Samsung recently announced a new addition to its Tizen-based smartwatch lineup. The Gear S is a standalone smartwatch that will work without the need of a smartphone. It packs a cellular radio, accepts a SIM card, and is bulky enough to fit all of that inside…
The Gear S is 12.5mm thick and features a 2-inch Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 360 x 480 (300 ppi), a dual-core 1GHz processor, 512MB of RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and a 300mAh battery. As mentioned above, this smartwatch requires a SIM card for its standalone capabilities, so you’ll need a dedicated cellular plan for it.
Other features include an IR blaster, IP67 dust and water resistance (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), a small speaker, and a heart rate sensor. You can also connect Bluetooth headphones to the Gear S in order to listen to music and take phone calls. The strap is removable, but like the Gear Fit, it’s proprietary in design so we’re not sure if Samsung will offer colored replacements in the future.
Check out our Samsung Gear S hands-on video below:
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DD6XjNUsq1M]
As you may have observed in the above video, this is not a small device. It takes up a futuristic amount of space your wrist. At first glance the Gear S looks like a larger version of Samsung’s Gear fit, but the face of the watch tells a different story. This is almost a Galaxy S5 mini micro for your wrist. It has a similarly shaped home button when compared to Samsung’s Galaxy lineup and works as a standalone communication device.
It’s a bit too large for my taste, but this is a perfect example of Samsung’s “spitball” ethic to create products and see what sticks. I’m not sure this one will make the long-term cut, but at least now there’s something for everyone. At least we hope after this monster of a creation. It’s not a horrible device, but it’s very large when compared to any of Samsung’s smartwatch offerings and is running Tizen, not Android Wear which seems to be the trend these days.
Either way, Samsung’s Gear S will be available beginning in October. Check out the press release below. What do you think about the Gear S?
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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