14 DAY TRIAL // In a recent interview, head of Sony Mobile in the US, Ravi Nookala, claimed the company wouldn’t be using Google’s new dedicated wearable OS, but would persist in maintaining its own modified version of Android designed for smartwatches.
He motivated the decision by saying Sony has already put too much time and resources into developing the SmartWatch platform, so they are bound to continue into that direction.
This statement might have disillusioned some Sony fans who were hoping to see their favorite company jump on the Android Wear bandwagon. But, as it is the case in the tech industry, no statement is final and everything can change in the blink of an eye.
Sony might have been accused of refusing the innovation Google Wear might be offering, but now it appears things aren't so black and white as previously thought.
Apparently, Sony took notice of the increase buzz building around Nookala’s statement, so it decided to come out and clarify the situation by going on Twitter and posting the following message.
“Lots of talk out there today. We’re focused on SW2 & SmartBand right now, but door’s definitely not closed to Android Wear – early days.”
After all, Sony’s strategy might be an intelligent one. Unlike other companies such as Motorola and LG that are rushing to be hailed as early adopters of the platform, Sony is taking its time in doing so.
Why? The company might first want to see the impact the OS will have on the market, before deciding whether or not to take a shot at it.
After all, Android OS is the baby of platforms, so Sony is for the moment only planning to evaluate it and concentrate on building around their SmartWatch 2 timepiece, SmartBand and Android-based customized platform.
Even if Sony will not be using Android Wear in the near future, the two companies will still be working in close proximity. Unlike Samsung, Sony hasn't slammed the door shut in Android’s face, by opting to go with its Tizen OS in the new Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit.
Sony’s original SmartWatch was one of the first smartwatches to make it out the door, even before Samsung’s Galaxy Gear appeared in the wild, which for some reason Sammy’s offering is still hailed as one of the initial wearables.
Sony’s device has create a niche of its own, that the company hopes to sustain by continuing to perfect the platform underlying it.