LG’s new Watch Urbane doesn’t need your phone. Photo: LG

LG today unveiled a second edition of its Watch Urbane smartwatch, which finally frees Android Wear from your smartphone.

Thanks to its built-in 4G and 3G connectivity, the new Watch Urbane makes calls and continues to receive notifications even when you leave your phone behind.

Viper SmartStart comes to your wrist. Photo: Viper

Remember that Ericsson phone that let James Bond control his BMW 750iL remotely in Tomorrow Never Dies? Now you can have your own… kind of.

Viper SmartStart is a smartwatch app for Android Wear and Apple Watch that puts car controls on your wrist, allowing you to locate, start, and control your vehicle before you even get in it.

What does LG have up its sleeve? Photo: Android Central

LG has issued invites that ask us to “save the date” for an October 1 press event in New York City, where the company could announce a brand new smartphone. The event takes place just two days after Google is expected to announce its new Nexus devices.

Google wants to provide your Nexus with extra protection. Photo: Google

Google looks to be gearing up to launch its own AppleCare rival dubbed “Nexus Protect.” The new protection plan, which has already leaked out via the Google Store, is expected to be made available alongside Google’s new Nexus devices this fall.

HTC hasn’t ruled out Android Wear yet. Photo: Killian Bell/Cult of Android

Despite being named as an Android Wear partner during the platforms unveiling almost 18 months ago, HTC is yet to release its first Wear watch. But the Taiwanese company is still working on it, according to a new report.