Samsung is readying a new smart watch that it claims will redefine the meaning of the term 'wearable device' by offering wireless connectivity without being tethered to a smartphone.
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Samsung's Gear S smart watch |
The South Korean vendor on Thursday unveiled the Gear S, a watch featuring 2G and 3G connectivity via its own SIM, alongside more regular Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. In 2G mode the device is compatible with networks operating in the 900/1800 MHz frequencies, and the 850/1900 MHz frequencies. In 3G mode it works on 900/2100 MHz networks, and 850/1900 MHz.
Ines van Gennip, marketing director at the IT & Mobile Division of Samsung UK and Ireland, said the Gear S will "redefine the idea of the smart wearable device and the culture of mobile communication."
The Gear S features a two-inch Super AMOLED display with a customisable user interface. Samsung states the device can provide access to social networks and calendars, and SMS functions. Customers can also use the device to make calls directly, access Nokia Here navigation services, and use health-related services including GPS tracking of runs.
Samsung has opted to deploy its Tizen operating system in the Gear S, marking an important step in the development of the platform after the vendor ditched plans to launch the Samsung Z--its first smartphone running the software--in July.
While the vendor plans to launch the Gear S in October, the Wall Street Journal reported the public will get their first look at the device next week, during the IFA trade fair in Berlin.
Rival LG Electronics is also planning to give its latest smart watch, the G Watch R, its first public outing at the IFA event the Journal added. The Android-powered device features a round, 1.3-inch OLED display, in keeping with a trend moving away from the square screens found on earlier smart watch products.
For more:
- read Samsung's press release
- see this Wall Street Journal article
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