Android TV
That inclusive approach extended into a battery of new gadgets and areas where Android will play. Google announced new smartwatches at the event, with one from LG Electronics that had apps loaded onto it and that is available through Google’s Play online store. Some of the watches have capabilities that enable it to be used as a remote control for other devices. Samsung Electronics Co. (005930), which has been offering smartwatches with its Gear lineup -- some of which are based on competing software called Tizen -- also has a new Android-based watch called Gear Live.
Google also unveiled plans to get the software into the living room through an effort called Android TV. While the Mountain View, California-based company has already introduced software for televisions and the Chromecast dongle for streaming Web content to TVs, more devices will debut later this year featuring the software, Google said. Sony Corp., Sharp Corp., LG and Asustek Computer Inc. will be among the partners for Android TV.