When Huawei Technologies releases a smartwatch later this year, there’s a good chance it won’t catch on. Given Huawei’s little known brand name in many markets around the world, the prospects for its Android-powered watch appear bleaker than those of earlier ones from companies like Motorola Mobility, Samsung Electronics or LG Electronics.

But Google had good reason to customize its Android software for the Huawei watch: it symbolizes how the China-based wireless networking manufacturer has developed a close relationship with Google, one with potential to benefit both companies.