Google Play Services 5.0 Update launched, Android Wear Apps Debuts at Play Store

Android Wear apps have started to show up in the Google Play Store, reports Slashgear. The development comes in just over a week after the Android version was officially announced during the Google I/O developers conference held in end June. To begin with, its 25 apps that is on offer right now, which includes those from Evernote, Pinterest, The Guardian and so on.

The timing of the launch of a dedicated section for Android Wear apps is just perfect considering the first devices running Android Wear, LG G Watch and Samsung Galaxy Gear Live will be hitting streets on July 4 and July 7 respectively. Google has promised devices running Android Wear won't just be for displaying notifications received on your smartphones. Rather, the devices will be able to operate on their own and should be able to offer information as is deemed fit.

Towards this, some of the apps launched are a first for Android Wear, which include Google Maps and Hangout. But then, there are also apps that many would least expect to be made available on a smartwatch. For instance, there is the Althecooks Recipes which will enable users to have the recipes displayed right on their wrist.

Similarly, there are apps such as Fly Delta and American Airlines that will be providing users with travel related information. Then there are also apps such as The Guardian or Reuters that will allow users to catch up with the latest news while on the go.

Google has also launched the Google Play Services 5.0 update, which bumps the version from the current 4.4 to 5.0, reports NDTV. Google revealed the update brings along several new features to help improve apps. "Google Play services 5.0 is now rolled out to devices worldwide, and it includes a number of features you can use to improve your apps. This release introduces Android wearable services APIs, Dynamic Security Provider and App Indexing, whilst also including updates to the Google Play game services, Cast, Drive, Wallet, Analytics, and Mobile Ads," Google revealed in the Android Developers Blog.

Meanwhile, in another interesting development as revealed in Ubergizmo, IFTTT announced that they will introduce a dedicate Android Wear Channel in their app. For the uninitiated, IFTTT is an app that helps users in automating some aspects of their smartphone. Among the things that can be achieved include the ability to turn on or off light with a tap on the smartwatch, control other smart household gadgets and such.