The biggest update to Android Wear in its history dropped this week, and all the chatter since has been about Wi-Fi: which devices are getting it, and which are getting left behind.
In an attempt to one-up the Apple Watch, Google has enabled Wi-Fi on its wearable OS, which means that your smartwatch is not simply tied to your smartphone by Bluetooth.
Read more: Best Android Wear smartwatches
Bluetooth's short range means that you don't have to move very far around your house to break the connection with your phone – and if it rings while on charge in the bedroom, or left in the kitchen, for example, you wouldn't receive the notification.
Google's answer is Wi-Fi. If both devices are connected via Wi-Fi, information will still sync. Plus, they don't have to be connected to the same network – although the usefulness of that is slightly less obvious.
There's a problem, however.
Not all Android Wear devices are made equal, and some haven't got Wi-Fi chips built in.
So which devices are Wi-Fi and which are low-fi? We reveal all:
WEAR
LG Watch Urbane
Google confirmed that LG's new smartwatch will be the first to enjoy the Android Wear update while simultaneously stating that the latest OS update will land within weeks. After having its thunder stolen, LG has now confirmed the Urbane will be released this month, and it means the Android Wear army could have a new Wi-Fi toting leader.
Hands on: LG Watch Urbane review
Moto 360
As the first round Android Wear smartwatch, the Moto 360 could be forgiven for the omission of Wi-Fi, yet it's one-upped the G Watch R by taking full benefit of Google's big update.
The Moto 360 has endured its share of criticism, namely over the terrible battery life and while, software updates have improved this, it will be interesting to see how much Wi-Fi will take its toll.
Sony SmartWatch 3
Sony's latest wearable is packed with tech, so we weren't surprised to learn that Wi-Fi was coming to the SmartWatch 3. Mix in the Wi-Fi chip with the existing GPS tech (still the only Google powered watch to have it) and the most versatile Android Wear device just got even better.
SQUARE
LG G Watch and G Watch R
LG's original LG G Watch is an unashamedly budget smartwatch so it's no surprise that Wi-Fi didn't make spec sheet. However, the premium LG G Watch R – which sells for a whopping , was launched at the same time as the Moto 360, yet won't benefit from the key connectivity features in Google's update. Disappointing.
NEARLY THERE
Asus ZenWatch
Another latecomer to the Android Wear party, even Asus seemed confused about whether its smartwatch would support Wi-Fi. Strictly speaking, the Asus ZenWatch isn't getting the full compliment of features, however, the Taiwanese company has confirmed that if both devices happen to be on the same network, notifications can be sent via Wi-Fi.
How we test
James is the co-founder of Wareable, and he has been a technology journalist for 15 years.
He started his career at Future Publishing, James became the features editor of T3 Magazine and T3.com and was a regular contributor to TechRadar – before leaving Future Publishing to found Wareable in 2014.
James has been at the helm of Wareable since 2014 and has become one of the leading experts in wearable technologies globally. He has reviewed, tested, and covered pretty much every wearable on the market, and is passionate about the evolving industry, and wearables helping people achieve healthier and happier lives.