More details continue to emerge about the Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch ahead of its expected announcement at Samsung Unpacked 2013 Episode 2 on September 4th.
GigaOM sources indicate that Samsung is playing with a number of prototypes of the Galaxy Gear. While the design varies, most feature a square OLED display measuring about 2.5 inches across and 3 inches when the case is included. Prototypes are powered by Android 4.1 or Android 4.2 with tight integration between the watch and phones and tablets. Supporting earlier rumours, the report adds that it is powered by a dual-core processor and has “pretty decent battery life.”
The touchscreen display will support a range of gestures but is not likely to support text input. The watch also comes with speakers embedded in the clasp and supports both NFC and Bluetooth 4.0 LE. A number of sensors including an accelerometer are also built-in.
On the software side, a Samsung watch manager app will manage the connection between phone and other devices. Samsung has developed a proprietary accessory protocol that suggests that the Galaxy Gear may only work with other Samsung smartphones and tablets. This is further supported by the claim that additional apps will not be available on Google Play but only through the Samsung App store.
Separately, The Verge has learned that the Galaxy Gear will not be a standalone device. Their source told them that “It works with phones. The watch is not a phone.”
GigaOM adds that Samsung may hold a second event in New York City on September 4th with its Unpacked event taking place in Berlin, Germany. It could also have a pop-up store in Times Square where it could sell the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. If so, it could be available before its expected October launch.