Samsung has finally released its own smartwatch “Galaxy Gear” on Wednesday designed to be an accessory for its Galaxy Note series. The company hopes that the smartwatch can make the Note lineup more appealing to buyers, Reuters reports.
The top smartphone manufacturer, in terms of production, introduced the new product in its IFA Berlin event--a week before its rival’s own event. Apple has an event on Sept. 10 wherein people are expecting the iPhone 5, iPhone 5C, and the iPad mini with retina display—as rumors had it.
Most of the technology device makers are gearing on developing their own wearable device. Google has its “Glass” but others are focused on creating their own smartwatch. Apple is rumored to be working on an “iWatch” while Microsoft is reportedly developing a “Surface smartwatch.” The wearable device market is projected to yield a $50 billion profit by 2017, according to Credit Suisse.
"I believe it will become a new fashion icon in the world," said J.K. Shin, Samsung's co-chief executive and head of mobile business, to Reuters.
Smartwatch technology combines functionality, security, and health monitoring.
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear has a 1.63-inch OLED touch screen, a 1.9 megapixel camera, and can connect to Galaxy Note 3 through Bluetooth. It can call out, display messages, record videos and take photos without touching the paired smartphone. The battery life can last over 27 hours.
It has 70 pre-loaded apps including a few health-monitoring and fitness apps. It has improved a lot compared to its 1999 and 2009 models which can only call out and physically bulky.
Once again, Samsung were ahead of the game compared to Google and Apple which are reportedly still working on their models.
Samsung will start selling Galaxy Gear for $299 by the end of September.
