Tech Trend 247

If you were hoping to hear more about the next version of Android Wear at Google's big hardware event next week, you might not want to get your hopes up just yet.

Google has now pushed back the date for the official release of the update to "early 2017."

The company didn't provide a reason for the change, which was buried at the bottom of a post on its Android Developers blog. 

But the delay isn't terribly surprising to those who have been following closely. Earlier this month, CNET reported that many of Google's biggest Android Wear partners, including LG, Lenovo and Huawei, wouldn't be releasing new watches before the end of the year. 

Given that it wouldn't have any new watches from many of its biggest partners, it makes sense that Google would want to delay the launch to coincide with new hardware. (We have seen a few new Android Wear devices from smaller partners, like Michael Kors and Asus.) 

The update, originally slated for release this fall, adds standalone app functionality, new text input options and other features. Google also launched the third version of its developer preview Thursday, which adds a watch-specific version of Google's Play Store. This will allow you to download apps to your watch independently of your smartphone.

Delays aren't the only problems Google is facing with Android Wear. Many smartwatches are apparently not working with Apple's iPhone 7, according to a report in 9to5Mac. The source of the issue is unclear but Google has reportedly made Apple aware of the issue.