At its press event yesterday, Samsung announced its new Galaxy Gear smartwatch with specs and photos to be released in October in the U.S. and Japan for $299. Kicking off what could be a techie arms race to perfect the perfect technical timepiece, Samsung’s Galaxy Gear is able to be synced with a user’s smartphone to become the preeminent accessory to both their outfit and devices. Take a look at the specs and photos below and let us know what you think of Samsung’s new smartwatch.
Samsung CEO J.K. Shin took to the stage in Berlin yesterday and debuted the Galaxy Gear alongside the new Galaxy Note 3 smartphone. The Galaxy Gear, though, is intriguing in that the smartwatch market is only just being tapped into. Though Sony and Pebble have released their own respective wrist-wear along the same lines, Samsung has the resources and the manpower to bring it to a whole new level. Here’s how they’ve started.
The Galaxy Gear’s face moonlights as a 1.63-inch AMOLED 320 x 320 display. The entire gadget will operate using Google’s Android software, will run on a single-core 800MHz processor, and will be powered by a 315mAh battery. The 1.9MP point and shoot camera is built into the strap and also records 10 second videos at a 720p resolution. Look for 1GB of memory and 4GB of internal storage.
Upon launching the Galaxy Gear will boast over 70 different apps immediately available for use (including locally grown RunKeeper). While it was initially speculated the display would not allow for any typing, users will have the ability to check and dictate emails though if the emails prove to be too long, users can simply open up their smartphone and sync the device to read and reply if wanted. It also allows for hands-free calling but the S Voice feature only works by double-tapping the home button. The device will also connect via Bluetooth 4.0 and NFC.
Customizable colors include Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold, and Lime Green.
For $299 and due to hit U.S. and Japanese retail shelves in October–to be released in another 140 countries on September 25–it’s hard to say if this gadget will be a hit or not. Sure, Pebble became one of the most successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaigns in the platform’s history. With the likes of Apple and its perpetually-rumored iWatch not too far off the horizon, Samsung has the benefit of beating other multinational tech conglomerates to the punch, but will also be the guinea pig. For that reason, stay tuned to BostInno for the latest information and details on any tweaks and revisions.
In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on the Galaxy Gear. Will it work viably? Is it cool? Overpriced? Underpriced? A game-changer? Drop some knowledge on us in the comments section below.
