near a place that a friend liked on Pinterest, for example, it’ll show up in your watch. From there, you can either dismiss the notification, or decide to check the place out. If you decide to do the latter, Google Maps with turn-by-turn navigation will take over, and will guide you to where you’re going.

Android Wear devices also allow you to check your phone and gives you message alerts discreetly, and allow you to either answer them or send messages if you’re doing something else that’s more important. Also, any notifications or alerts that show up in Android Wear devices that you dismiss is also dismissed in your Android device.

Another great feature of Android Wear devices is that you no longer need to install apps on it seperate from your smartphone. Once you connect an Android Wear device to your Android phone or tablet, the Android Wear device will automatically download all relevant apps that utilize it on its own, and will download it itself.

As for the wearables themselves, there are now three manufacturers that support the Android Wear OS: Samsung, with their Gear Live, LG with their G Watch and Motorola with their Moto 360. Both LG and Samsung’s watches is now available in the Play Store, while the Moto 360 will ship at a later date. All Android Wear devices will also be water resistant, and will come in either round or square varieties.