Samsung is expanding its wearable portfolio with the release of its first-ever Tizen-based Gear S, a 3G-enabled smartwatch with curved display.
Samsung has secured as much ground as possible before the wearable market gets newer entries from giants like Apple and Microsoft. The company's ongoing efforts in the niche field have led to Gear S, a Tizen-based 3G-enabled smartwatch featuring a curved display, among other health-tracking sensors.
The tech giant's latest entry in its Gear series varies from other smartwatches running Google's Android Wear platform. The Korean tech giant has used its own software, Tizen, to power up the device, and touts a curved 2-inch Super AMOLED display with 480x360 pixel resolution. The biggest highlight of the Gear S is the built-in 3G connectivity, which means the smartwatch is independent of smartphone pairing via Bluetooth.
The Gear S smartwatch runs using a 1GHz dual-core processor, backed by 512MB RAM and 4GB internal storage. It sports a wide range of sensors like a barometer, GPS, compass, pulse rate reader and a UV monitor. These sensors will help the smartwatch work seamlessly with its own S Health app and Nike+ Running software. A tiny 300mAh battery is expected to power the smartwatch for two days on a single charge.
After ditching Google's wearable platform for its new Gear S, Samsung borrowed HERE maps from Nokia for turn-by-turn navigation and sports other features like news from "fastFT," advanced-reading technology from Spritz, and Facebook. Samsung Gear S also received IP67 certification for dust and water resistance, making it durable in different environments.
"Samsung is leading this exciting and rapidly developing wearable category through progressive innovation," JK Shin, CEO and head of IT & mobile communication at Samsung, said in a statement, Thursday. "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."
The launch of Gear S follows LG's release of G Watch R featuring a circular display. The design-shift strategy from major tech giants points toward a new direction in wearables. Another report has suggested that Apple's coveted iWatch will debut next month alongside the new iPhone 6 at a special media event on September 9. The entry is expected to up the game in this new growing segment.
In addition to the Gear S, Samsung also unveiled the Gear Circle headset, a Bluetooth accessory that pairs with smartphones and can receive calls wirelessly.
These two products will be available in stores, and with retailers and carriers around the world starting October, Samsung said.
