OEMs that make Android smartphones and tablets can customize their devices in a variety of ways. Google lets them slap custom skins on top which is what makes the software look so different on devices from the likes of Samsung, HTC and LG. That’s not the case with Android Wear. Google has kept tight control over the wearable platform and that’s something Huawei isn’t a fan of. Huawei’s Vice President of Product Management, Yang Yong, thinks Google should open up Android Wear more so that manufacturers can different their smartwatches.
Android Wear OEMs have little to no control over the software. They can go with a design that they like best, use any material that they want, but Google won’t allow them to add custom skins or features to the software. So customers are essentially getting the same software experience from all Android Wear manufacturers.
Yong believes that this prevents manufacturers from ensuring that their devices stand out from the competition. Huawei wouldn’t mind having control over the UI, menus and apps all of which cannot be changed by an OEM on Android Wear.
Manufacturers are limited to creating watch faces to differentiate their devices. Huawei’s argument does make sense but will Google give up some control over Android Wear? We’ll have to wait and see.
Filed in . Read more about Android Wear, Google, Huawei and Smartwatches. Source: androidauthority