8 of the best themes for your Android Wear smartwatch #WearablesWeek

One of the brilliant things about smartwatches is the ability to change the face whenever you like. It’s like having a whole wardrobe of watches.

The official API to make new faces for Android Wear isn’t out yet, but lots of enterprising developers have already released apps that’ll do the same thing. So whether you’ve got an LG G Watch, Moto 360, Samsung Gear Live or another Android Wear wrist-hugger, here are 8 faces you can get right now. And they’re all either really cheap, or really free.

1. Best for retro gamers: Secret Agent Watchface (free)

There’s little debate amongst me and people who don’t want to fall out with me that Goldeneye for the Nintendo 64 was one of the greatest games of all time. This free theme brings back the classic life bars, but repurposes them to show your remaining battery life. Bond would be proud.

2. Best for designers: MaCyGr (free)

This cleverly-named face uses the classic CMYK print colours. It’s subtle but colourful – perfect for design aficionados. You’ll need the free WearFaces app to install this one.

3. Best for minimalists: TextFace (free)

A simple, classy face that shows the time in words. I’ve been lusting after a cringingly expensive wall clock that does the same thing, so it’s cool to be able to have it on a watch for nothing.

4. Best for clever-clogs: Binary Watch Face (free)

If you find watches that just go ahead and tell you the time far too simplistic, you’ll probably like this sleek binary design. Most people won’t be able to read it, so you’ll look like some kind of super-genius if you don’t give the secret away. (It’s not actually very hard).

5. Best for jealous glances: Ministry of Silly Walks (50p)

It’s been over 40 years since the Ministry of Silly Walks sketch aired, but John Cleese’s ridiculous legs have never lost their appeal. Plus if you’re late for anything, you can just say “Sorry, my walks have been particularly silly of late.”

              

6. Best for tinkerers: Nixie Watch (58p)

This steampunkish design uses virtual nixie tubes to show the time. It doesn’t really matter whether you know a nixie is a gas-filled tube that uses glow discharge to show characters (bonus points if you did, though) – you just need to know that they look awesome on a watch.

7. Best for Googlers: Nexus Watch Face (free)

Free and simple, this face uses the classic four-colour aesthetic of the Google Nexus. It’s an understated way to show your tech affiliation – and if you’ve got a Nexus phone, they’ll look like twins.

8. Best for trolling Apple fans: PEAR (free)

You can’t get an Apple Watch until next year, but you can troll the heck out of Apple fans and gullible people with this brilliant replica interface right now.  You’ll need the free WearFaces app to install it.