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Google takes Android Wear cross-platform with iPhone support on new smartwatches

Google has good news for iPhone users curious about Android Wear and the diverse design selection of smartwatches running the OS. Starting today Android Wear watches will work with the iPhone for the first time. Just like Apple Watch, Android Wear watches is compatible with iPhone 5 or higher with iOS 8.2 or higher required. The slight catch is that not all current Android Wear watches will be compatible with iOS…

Google says for now official iPhone support will be limited to the LG Watch Urbane with all future Android Wear watches supporting iOS. This includes Huawei’s shiny new timepiece seen above that we first saw earlier this year plus new watches from Asus and Motorola coming soon. This suggests full support for the popular Moto 360 and other existing Android Wear watches is limited for now.

Unofficially, Android Wear compatibility on iOS has been tried by developers already with limited success. We’ve tested other Android Wear watches with the Android Wear iPhone app and discovered that the LG G Watch R, Moto 360, and likely other Android Wear watches actually work although they’re not officially supported.

Last year we reported on the possibility of Android Wear coming to iOS while noting that it was not in the cards for 2014. Now with a collection of new Android Wear watches set to hit the market, Google is ready to open its smartwatch platform to iOS as some reports expected. Apple’s watchOS of course is heavily locked down to iPhones and is not compatible with Android.

Android Wear for iOS is rolling out today. Just pair your iPhone (iPhone 5, 5c, 5s, 6, or 6 Plus running iOS 8.2+) with an Android Wear watch to bring simple and helpful information right to your wrist:

Get your info at a glance: Check important info like phone calls, messages, and notifications from your favorite apps. Android Wear features always-on displays, so you’ll never have to move your wrist to wake up your watch.

Follow your fitness: Set fitness goals, and get daily and weekly views of your progress. Your watch automatically tracks walking and running, and even measures your heart rate.

Save time with smart help: Receive timely tips like when to leave for appointments, current traffic info, and flight status. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like “Is it going to rain in London tomorrow?” or create to-dos with “Remind me to pack an umbrella.”

Aside from being limited to mostly new Android Wear watches, iPhone users will also have a limited experience than Android users as Android Wear apps won’t be supported. As Fast Company reports, differences between the two mobile operating systems makes pairing possible, but not app support.

Google’s official Android Wear app for iPhone is now available on the App Store.

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