While Google is rumored to currently be working on a secret smartwatch project of its own, with LG expected to manufacture the device, earlier rumors suggested that the company was previously developing a Nexus smartwatch with Motorola’s help. Android Police has posted purported images of a device that fits that description. According to information from an anonymous source, “the device was allegedly going by the name Google Watch, with the official code name Gem, and fell into the Nexus category of devices.”
The images posted by Android Police show a working smartwatch prototype with a square color display and a rubber band. Inside the band, a USB connector is hidden for recharging and connecting to a computer. A Motorola logo can be seen in the lower corner on the right hand side, and a couple of buttons are placed on top of the display. The buttons have two icons, including a running man and a microphone, which may have been destined to quickly trigger fitness and Google Now/Search features, respectively.
However, the project was dumped, or at least Google is no longer involved now that Lenovo is Motorola’s new boss. As for Motorola, the company has confirmed that it will launch a smartwatch later this year. It’s not known at this time whether the upcoming Motorola device will be in any way based on the Google Watch. “We are working on a watch that will be available this year,” Motorola said on Twitter. “We aim to address consumer issues like style and battery life.”
More images and a drawing showing Motorola’s never released 2013 Google Nexus smartwatch follow below.
