Decide on the List of Features
Let’s review some of the most common features used in wearable app development.
When we talk about wearable app development, in most cases, we talk about the development of two apps – one for a smartphone and one for a wearable. If you decide to create a standalone application, you will probably need to develop a so-called container app. Such an app carries out the setup process and app installation. However, most smartwatches can connect to the internet via Wi-Fi and get an app directly from a store.
You can also create a companion app for an already existing mobile application or simultaneously develop both the companion app and the mobile app.
One obvious difference between mobile and wearable app development is screen size. Wearables have tiny screens that require micro-layouts. You can create a great user experience if only you provide the necessary information, limit the use of buttons to one per screen, and use short text.
Some devices, such as the Samsung Gear series, have a rotating bezel that can be used to navigate the menu. The digital crown performs a similar feature on Apple Watch. You need to understand which platforms you are targeting to make good use of them. This way, you will be able to avoid using unnecessary on-screen elements.
As mentioned before, you can use the basic navigation implemented by wearable manufacturers to create a great user experience. For example, most smartwatches have their own gestures for moving between screens with swipes, selecting an item with taps, etc. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.
Users keep wearables on them all the time. Such devices are a great opportunity to remind users about upcoming events, planned calls, or workout sessions. Push notifications are a must-have for wearable applications. Today, you can even show whole text messages through such notifications or a preview of an upcoming event.
Some wearable devices have voice assistants, and you can integrate your app with them. For example, devices on Android Wear have an assistant by Google, and watchOS devices have Siri.
Integration with their API will allow you to add the support of voice commands to your wearable application. It’s a nice-to-have feature, especially for workout apps. They would allow users to set up timers while they are working out and control other application features.
There are a lot of other features that an app can have based on the specific needs of your solution.