It's time to launch a cheap WearOS smartwatch!

When the first Android Wear launched in 2014, many people assumed it wouldn't be long until we got some good smartwatches at affordable prices. However, until now, a popular WearOSS watch is still a distant dream. This is why it's about time someone created an affordable WearOS smartwatch!

Google's WearOS policy is too restrictive

Android Wear or WearOS is not open source like the Android we use on our smartphones. So manufacturers can't just take it and put it in their watches. It's maintained by Google, so to build your own WearOS watch, you have to sign a deal with the tech giant. You need to meet Google's hardware requirements and keep them involved throughout the development process.

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 All of this costs a lot because one of the specific hardware requirements is the use of a Qualcomm chipset. In this case, Samsung is an exception in using their in-house Exynos chipset, which also powers the first Pixel Watch. These requirements ensure the platform operates smoothly without any hiccups.

On the other hand, Google has had years of optimizing its platform to work more efficiently on less powerful hardware; although it has not yet been possible. So, Google should first work on improving its platform while lifting some restrictions, especially those related to hardware. This will allow OEMs to work on the platform, possibly creating WearOS products at a slightly lower price point.

Regain brand and developer interest

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When Android Wear was first announced, there were only a handful of manufacturers participating in Google's smartwatch plans. But interest in making smartwatches quickly faded because sales figures weren't attractive enough.

Motorola, maker of the infamous Moto 360, the first smartwatch with a round dial, also discontinued the platform due to poor sales.

Lifting the restrictions discussed above and requiring brands to build low-cost WearOS watches could help rekindle interest in the platform. Of course, margins are slim for these wearables. However, they can serve as a launching pad for consumers to purchase more expensive options later.

 Additionally, as the number of users increases, it could also motivate developers to start building on the platform. Lower prices will actually lead to higher adoption rates, which will increase demand for more applications.

Budget WearOS watches can sell like hotcakes

In Asian regions like India, people will not be willing to pay more than $200 (or more than Rs. 20,000) for a WearOS smartwatch. That's because you can get a feature-packed Android smartphone with a high-resolution camera, AMOLED display, and even up to 100W charging at that price. This makes it difficult to convince users in such developing regions to join the platform.

But it doesn't mean they don't have any needs at all. India is one of the world's largest smartphone markets, with several brands competing to sell their phones to the masses here. So why assume that affordable smartwatches can't do the same?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4, which is now more than two years old, is still selling well because it is discounted by about $100 during sale events. This proves that people want to buy smart wearable devices but do not have good options to try them out.

Cheap smartwatches running WearOS can bring the Android ecosystem to everyone

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Like Apple, Google has tried to build an ecosystem of its own with its Pixel line of devices that includes smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets. The same thing happens with Samsung (Galaxy series). The problem is that to experience the luxury of the Android ecosystem, you have to spend quite a bit of money.

No products from the above brands are cheap. While a mere smartwatch won't give people the full experience of the ecosystem, it can help them experience it.

To be honest with you, there's something about Android that feels unfinished, even after years of refinement. That's because it's limited to phones only.

 Most people won't get to experience what the platform has to offer on a connected device. A low-cost WearOS watch would allow users to participate in the ecosystem that Google has been trying to push to the masses for years.

Ultimately, I believe that brands like Xiaomi, OnePlus and Samsung will be willing to take the opportunity to launch a competitively priced smartwatch in the market. A smartwatch running on WearOS will be a first for many users and will help them stay connected even when they don't have their phone in hand.

Let's be honest, in 2024, we won't need to pull out our phones to do the bare minimum like checking emails, responding to messages, and writing. True, it is necessary to overcome certain barriers first. But there's no doubt that a cheap WearOS watch would be a huge success if done right.

Samuel Daniel

Update 11 April 2024