Samsung announced last month that it will make its Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatible with a wider range of its Galaxy devices. The rollout began in Europe and Samsung Canada has now announced its plans to update devices here. Starting November 29, Samsung will update the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S4 mini, Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II.
“The GALAXY Gear has launched Samsung to the forefront of wearable technology by delivering true innovation beyond what anyone else in the industry currently offers,” said Paul Brannen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise and Mobile Solutions, Samsung Canada. “Canadians want technology that helps make their lives easier and more enjoyable, which is why we’re excited to extend the compatibility of the GALAXY Gear to our growing GALAXY family of devices.”
As is usually the case, Samsung added that specific timing will vary by device and by carrier.
Samsung also announced that anyone buying a Galaxy Gear smartwatch between November 29 (Black Friday) and December 2 will receive a CA$40 discount on the CA$329.99 retail price.
Look What We Have Up Our Sleeve Just in Time for the Holidays!
Samsung helps Canadians stay in the moment by expanding GALAXY Gear compatibility across the GALAXY family of devices
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 21, 2013 /CNW/ – Samsung Canada, leaders of innovation and one of the first to introduce wearable technology to the Canadian marketplace, announced today the expanded compatibility of the GALAXY Gear with the GALAXY S4, GALAXY S4 mini, GALAXY SIII, GALAXY Note 3 (previously available) and the GALAXY Note II. Arriving just in time for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping, the GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion for premium GALAXY smartphones, combining smart device connectivity, tailored technological features and stylish design.
“The GALAXY Gear has launched Samsung to the forefront of wearable technology by delivering true innovation beyond what anyone else in the industry currently offers,” said Paul Brannen, Senior Vice President, Enterprise and Mobile Solutions, Samsung Canada. “Canadians want technology that helps make their lives easier and more enjoyable, which is why we’re excited to extend the compatibility of the GALAXY Gear to our growing GALAXY family of devices.”
Combining smart device connectivity, tailored features and an impressive, stylish design, GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion device that enhances everyday life. This device offers a host of features such as Quick Glance to preview messages sent to the phone, Voice Memo to capture important thoughts or conversations from the wrist and Auto Lock, which locks the smartphone screen when it is more than 1.5 metres from GALAXY Gear.
The GALAXY Gear is the perfect companion for:
- The Multi-tasking Mom: The built-in speaker lets busy moms make hands-free calls directly from the Gear, helping them get things done on the go. When in a rush, the Find My Device feature helps users locate their phone instantly by making their GALAXY smart device beep, illuminate and vibrate. Additionally, snapping photos of the kids on the playground is easy with the Memographer feature, a 1.9 Megapixel camera built directly into the Gear.
- The Trend Setting Fashionista: Make the GALAXY Gear your signature feature. With an understated elegance, refined design and high-quality finishes, GALAXY Gear is more than just a beautiful accessory, it’s a game changer. Canada’s fashionistas can personalize the devices with 10 preloaded clock options to complement any style or season. In addition to the previously announced colours (Jet Black, Wild Orange and Oatmeal Beige), the new Mocha Gray colour is perfect for versatility.
- The On-the-go Professional: Switch things into high gear with the GALAXY Gear. Perfect for the busy professional running from meetings to business dinners, the GALAXY Gear boasts a premium look and feel as well as useful features to help stay organized. Stay on top of important messages while chatting with the boss by glancing at the notifications on your Gear which summarizes all calls, texts and emails. Talk it out with S Voice which allows you to draft notes, create new calendar items and check the weather on the GALAXY Gear directly.
- The Fitness Fanatic: The GALAXY Gear makes working out more enjoyable with a Pedometer to help track your walking activity using its built-in sensor technology. Whether you are on your daily run, at the gym or walking to work, the Gear will automatically monitor every step. With a quick swipe, users can also control the music played on their Samsung GALAXY device.
Availability:
The GALAXY Gear is currently available on the GALAXY Note 3 and will be available on the GALAXY S4, GALAXY S4 mini, GALAXY SIII and the GALAXY Note II starting on November 29th, 2013 (timing varies by device and carrier/retailer) in Jet Black, Wild Orange and Oatmeal Beige and now Mocha Gray (colour availability varies by carrier/retailer) at the following locations: Bell, Best Buy, Future Shop, London Drugs, Rogers, Samsung Experience Shops at select Best Buy and Future Shop locations, Samsung Experience Store, Tbooth wireless, TELUS, The Source, Videotron, WIND Mobile and WIRELESSWAVE.
Additionally, Canadians who purchase the GALAXY Gear beginning on Black Friday (November 29) through to December 2, 2013 will receive $50.00 off the retail price (MSRP $329.99) at participating carriers and retailers.*
Samsung GALAXY Gear Product Specifications**
| Processor | 800 MHz processor |
| Display | 1.63 inch (41.4mm) Super AMOLED (320 x 320) |
| Camera | 1.9 Megapixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus Camera / Sound & Shot |
| Video | Codec: H.264 Format: MP4 HD(720p) Playback & Recording |
| Audio | Codec: AAC Format : M4A |
| Featured Apps | Evernote watch app makes it easy to remember things by quickly capturing images and memories and bringing important reminders right to GALAXY Gear. |
| MyFitnessPal tracks your nutrition and exercise, empowering you to achieve your personal health and fitness goals. | |
| Pocket, the leading way to save web content to view later on any device, brings text-to-speech article playback to GALAXY Gear. | |
| TripIt from Concur makes it easy to organize travel plans in one place. | |
| Vivino Wine Scanner allows you to take a photo of any wine and get to know all about it instantly. | |
| Samsung Services | Samsung Apps |
| ChatON: mobile communication service | |
| Additional Features |
Smart Relay, S Voice, Memographer, Voice Memo |
| Auto Lock, Find My Device, Media Controller, Pedometer, Stopwatch, Timer | |
| 2 Microphones (Noise Cancellation), 1 Speaker | |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth® v 4.0 + BLE |
| Sensor | Accelerometer, Gyroscope |
| Memory | 4GB Internal memory + 512 MB (RAM) |
| Dimension | 36.8 x 56.6 x 11.1 mm, 73.8g |
| Battery | Standard battery, Li-ion 315mAh |
| *Certain conditions apply. While supplies last. Available colours may vary. No rain checks. Participating retailers may vary. Offer valid between November 29 and December 2, 2013. |
| ** All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. All other trademarks and logos remain the property of their respective owners. |
About Samsung Electronics Canada
Samsung Electronics Canada offers a broad range of award-winning consumer electronics including televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. The Canadian arm, selected in 2013 as one of Strategy Magazine’s Brands of the Year, upholds Samsung’s global mission to open new possibilities for young minded consumers everywhere, providing users premium experiences that are unparalleled due to Samsung’s innovative technology and stylish design. As a result, Samsung has become a true leader in the consumer electronics industry both in terms of business leadership and brand strength. In 2013, Samsung was ranked #8 in the Interbrand 100 Best Global Brands and was named as one of Marketing Magazine’s 2012 Top 10 Marketers of the Year in Canada.