After a pair of images surfaced earlier today, Samsung tonight announced its second generation of smartwatches, the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches. As rumours earlier this month suggested, Samsung has dropped Android in favour of the Tizen-based wearable platform for both devices along with the Galaxy branding. The two promise to “to take the freedom, convenience and style of wearable technology to the next level.”
“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 customization options and a robust application ecosystem,” Said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “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 Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will be compatible with more than a dozen Samsung Galaxy smartphones at launch. They will also benefit from access to “an enriched application ecosystem as the first wearable powered by Tizen based wearable platform.”
Samsung Gear 2 specifications
- Processor: 1.0 dual-core
- Operating system: Tizen based wearable platform
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0 LE, IrLED
- Display: 1.63-inch Super AMOLED (320×320)
- RAM: 512MB
- Internal storage: 4GB
- External storage: None
- Front-facing camera: 2MP AF with HD (720p @30fps) video capture
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate
- Battery: 300mAh Li-ion
- Dimensions: 36.9 × 58.4 × 10.0 millimeters
- Weight: 68 grams
- Colours: Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange
- Other: Dust and water resistant (IP67), interchangeable straps
Samsung Gear 2 Neo specifications:
- Processor: 1.0 dual-core
- Operating system: Tizen based wearable platform
- Cellular connectivity: None
- Other connectivity: Bluetooth v4.0 LE, IrLED
- Display: 1.63-inch Super AMOLED (320×320)
- RAM: 512MB
- Internal storage: 4GB
- External storage: None
- Front-facing camera: None
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate
- Battery: 300mAh Li-ion
- Dimensions: 37.9 × 58.8 × 10.0 millimeters
- Weight: 55 grams
- Colours: Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange
- Other: Dust and water resistant (IP67), interchangeable straps
The only big difference between the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo is that the latter does not come with a camera.
The design itself is very reminiscent of the original Samsung Galaxy Gear but there are some small changes. The camera on the Gear 2 is now located on the front and the microphone has been moved from the strap itself to the watch’s body.
The Samsung Gear and Gear Neo will go on sale globally starting in April. Pricing was not announced today.
It remains to be seen if Samsung will also announce a new Android model at its Unpacked5 event taking place at MWC 2014.
Source : Samsung