LG is preparing to unveil a second G Watch model at IFA next month, reports a Korean outlet.
LG wants to become a "game-changer" in the wearable industry, according to a Korea Times report citing an unnamed official with the company. To do so, LG is gearing up to launch the tentatively named G Watch 2 just months after the release of the first generation.
Details about the new device are scarce, but the report does reveal that various LG Group affiliates worked together for the project, including LG Display, which will supply the AMOLED screen. Switching from LCD to AMOLED for the G Watch 2 should help with battery life and viewing angles. The G Watch 2 will use a Qualcomm chip, just like its predecessor, though apparently LG considered adopting an in-house Odin SoC. However, issues with Odin prompted the Korean company to go with a tried and true Snapdragon solution instead.
We can speculate that, in order to differentiate the new model from the original G Watch, LG could adopt a new design, possibly a rounded one. Android Wear supports two form factors – rectangular and circular – so it would make sense for LG to try its hand at creating a more conventional circular design. Motorola is expected to launch its own round smartwatch around the same time.
Interestingly, the report claims LG is in talks with "leading watchmakers" for possible collaborations: "LG Electronics is being approached by a lot of authoritative watchmakers for strategic collaboration. They need us and LG also wants to use their well-known brand image to boost the awareness of our smartwatches in key target markets," said an LG group official.
Swatch Group, Richemont, Rolex, Fossil, and LVMH are the world's biggest watchmakers by market share; of them, Fossil was already revealed as an Android Wear partner back in March.