Samsung unveils Gear S, a smartwatch with curved display
The Gear S smartwatch. Samsung
Samsung has taken the wraps off its latest wearable, a smartwatch dubbed the Galaxy S that features a curved display.
Unveiled late Wednesday, the Samsung Gear S features a 2-inch Super AMOLED display and is based on the Tizen mobile operating system, Samsung's alternative to Google's Android mobile OS. Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Gear S comes equipped with 3G for on-the-go connectivity.
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Powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, S gear also packs a wide array of sensors, including a barometer, GPS, a compass, a pulse rate reader, and even a UV monitor.
"The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication," Samsung mobile chief JK Shin said in a statement. "It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime."
The South Korean electronics giant also announced the launch of Samsung Gear Circle, a wireless Bluetooth device that features a magnetic lock that clasps around the user's neck when not in use, offering a vibration to signal incoming calls and notifications.
Samsung's announcement coincided with LG's official unveiling of the LG G Watch R, an Android Wear smartwatch that sports a traditional round display.
Both Samsung products will be available in October.
Samsung has released a handful of wearables over the past year -- including the Gear 2 watch, Gear Fit smart fitness band, and Gear Live Android-based smartwatch -- and the company is believed to be working on various other models for release in the coming months. That could include smart glasses similar to Google Glass, as well as a watch that has its own internal connectivity and doesn't require a smartphone to function.
The wearables market is an important focus for Samsung as high-end smartphone and tablet sales slow. The company dominates the phone market with its Galaxy S devices, but it also has worked to expand in other markets. While Samsung is seen as a leader in wearables with its smartwatches, the overall response to the devices has so far been tepid.
