The G Watch, LG’s first Android Wear smartwatch that will soon hit stores, may ship with an unexpected hidden feature, Korean publication iNews24.com revealed – a built-in, non-removable SIM card. The device is apparently going to be further detailed during Google’s late June I/O 2014 developers event alongside Motorola’s Moto 360, and it could start selling from Google’s Play Store as well.
LG has yet to confirm such a feature, and it’s not clear why the G Watch will include a SIM card, as Android Wear devices are expected to offer users smart features only when connected to a smartphone. However, Korean carrier LG U+ is said to be preparing to launch a G Watch with a built-in SIM.
According to Google’s own guidelines, Android Wear devices should only be companion devices that would bring quick notifications from different apps to users, rather than run full-fledged standalone apps.
Furthermore, LG’s initial G Watch announcement focused more on the LG-Google partnership for the watch rather than explaining any G Watch features, which would indicate that LG would closely adhere to Google’s requests regarding future Android Wear devices.
However, LG would not be the only company working on such a smartwatch, assuming the report is accurate. Samsung is also interested in offering buyers a standalone Gear 2 Solo smartwatch that will not require a connection to a smartphone to offer buyers access to apps and notifications.
Interestingly, users won’t be able to replace the SIM of the G Watch, as it will apparently be built-in the device. The publication says the G Watch will be made of metal and will be waterproof, which would mean users won’t really have access to any of its internal parts, and wouldn’t be able to actually switch SIM cards.
