Following in the footsteps of LG revealing its circular G Watch R, Samsung just moments ago announced its new Gear S smartwatch with a curved 2-inch Super AMOLED display, 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity, Bluetooth, enhanced multi-sensors, built-in GPS and more. The smartwatch will be available through retail stores and carriers in October.
Samsung’s Gear S should serve as competition for the all-new circular LG G Watch R and Moto 360. A big difference, however, is that the Gear S is not an Android Wear device. Instead, it runs a version of Samsung’s own open-source, standards-based operating system Tizen.
The next-generation smartwatch is described as having a “chic, circular design” with customizable screen options, changeable straps and several wearable optimized features, including widgets and combined notification boards.
In particular, the smartwatch features turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation provided by the mapping service HERE, a 24-hour news and views service from The Financial Times, advanced reading technology from Spritz and the ability to see and respond to important social notifications instantly with Facebook.
The Gear S is also marketed as a health and fitness companion, with enhanced multi-sensors, built-in GPS and several S Health features. Third-party applications like Nike+ Running allow users to keep track of their physical activity without using a smartphone.
In terms of hardware specifications, the Gear S is powered by a dual-core 1.0 GHz processor, with 512 MB of RAM, 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1 and a 300 mAh lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 2 days per charge. It also has an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, heart rate, ambient light sensor, UV sensor and barometer.
“Samsung is leading this exciting and rapidly developing wearable category through progressive innovation,” said JK Shin, CEO and head of IT & mobile communication at Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication. It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime.
Samsung also announced the Gear Circle, which can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth to receive calls, listen to music and make voice commands. It features a magnetic lock that clasps around a user’s neck when not in use, in addition to a vibration feature to notify users of incoming calls and notifications.
Seoul, Korea – August 28, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today unveiled the Samsung Gear S, the next generation smart wearable device that expands the smartphone experience to the wrist. The new Samsung Gear S delivers an up-to-date smart wearable experience with 3G connectivity and wearable optimized features to meet the evolving needs of consumers.
“Samsung is leading this exciting and rapidly developing wearable category through progressive innovation,” said JK Shin, CEO and head of IT & mobile communication at Samsung Electronics. “The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication. It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime.”
Designed with an elegant, curved Super AMOLED display and flexible band, Samsung Gear S fits comfortably on user’s wrist. Through 3G connectivity, the Samsung Gear S offers a new, powerful wearable experience and gives consumers the freedom to live their life on the go.
Industry-Leading Curved Super AMOLED Display
The Samsung Gear S features a 2-inch curved Super AMOLED display, providing a richer view with a beautiful and easy-to-use user interface. It allows users to read messages and notifications at a single glance with features such as conversation view and condensed font. The Samsung Gear S’s chic, curved design fits comfortably around the contours of the wrist, while its customizable screen options and changeable straps empower users to express their own taste and style.
Truly Connected Experience
The Samsung Gear S extends its communication capabilities to include 3G as well as Bluetooth and WiFi connectivity, allowing users to stay informed with seamless notifications from social networks, calendars and applications even when away from their phone. It lets users to instantly reply to incoming messages using the onscreen keyboard, or utilize enhanced S voice functionality to ensure tasks can be completed immediately. Finally, with Samsung Gear S, people can seamlessly make and receive calls directly from their wrist, or get calls forwarded from their smartphones.
The Samsung Gear S allows consumers to control how they want to connect, switching easily between 3G and Bluetooth connections, and automatically synchronizing information when paired to a smartphone.
Extended Features & Applications
The Samsung Gear S provides easy access to relevant information through essential widgets and combined notification boards. Its powerful features include turn-by-turn pedestrian navigation provided by HERE, a 24-hour news and views service from The Financial Times ‘fastFT’, works together with advanced-reading technology from Spritz, and the ability to see and respond to important social notifications instantly with Facebook. Together, these features allow users to be live and actionable while on the go.
The Samsung Gear S is also a perfect health and fitness companion with more enhanced multi-sensors, built-in GPS, and robust S Health features. In addition, applications such as Nike+ Running allow users to track their runs and stay motivated while on the move, without their smartphone.
Also announced today with the Samsung Gear S is the new Samsung Gear Circle. When paired with a smartphone, users can easily receive calls, listen to music, and make voice commands in style through a Bluetooth connection. It features a magnetic lock which clasps around the user’s neck when not in use, as well as a vibrate function to signal incoming calls and notifications.
Both the Samsung Gear S and the Gear Circle will be available in global markets in phases through Samsung’s retailchannels, e-commerce websites and via carriers beginning October.
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