Google Launches Mode Snap-and-Swap Bands for Android Wear Smartwatches

Google, unlike Apple, hasn't been giving much attention to watch bands for its Android Wear smartwatches, as all the models were made by OEMs. However, the search giant has finally taken a step forward and has introduced Mode interchangeable bands. The company has partnered with Hadley-Roma for designing the bands.

The Mode silicon bands made by Hadley-Roma start at $49.99 (roughly Rs. 3,300) and come in six different colours, while the Mode leather bands come with $59.99 (roughly rs. 4,000) as base price and are available in 10 shades. These will be compatible with only those Android Wear smartwatches that sport standard lugs to attach the bands with the watch. In addition, since different smartwatches have different width sizes for the lugs, the Mode bands are made available in 16mm, 18mm, 20mm, and 22mm. They can be purchased from the Google Store, Best Buy and Amazon in the US.

Mode "snap-and-swap" bands come with two pins that users would need to attach to the lugs. The band can then be locked with those pins via its "quick release" buttons. "This is just the beginning. We want Android Wear to give you as much choice as possible, so we'll be sharing the Mode mechanism design and source with other brands to use to create their own snap-and-swap watch bands," said Gina Reimann & Jen Lu, Design Lead & Product Manager, Google Accessories on the company blog post.

This stance by Google is surely a welcome change for Android Wear users. However, the search giant is yet to give users as many options as Apple gives for its Apple Watch users. Earlier this month, Apple introduced Hermes standalone bands for the Apple Watch in new colours.