LG G Watch release date, news and features

The LG G Watch needs to prove that it's still hip to be square when the Android Wear smartwatch release date arrives in the next couple of weeks.

That's because even with its sleek, all-metal design, the Moto 360 smartwatch rival that launches at the same time has similar attributes with a more fashionable circular watch face.

But the more we see of the LG G Watch, the more its Google Now-powered boxy screen comes off as the watch we wanted from the sophisticated-looking, but touchscreen-lacking Pebble Steel.

It's not the Moto 360, but LG proves that it's come a long way since the LG GD910 smartwatch and it should go nicely with the all-metal-looking LG G3 smartphone if the price is right.

LG G Watch release date

There's a distinct possibility that the LG G Watch release date could be timed with the Google IO 2014 conference that kicks off on June 25.

The South Korean electronics firm has previously promised that its Android Wear smartwatch is due to launch in stores "before July."

That means the LG G Watch can be in your hands and on your wrist by in a matter of weeks and officially become the first Android Wear device on the market.

Curiously, more details about its release date weren't mentioned at the LG G3 launch event that took place in London this week. This may be further evidence that its main outing will be at Google IO.

LG G Watch price

There's a wide range of LG G Watch price estimates and here's why: for most companies it's a new and rebooted product category.

The most widely rumored price is said to be under £180 in the UK, which would technically make it about $299 in the US and $324 in Australia.

However, the comparable Samsung Gear 2 Neo smartwatch also launched at £180 this year and ended up being $199 in the US.

LG and Samsung copy each so much tit-for-tat that one of Google autocomplete suggestions at the top when typing in their names is "LG and Samsung same company." It's #2 right now.

LG could copy this affordable pricing structure, especially since it eschewed the camera found in the more expensive Gear 2 - a feature nobody needs for $295 (£250, AU$350).

What's the hold up on a LG G Watch price announcement? LG may be waiting for Motorola to divulge its Moto 360 price, which is expected to be around $250 (about £149, AU$270).

LG G Watch specs and features

We know a lot more about the LG Watch features on the stealth black or champagne gold outside than the nitty gritty smartwatch specs on the inside.

That because, like the price, standardized specs haven't been established in the consumers minds; processors, internal storage and RAM aren't likely to blow you over inside a tiny watch.

Instead, features like an always-on display, lightweight design and overall toughness take center stage in the smartwatch product category.

The LG G Watch never-fully-dimmed display stands out with what's expected to be a 1.65-inch IPS LCD screen with a 280 x 280p resolution.

That makes its rather large screen size a hair bigger than the 1.63-inch OLED display that's found on the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo.

That's certainly enough room to see convenient Google Now notifications that relevantly pop up throughout the day thanks to Android Wear.

Is the LG G waterproof?

Even with its promised lightweight and comfortable design, the buttonless LG G Watch is touting dust and water resistant features.

It's not waterproof so it's not meant for the pool or the ocean, but at least you won't be in a panic if you drop this digital watch into the sink or the sand at the beach.

Samsung's watches have a an IP67 rating for dust and water resistance just like its Galaxy S5 phone so expect the LG G Watch to be protected to the same specifications.

LG G Watch battery life

The always-on display of the LG G Watch could run down the battery, but LG's expertise in power-efficient smartphone screens could help its next smartwatch.

Black backgrounds with turned off individual pixels could help save battery life just enough to keep it from draining throughout the day.

Same same technology tricks are thought to be used by the Moto 360. However, the difference between the two smartwatch batteries comes down to how they recharge.

There are five contact pins on the bottom of the LG G Watch, which means it comes with a Pogo charging method instead of a micro USB port.

The Moto 360 is a little more fashion-forward in this area too. It's confirmed to have magnetic wireless charging through induction. Either method should get the job done.

LG G Watch compatibility

The LG G Watch is compatible with all Google-powered devices running Android 4.3 or greater, the company announced at its LG G3 press conference this month.

That means it'll sync with a Samsung like the Galaxy S5, Sony Xperia Z2 and HTC One M8, unlike Samsung's Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit, which only work with Samsung devices.

Just don't expect the friendly compatibility offer to extend to iOS. Like the Moto 360, the LG G Watch won't work with the iPhone, meaning Apple fans can't enjoy any Andorid Wear device just yet.

LG G Watch to use 3G?

The LG G Watch could set itself apart from the Android-tethered Moto 360 if LG's rumored standalone 3G capabilities turn out to be true.

Making calls directly from the wrist would be possible without a cell phone in close proximity, but the reports may be meant for a variant that's limited to South Korea.

Ultimately, that's the way that smartwatches could trend, as the Samsung Gear Solo is said to include a SIM slot and the ability to live out our dream of acting just like Dick Tracy.

That may be the future of the LG G Watch, but for now, we're just looking forward to the release date and price at or before Google IO on June 25.

• Read our Google Glass review for a different wearable entirely

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