Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
(Image source: VentureBeat)
BY MATT PICHT
Samsung is preparing to unveil its next major product: the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. But in
advance of the official announcement, information leaks are giving the world a sneak preview
of the new device.
A VentureBeat writer reportedly spent some time with a prototype of the watch pre-launch
and published a set of photos and a features list.
Among those features: Bluetooth and WiFi capability, enabling the Gear to sync up with other Samsung
devices or access the Internet on its own. The watch also has a 4-megapixel camera and
speakers built into the strap, and it will reportedly take voice commands using Samsung's
S-Voice software. The battery life is expected to be about 10 hours.
The watch also apparently comes preloaded with a slew of Android fitness apps and functionality,
which SlashGear says points to Samsung's potential market for the smartwatch.
"Fitness tracking is supposedly a key part of the Galaxy Gear value proposition. The
wearable will apparently measure heart-rate thanks to an integrated sensor, and then combine
that with pedometer and calorific intake tracking to fashion a customized workout."
Twitter reactions to the reveal have so far been unenthusiastic, with the watch's bulky
shape bearing the brunt of the criticism. (Via Twitter / @m4tt, @stevekovach)
Technology Personalized even brands the watch "a blocky mess," saying it looks "as ugly
as a toad."
But as The Verge points out, the leaked screenshots might not represent the device's final appearance.
"Samsung has an established track record of keeping its upcoming devices inside fake shells
prior to their public unveiling, so this may not be the final shape — but odds are high
that the size of the screen, a claimed 3 inches, won't change."
So if the leaked pictures are a misdirection, what's the real smartwatch going to look like?
A Korean patent leaked earlier this week might hold the answer. Based on this design document
filed by Samsung with the patent office, AmongTech constructed this mock-up image of what a finalized
Galaxy Gear might look like.
Samsung latest foray into wearable computing might soon face some competition. AppleInsider
reports several major tech companies are working on smartwatches of their own.
"Sony already has a presence in the sector, but the coming year may see Microsoft roll
out its own device as well. ... Samsung's chief rival, Apple, is also widely believed
to be working on its own 'iWatch.'"
Samsung is expected to unveil the Galaxy Gear Sept. 4 at Berlin's IFA tech expo.