While the focus of the Unpacked event was on the Note 4, Note Edge and Gear VR, Samsung’s wearable offerings got a nice shot in the arm as well with the Gear S and Gear Circle. The smart watch revolution, while ushered in by the Pebble, truly hit its stride with Samsung’s first Galaxy Gear which made the concept of wearing a smart watch more mainstream. Since the release of the first Galaxy Gear, Samsung has refined its tech and made the smart watch more and more useful. The Gear 2, Gear Neo and Gear Fit offered smart watch solutions for various customers. Samsung even played nice with Android Wear and made another Gear device for people looking for the Samsung design yet want it powered by Google’s Android Wear platform.
Samsung took it a step further with the Galaxy Gear S which removes your smart phone from the equation. How does it do that? The Galaxy Gear S comes with a dedicated SIM card that gives the user 3G connectivity to get access to notifications and even make calls. The 2-inch curved AMOLED display makes the device less bulky and more streamlined. The larger screen makes reading notifications easier and even allows the user to type. I will add that if you have big fingers it will make for an interesting experience.
The Gear S does not only have a 3G radio, but also has bluetooth and WiFi. The Gear S ditched the camera, which was nice to see, and in doing so made the band more comfortable.
Check out the product and event photos below to see the Gear S as well as size comparisons against the Pebble smartwatch.
Samsung Galaxy Gear S Photos
Unpacked Galaxy Gear S Photos
I definitely think that the Gear S is a true step forward for the Gear line but I know pricing will decide how successful it is. I will say that high quality watches are not cheap, so bear that in mind when deciding if this device is for you. The Galaxy Gear S arrives in stores this October. How do you guys feel about the latest incarnation of the Galaxy Gear? Share your thoughts in the comments.
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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 a beautiful, 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.
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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