Microsoft battles Google Now with Bing Torque for Android Wear

Embarrassed saying ‘Ok Google’ out in public? Computer giant Microsoft, of all companies, wants to help you with the launch of  Torque powered by their own Bing search engine.

One of three projects initally launched under Microsoft Garage, their own version of Google’s 20% program devoted to employees developing projects that greatly interest them, Torque brings a rather different approach to the voice search function by incorporating gestures to the smartwatch. When worn, two twist gestures to your smartwatch activates the voice search function, and display optimized results from their own Bing search engine.

The app is now available for all Android Wear devices at the Play Store. Don’t expect full compatibility with all current smartwatches: While the app seems to work fine on LG’s and Samsung’s wearables, it’s been reported that the Moto 360 is having some gesture issues with the app.