Samsung has pipped Apple to the post in the race to release the next fitness-tracking smartwatch, announcing two updated versions of its Gear product line at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
Apple is expected to announce a range of health and fitness focused offerings in the near future – including a smartwatch – but Korean company Samsung has stolen a march on its rival with the unveiling of the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches.
Both featuring slimmer designs and increased health and fitness functionality, the two new offerings are updates of the original Galaxy Gear watch.
The pair utilise Samsung’s own Tizen software in place of Google’s Android, and are fitted with an accelerometer and gyroscope – capable of acting as a pedometer and an optical heart rate monitor. They can also play music via Bluetooth headphones without needing to connect to a smartphone or tablet.
“Samsung continues to lead innovation in the wearable market by creating devices that are completely integrated into the lives of consumers through extended connectivity features, stylish customisation options and a robust application ecosystem,” said JK Shin, CEO and president of Samsung Electronics’ IT & Mobile Division. “With the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, we have enhanced everything consumers love about the Gear to offer unparalleled smart freedom in their everyday life.”
The Gear 2 also features a 2-megapixel camera at the top of a 1.63in Super AMOLED screen, something that The Gear 2 Neo lacks. Both smartwatches will include an infrared emitter for controlling other devices like a TV or video recorder using Samsung’s WatchON Remote application.
Although the watches feature a 1GHz dual-core processor with 512MB of RAM and 4GB of storage, they remain companion devices, relying on Samsung’s smartphones and tablets for internet access.
Samsung estimate the smartwatches will have a 2-3 day battery life and although they’re yet to announce a price, it’s expected that both devices will cost a similar amount to the original £300 Galaxy Gear.
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