As I strap my first-generation Moto 360 on my wrist, it has become apparent to me that, whatever you may think about the app selection, there are some flaws in Android Wear that are obvious to anyone who's used something other than an Android Wear smartwatch. I happen to be a big fan of Samsung's Gear S2, and there's one way in which the Gear S2 really does outmatch Android Wear smartwatches: you can mix any 20mm wristband with the Gear S2 -- whereas with Android Wear, you're stuck with the wristband you get. If you buy a Moto 360 with a genuine leather wristband, you have to sell the smartwatch as is (with the same genuine leather wristband).
Google intends to make strides to improve this, however, and the company issued a potent response today in what is known as its MODE watch straps for Android Wear.
MODE watch straps come with a spring bar that allows you to lock the smartwatch strap in place to the rest of the Android Wear timepiece. These swappable wristbands may become the norm for Android Wear (or serve as an additional accessory). Currently, Google intends to sell the new MODE straps for $59.99 for each leather band and $49.99 for each silicone band. You can select straps as small as 16mm and as large as 22mm to customize your Android Wear smartwatch. The MODE wrist bands are already on sale at the Google Store, Best Buy, and Amazon.
Google's new announcement about MODE for Android Wear will help patch up one hole in Android Wear that has made Samsung's Gear S2 stand out. With Apple planning smart modular wristbands in the company's Apple Watch future, it's high time Google get with the program.
