Google ready to charge into smartwatch fray, Journal says

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

Google has a smartwatch and it could go into 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 that 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 already has carved out a notable position with its Google Glass initiative, and it 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 its lack of capabilities and weak battery life, something Google appears to be addressing with its effort. The Google smartwatch reportedly will work with smartphones, but it also draws 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 reportedly is looking at connected eyewear, similar to Google Glass. Apple, meanwhile, has long been rumored to be working on an iWatch, and CEO Tim Cook hinted at new "categories" of products for next year