Google's Glass-style smartwatch may be built by Motorola

Google's smartwatch may be built by Motorola
We expect it will look more Glass-y, less Motoactv-y

Google's fabled smartwatch has become just as speculated over as Apple's iWatch, and we're now hearing that the device could be manufactured by Motorola.

Now, we have no way of verifying this information, which comes from a source speaking to Android Authority, so there's every reason to be sceptical.

We'd previously reported on a patent that suggested Google's smartwatch functionality would be designed to overlap with Google Glass, and the latest news reinforces this. It's also said that the watch will rely on a Google Now-style use of information cards.

These anonymous informers have claimed that the watch already exists in a physical form and has been seen in its Berlin, Manchester and Mountain View offices, and possibly others.

Watch out for the glass

The Motorola aspect is particularly interesting, though not all that surprising now that it's owned by Google – and that Motorola released its own smartwatch, the Motoactv, in 2011.

The same sources also state that the watch is "not a standalone device yet", claiming that it needs to be tethered to a smartphone to function properly. This part isn't so surprising given that Google Glass works much the same way.

The question right now is: Will we hear anything about this mythical wrist wear at this week's Google I/O? We'd say it's unlikely that Google will be ready to show off anything concrete, though there's always a small chance that it could drop a tantalising preview.

TOPICS
Hugh Langley

Hugh Langley is the ex-News Editor of TechRadar. He had written for many magazines and websites including Business Insider, The Telegraph, IGN, Gizmodo, Entrepreneur Magazine, WIRED (UK), TrustedReviews, Business Insider Australia, Business Insider India, Business Insider Singapore, Wareable, The Ambient and more.

Hugh is now a correspondent at Business Insider covering Google and Alphabet, and has the unfortunate distinction of accidentally linking the TechRadar homepage to a rival publication.

Latest in Smartwatches
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection
OnePlus Watch 3
The OnePlus Watch 2 won't get Wear OS 5 until Q3 of this year, and the news for the OnePlus Watch 3 is even worse
Honor Watch 5 Ultra
Honor's new Android smartwatch has a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, 15 days of battery life, and works with iPhone and Android
NHL Apple Watch ref
Apple Watch is transforming the way NHL games are refereed
Apple Watch series 9 on a blue background with the text lowest price
Apple Watch Series 9 falls to lowest-ever price on Amazon with a massive 33% off
Apple watch pair with iphone
Apple sued over 'false and misleading' Apple Watch claims – here's what you need to know
Latest in News
Google Gemini iPhone Lock Screen
You can now access Gemini from your iPhone's lock screen
Michelle, Keats, and Doctor Amherst looking unimpressed and worried in The Electric State
Netflix drops trailer for The Electric State, and I'm getting serious District 9 vibes
YouTube TV
YouTube TV might be planning a big Netflix update that puts the best streaming services first
Google Pixel 9 Pro
Here are the 7 best Pixel 9 and Pixel Watch 3 features landing in March’s Pixel Feature Drop
Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Saint Laurent Rive Droite Edition
Bang & Olufsen's latest reworked turntable is a masterpiece of retro revival, in a breathtaking wooden presentation box
Apple Watch Series 10
Apple unveils new Apple Watch bands – here's what's in the Spring 2025 collection