Despite smartwatches not reaching critical mass like smartphones have, plenty of vendors haven’t given up on them. Of course the most well known is Apple, with its Apple Watch and watchOS software.

But then there’s also Google. While google doesn’t make smartwatch hardware it does build the OS that runs on most smart watches that aren’t the Apple Watch.

Called Android Wear, the smartwatch software is the OS of choice for most vendors–and it’s latest version is now shipping, although it saw significant delays after its announcement at Google I/O last year.

Android Wear 2.0: What Is It?

It’s Google’s smartwatch software that runs on most smartwatches. Version 2.0 includes a host of new features that give smartwatches greater compatibility and functionality. There’s a host of new UI design tweaks and new features in the software, which we’ll look at next.

Android Wear 2.0: Design and UI

Android Wear 2.0 brings a new stylish design to supported smartwatches. Previous versions of Android Wear had an interface that what a bit clumsy and looked almost cartoonish. The new Android Wear 2.0 users a flatter design with a darker UI, making it more visually appealing. There is also a new app launcher that allows input via digital crowns.

Android Wear 2.0: Standalone Apps

Previously Android Wear watches needed to be connected to a smartphone to run apps. But in Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches are capable of running apps natively–no phone required! Developers will need to build their apps for standalone support, but already major apps work independently, including Uber, Foursquare, Runtastic, and more.

Android Wear 2.0: Google Play Store

Another great feature of Android Wear 2.0 is that the OS now has a dedicated Play store for Android Wear apps, meaning you can browse for Android Wear apps right on your Android Wear device.

Android Wear 2.0: Android Pay

And thanks to standalone app support, now Android Wear 2.0 allows for Android Pay without needing your smartphone paired with your watch. That’s right, you can make purchases right from your Android Wear 2.0 device–provided that device offers NFC.

Android Wear 2.0: Google Assistant

There are some new input methods in Android Wear 2.0, which we’ll discuss below, but it’s also important to note that Android Wear 2.0 also offers much-improved voice navigation. That’s because Google Assistant is now baked into the OS, making issuing voice commands so much more reliable. And if your Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch has a speaker you’ll be able to hear Google Assistant’s replies.

Android Wear 2.0: Swipe Keyboard and Handwriting Recognition

Google really wanted to improve the clunky input methods of previous versions of Android Wear and they’ve done that in spades with the Android Wear 2.0 update. The first up is now the OS features a swype-like keyboard that allows you to easily input text in any field. Android Wear 2.0 also offers handwriting recognition, so you can literally spell out letters and words on screen and see them translated into digital text.

Android Wear 2.0: Cost

It’s totally free!

Android Wear 2.0: Supported Devices

New smartwatches will come with Android Wear 2.0 installed. These include the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style as well as the Huawei Watch 2 Classic and the Huawei Watch 2. However, older smartwatches will also get the Android Wear 2.0 in the near future. These watches include:

• Asus ZenWatch 2
• Asus ZenWatch 3
• Casio WSD F10
• Fossil Q Founder
• Fossil Q Wander
• Fossil Q Marshall
• Huawei Watch
• LG G Watch R,
• LG Watch Urbane (1st and 2nd gen)
• Michael Kors Access Bradshaw
• Moto 360 (2nd gen)
• Moto 360 Sport
• New Balance RunIQ
• Nixon Mission
• Polar M600
• Sony Smartwatch 3

Android Wear 2.0: Release Date

It’s shipping now on new smartwatches and will be available as a free download on older supported models very shortly.