The rumours were true. Samsung have today announced the Samsung Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo, their next generation of smart watches. They promise to take the freedom, convenience and style of wearable technology to the next level, giving consumers the next range of more personal wearable devices.
Simon Stanford, VP or IT & Mobile Division from Samsung (UK & Ireland) had the following to say:
Samsung continues to lead in the wearable technology market with innovative, creative devices that are completely integrated into the lives of our customers. Offering extended connectivity features, stylish customisation options and a robust application network, we have enhanced everything that people love about the original Samsung Gear to create a second generation of wearable devices that offer unparalleled smart freedom.
Gear 2 vs Gear 2 Neo
So, what is the difference between the two devices? The camera! The Gear 2 features a 2.0mp camera, which is now included in the main body rather than the strap. The Gear 2 Neo, however, does not have that option, but offers everything else to the user.
Tizen
The rumours did not end at the Samsung releasing a new set of watches, but there was high speculation about the fact that Samsung may ditch Android, and move to Tizen as the next operating system. That one has proved to be true too, and while we don’t have any running videos or feature specs on how it differs, the image itself makes it look like a fairly simplistic, icon based OS.
Style
Adding to the camera, Samsung are pushing this watch on its style too. More strap options have been made available to their uses, such as Charcoal Black, Golden Brown and Wild Orange for the Gear 2, and Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange for the Gear 2 Neo.
Smart Watch features
Both the devices offer the following features:
- Allow users to accept or ignore calls and messages
- Provide instant notification options based on user’s habits and activity.
- Controlling electronic products such as TV, Set top boxes, etc through the WatchON Remote app and the embedded IRLed sensor.
- Standalone Music player with Bluetooth headset, means you can leave your phone at home and still enjoy the music.
- Both devices offer fitness coaching in real time, and monitor heart rate.
- Connect to a wide variety of Samsung devices, anc ompatible with dozens of Samsung Galaxy Smartphones at launch.
- Pairs with devices using Bluetooth
- First wearable powered by Tizen.
- Built in GPS to add location tags to photos.
- IP67 Certified Dust and Water Resistant
- Noise Cancellation
- Battery Life: Typical usage: 2-3 days, Low Usage – up to 6 days.
Fitness Features:
It provides the following fitness features:
- Heart Rate Sensor
- Pedometer
- Exercise: Running, Walking, Cycling, Hiking
- Sleep and Stress (Downloadable)
Dropping the Galaxy name
It might be because this doesn’t run on Android any more, but after a long time, we are seeing a major product from Samsung that comes under the mobile category and doesn’t feature the Galaxy name.
Availability
The watches will be available around the world starting from April.
More news
More news and probably videos will come after the Samsung Unpacked event this coming week. We’ll be bring you more as it comes!
Tech Specs
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Display |
1.63” Super AMOLED (320 x 320) |
|---|---|
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AP |
1.0 GHz Dual Core Processor |
|
OS |
Tizen based wearable platform |
|
Camera |
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|
Gear 2 : 2.0 Megapixel Auto Focus (1920×1080, 1080×1080, 1280×960) |
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Gear 2 Neo : N/A |
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Video |
Codec: H.264, H.263
Format: 3GP, MP4 HD(720p, @30fps) Playback & Recording |
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Audio |
Codec: MP3/AAC/AMR/Vorbis
Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG |
|
Camera Features |
Auto Focus Camera, Sound & Shot, Location Tags, Signature |
|
Additional Features |
Fitness Features: 1.Heart Rate sensor 2.Pedometer 3.Exercise Standalone Modes: Running, Walking Companion Modes: Cycling, Hiking 4.Sleep & Stress (Downloadable) |
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Music Player with Bluetooth® Headset and Speaker |
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WatchON Remote: Remote Controller via IrLED Sensor |
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Basic Features: |
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More Features(Downloadable): |
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Changeable Strap |
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IP67 Certified Dust and Water Resistant, Noise Cancellation |
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| Samsung Services | Samsung Apps |
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Connectivity |
Bluetooth® v4.0 LE, IrLED |
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Sensor |
Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate |
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Memory |
RAM: 512MB Storage: 4GB Internal Memory |
|
Dimension |
Gear 2 : 36.9 x 58.4x 10.0 mm, 68g |
| Gear 2 Neo : 37.9 x 58.8 x 10.0mm, 55g | |
|
Battery |
Standard Battery, Li-ion 300mAh Typical Usage 2~3 days, Low Usage up to 6 days |
