Google Gem prototype made by Motorola
The Google Gem smartwatch prototype made by Motorola in 2013 has been spotted in some leaked images.
With latest rumours putting the Google smartwatch in the manufacturing hands of LG, which is responsible for the Google Nexus 4 and Google Nexus 5, this Motorola prototype may never be released.
However, with Motorola announcing at MWC 2014 it will release its own smartwatch before the end of 2014, this may well be used as a basis for what the company eventually launches.
According to AndroidPolice’s anonymous sources this Google smartwatch prototype was being developed under the Google Gem codename and would have launched as a Nexus brand device.
The images show a smartwatch with a rubberized strap, a square display with a chunky bottom bezel and a capacitive back button on the face as well as a Motorola logo.
Above the smartwatch’s face, there is a rocker of some sort that apparently features a duo of special symbols. At one end is a running man, while on the right is a microphone icon. It’s not clear from the images how these would be used, but it seems Google’s smartwatch would have offered some fitness features.
The microphone icon could be a shortcut to a Google Now voice search, as we expect the service’s integration would be a given.
Another image of the Google Gem’s screen gives us a brief look at a settings menu, detailing a developer mode and the ability to toggle “3 Bit mode apps”.
Sadly, we’re given no other information as to what that may mean, apart from a guess that the display could allow apps to display in 8 colours while the rest is monochrome.
What’s also interesting about the Google Gem prototype is a USB connector is hidden in the end of the watch strap and would be used to charge the device.
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