Although Google will not directly build the watch themselves, they are working with HTC, LG, Motorola and Samsung.  A bit surprised Samsung is working with them given they have their own watch, but there you go.  I may have said this before, but I think watches running the Android wearable system will have a leg up on the competition because of the work Google has been doing with Google cards.  Given that the integration with Android devices, well at least most of them will be seamless, where I really see the value is what Samsung does not do and that is NOT include the kitchen sink.  In other words, Google in known for trying to do only what brings high value and nothing more.  Now sometimes they undershoot, but in this case I think the feature and functions they are envisioning for the Android wearable watch is about right. You can see more by looking at the developer preview.  There you can see animations on how Google envisions cards working on a watch.

 

The platform is designed to do the basic things we expect of our smart watches; (from the google site)

• Useful information when you need it most. Android Wear shows you info and suggestions you need, right when you need them. The wide variety of Android applications means you’ll receive the latest posts and updates from your favorite social apps, chats from your preferred messaging apps, notifications from shopping, news and photography apps, and more.
• Straight answers to spoken questions. Just say “Ok Google” to ask questions, like how many calories are in an avocado, what time your flight leaves, and the score of the game. Or say “Ok Google” to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm.
• The ability to better monitor your health and fitness. Hit your exercise goals with reminders and fitness summaries from Android Wear. Your favorite fitness apps can give you real-time speed, distance and time information on your wrist for your run, cycle or walk.
• Your key to a multiscreen world. Android Wear lets you access and control other devices from your wrist. Just say “Ok Google” to fire up a music playlist on your phone, or cast your favorite movie to your TV. There’s a lot of possibilities here so we’re eager to see what developers build.

Notice, NOTHING about taking pictures. Also notice that even though voice is supported in the SDK, the system does not rely on it, so one can imagine that not only where there be very nice high end watches, as we can see from the Moto 360, but simple no frills watches that will compete with the Pebble. And that is what is catching my attention.  Imagine watches that are not trying to be small computers, but instead interface devices.  Remember Google has Nest, ChromeTV and I’m sure a number of other devices that fit into the category of the internet of things. So knowing that what you create will give you access to the internet of things make this more then just a watch.