New Android Wear 2.0 Flagship Watches Allows NFC Transactions Via Android Pay

On February 8, the first flagship Android Wear 2.0 watches have been unveiled, along with several standout features already been reported earlier. These features include improved watch faces, iOS support, new ways to respond to messages, a built-in Google Assistant, and Android Pay.

WIRED said last week, leaked shots have already introduced the possibility of Android Pay retrofitted in the smartwatches. NFC payments via Android Pay are similar to how payments are being done via Apple Pay on Apple Watch: simply have their wearable (with an NFC chip built in) touch a contactless reader to pay off goods or services from one of Android Pay’s partner retailers. Wearers will be shown of the transaction was successful when a big green tick is shown on the smartwatch interface, according to the screenshots obtained by TechRadar. Then, the interface will show a list of previous purchases, which would be a convenience for people who do not wish to separately access these information on their smartphone or tablet.

“Google's wrist OS is improving at a steady pace, but still isn't the right fit for everyone. Aside from the weak app selection, it holds its own against the Apple Watch, but could surpass it in the future,” James Peckham wrote in a review.

As for the smartwatches that will have this ability, fans can avail the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style, EndGadget reported. As soon as the Android Wear 2.0 roll out in other smartwatches, the LG Watch Urbane, Asus ZenWatch, and Sony Smartwatch 3 might be Android Pay-compatible, as all three feature NFC, TechRadar noted.