How to set up and use Android Wear smartwatches

Google's Android Wear was announced in March as a version of Android for wearable technology and now you can get it on smartwatches such as the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. Here's where we show you how to setup and use the new platform. Read: The best smartwatches of 2014: List of the best wearable tech you can buy right now.

One of the great things about Android Wear is that you can get it on various different devices; much like Android is used on many smartphones and tablets. That means you can pick the smartwatch you like the most and still get the same experience from the software.

See also: LG G Watch vs Motorola Moto 360 vs Samsung Gear Live: Android Wear smartwatch comparison review

Since Android Wear is unmodified across the devices, the setup process and usability is consistent no matter which one you opt for. So far there is the LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live but the Moto 360 and other are coming.

Once you've switched on your Android Wear smartwatch – something we found not so easy to work out on the G Watch – the setup process is relatively simple but we'll show you the entire thing in the video above.

However, before you go and buy a G Watch or Gear Live, you'll want to check you have a compatible device as these smartwatches are pretty much useless one their own. You'll need an Android smartphone or tablet running version 4.3 or later and Bluetooth.

If you are unsure, visit g.co/wearcheck on your device before splashing out.

Once you've pair the Android Wear smartwatch with a companion device, the system will give you a tutorial on how to use the interface. It's simple and straight forward but only really shows you the basics. In the video we give you a complete tour.

Follow Chris Martin and @PCAdvisor on Twitter.

How to set up and use Android Wear smartwatches

How to set up and use Android Wear smartwatches