Google ready to hop into smartwatch fray, eyes mass production

Google wants to cement its position in wearable technology by taking on both the watch and glass markets.

(Credit: Andrew Hoyle/CNET)

Google has a smartwatch and it could go to mass production within months, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The Internet search giant is in talks with Asian manufacturers on the production of a potential smartwatch, which would run Android and Google Now, the company's voice-assistant feature that powers Google Glass, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited anonymous sources. The report also noted that it was working to reduce the power consumption of the device.

Google's smartwatch would give the company a solid position in the burgeoning wearable technology business. The company has already carved out a notable position with its Google Glass initiative, and could cement it with a smartwatch. Such a device would follow efforts by multiple companies, most recently Samsung Electronics and its Galaxy Gear.

The Galaxy Gear has been panned because of the lack of capabilities and weak battery life, something Google appears to be addressing with its own effort. The Google smartwatch will reportedly work with smartphones, but also draw information from e-mail through Google Now.

CNET contacted Google for comment, and we'll update the story when the company responds.

The smartwatch also comes as the traditional tech giants are exploring more wearable products. Microsoft is reportedly looking at its own take on the connected eyewear, similar to Google Glass. Apple, meanwhile, has long been rumored to be working on its own iWatch, and CEO Tim Cook hinted at new 'categories' of products for next year.