Wearable electronics have emerged on the market long ago along with the original Sony Walkman, various pedometers and so on; in the recent years smartphones absorbed functionality from different devices that were assisting people for years. Now, it looks like it is time to create a device that will assist smartphones. Apparently, not only Apple and Samsung think so, but Google also has a smart interactive watch in the works.

As it always happens, few details about the Google smart watch project are known at present, except the fact that it exists. An important aspect about the interactive watch initiative from Google is that it is developed by the same division, which is responsible for Android operating system, not Google X, which develops such projects as self-driving cars, Google Glass and so on, reports the Financial Times. As it appears, Google considers smart watch as an extension for smartphones and media tablets running Android operating system, not a breakthrough product.

Google has a patent for smart watch that features dual-screened flip-up display, tactile user interface and onboard camera. However, not every patent becomes a product and the final interactive watch from the company may be completely different from what has been patented.

Given the information about Apple, Google and Samsung’s plans to introduce smart wristwatches, it is highly likely that actual products will become a reality within a year or two. The question is what exactly those interactive watches actually offer. It is logical to expect smart watch to feature media player controls, information updates, calendar, compass, reminders, NFC payment system (which will barely work in luxury watch stores, but will operate in others) and other functions that do not require a lot of screen real-estate. But being only extensions to smartphones, the interactive wrist-watches will not be a revolution, but rather an evolution of personal technology.

While the smart watches can work as a second screen for smartphones or tablets, provided that they have their own microprocessors, they can gain functionality over time thanks to third-party apps, provided that software developers learn how to create useful applications that they can commercialize.

Google did not comment on the news-story.

Tags: Google, Google X, Apple, Samsung, iWatch