IFA: The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch is finally here

After months of leaks and speculation, Samsung has finally made the Galaxy Gear smartwatch official today at the IFA event.

The device has a 1.68-inch sAMOLED display with 320x320 resolution and a 1.9MP BSI sensor and an auto-focus lens for the camera. The camera is intended for low-resolution shots on-the-go and up to 10 seconds of 720p video. Under the hood is an 800MHz processor and a small 315 mAh non-removable battery.

Additionally, there are two built-in mics (with noise cancellation), a single speaker, Bluetooth 4.0, an accelerometer and gyroscope, 4GB of internal storage and 512MB of RAM.

On the app side, there is third-party support, including access to fitness applications, sharing apps like Evernote and even other notable apps like Line and eBay.

Unfortunately, the device will only be compatible with the upcoming Galaxy Note III and the Note 10.1 tablet. As a companion device, the smartwatch will give you access to S Voice, Find My Device, the pedometer and other features.

Beginning September 25th, the watch will be available for $300 in the U.S. and Japan.

Pics via Engadget:

Written by: Andre Yoskowitz @ 4 Sep 2013 18:35

ivymike

James Bond would be proud.

4.9.2013 18:58 #1

Morreale

The camera in the wristband kinda worries me... Hope its more durable than it looks.

At $300 I wouldn't consider it anyways though.

*\\\****//\\\***//\\\*****
**\\\**//**\\\*//**\\\*******
***\\\//****\\\ ****\\\****

4.9.2013 20:45 #2

stardata

I thought you could make phone calls on this device but it seems that it has to be connected to a smart phone to do so, i really don't see the point in this as i can simply make phone calls from my smartphone. Now if this device could do this all on it's lonesome without the need for a separate phone i would then maybe purchase it. Early day's i think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6xkDNvuIvSQ

4.9.2013 20:51 #3

DarthMopar

Originally posted by stardata: I thought you could make phone calls on this device but it seems that it has to be connected to a smart phone to do so, i really don't see the point in this as i can simply make phone calls from my smartphone. Now if this device could do this all on it's lonesome without the need for a separate phone i would then maybe purchase it. Early day's i think. Yeah, this thing kinda sucks...especially if the battery only lasts 10hrs. But I think they will only get better and cheaper if the demand is there.

4.9.2013 23:46 #4

Dragon3000

Underwhelmed. They look prehistoric.

5.9.2013 02:46 #5

SoTired

I can't believe manufacturers really think people want smart watches.

5.9.2013 03:45 #6

Bozobub

Originally posted by SoTired: I can't believe manufacturers really think people want smart watches.
I can understand your disbelief, but remember, the evolution of smartphones themselves was a long, rocky road, especially when you go back to their PDA roots. I don't think anyone really knows how this is going to eventually pan out.

5.9.2013 13:00 #7

Mrguss

A watch that depend on a smart phone to be smart, is like wearing a zombie on my wrist.

+5000

5.9.2013 14:34 #8

SoTired

Originally posted by Bozobub: Originally posted by SoTired: I can't believe manufacturers really think people want smart watches.
I can understand your disbelief, but remember, the evolution of smartphones themselves was a long, rocky road, especially when you go back to their PDA roots. I don't think anyone really knows how this is going to eventually pan out. That's a fair point. Over the next ten or fifteen years, this technology could evolve in many ways. I'm skeptical, and I predict that none of us will be talking about smart watches in ten years.

With that said, someone at Apple decided to build 65 million smartwatches NOW. I know a lot of fanboys, and none of them are talking about getting an Apple smartwatch. Samsung also seems to be going all-in; again, I know plenty of android fans, and none of them are talking about getting one of these.

I suspect that in the next eight months, Apple and Samsung will see some heads roll for what looks to me like a disaster in the making.

5.9.2013 15:14 #9

GrandpaBW

I love my Samsung Galaxy SIII smart phone, but I have no desire to have one of those Dick Tracy "watches".

Life is good!
GrandpaBruce - Vietnam Vet - 1970 - 1971
Computer: Intel Core i7-920 Nehalim;Asus P6T Deluxe V2

5.9.2013 21:59 #10

Bozobub

Remember, folks, PDAs and the like were pretty much disastrous for a LONG time. Remember the Newton?

I still remember the scorn people heaped on PDAs and the earliest smartphones... "The screen is too small!", or "Why would I want a computer in my pocket?" (yes, seriously). I'm not saying these doubts are silly, but you're looking at the very 1st baby steps of a potential industry.

5.9.2013 22:14 #11

robertmro

Two thoughts.

1. It looks really cheap and junky. Like it will last about 6 months.

2. This is the first time that they copied an Apple product that hasnt come out yet, if ever.

6.9.2013 10:57 #12

Bozobub

Originally posted by robertmro: Two thoughts.

1. It looks really cheap and junky. Like it will last about 6 months.

2. This is the first time that they copied an Apple product that hasnt come out yet, if ever. I know you love Apple, homes, but they didn't come up with the idea for smartwatches. That'd be the Pebble Watch.

6.9.2013 11:41 #13

keola37

Quote:Unfortunately, the device will only be compatible with the upcoming Galaxy Note III and the Note 10.1 tablet. Surely this can't be right?

6.9.2013 11:44 #14

robertmro

1. There is no proof that Apple wasn't working on one already.
2. There is no proof that Apple is going to make one.
3. There is no reason to include "I know you love Apple" because you know nothing about me.
And thank god I know nothing about you.

P.S. It still looks junky.

6.9.2013 12:18 #15

Jemborg

Originally posted by ivymike: James Bond would be proud. Y'mean Dick Tracy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Its a lot easier being righteous than right.

6.9.2013 12:24 #16

SProdigy

I can't believe manufacturers really think people want smart watches.

Especially for $300. Google Glass is far superior.

6.9.2013 14:25 #17

Bozobub

Originally posted by robertmro: 1. There is no proof that Apple wasn't working on one already.
2. There is no proof that Apple is going to make one.
3. There is no reason to include "I know you love Apple" because you know nothing about me.
And thank god I know nothing about you.

P.S. It still looks junky.
Then you admit this bit of snark was utter bullshit?
Quote:2. This is the first time that they copied an Apple product that hasnt come out yet, if ever. Interesting. What was its purpose, then?

No one who has read your posts in any Apple-related thread is in any way fooled; your inner fanboi has always been strong.

6.9.2013 21:57 #18

robertmro

"No one who has read your posts in any Apple-related thread is in any way fooled; your inner fanboi has always been strong."

Yes, I definitely prefer Mac.
You definitely hate Mac.
So what?

I had no idea that there are people who are actually following my occasional comments.
It's kind of flattering.
On the other hand I can honestly say I don't remember you.

I know I can always count on a negative vibe about anything Mac here.

I think it's pretty silly. But again, so what?

You could just relax and enjoy yourself instead of trying to pick fights with people who have different tastes than you. But that's up to you.

P.S. It still looks junky to me. That plastic band doesn't look very sturdy. And you don't have to respond because frankly I'm bored with this and I need to tend to some more rewarding tasks.

Bless your heart and good night.

7.9.2013 01:12 #19

Bozobub

There was no "negative vibe" about Macs or Apple here at all, until YOU brought it here. You may wish to note, this is not an Apple product; guess who brought it up? You also have been chastised repeatedly for flaming people in Apple-related (and not-so-related) threads. That, to me, spells "fanboi".

Guess what? I don't hate Apple OR Macs; "definitely" my ass. I think they are overpriced for what they do, and I'm not overly fond of their corporate decisions (nor do I love M$; hint, hint) but whatever, they also have some unique merits. Feel free to love 'em up as you like. They aren't my bag, but that doesn't excuse being snarky, and then being so uber-defensive about it =) .

I merely said
Quote:I know you love Apple, homes, but they didn't come up with the idea for smartwatches. That'd be the Pebble Watch. and you pretty much crapped your pants; funny, how you admit you love Apple immediately after. Why? Were you so upset that people know you love Apple?! What the hell is so insulting about that statement? "Pick fights with people who have other tastes than you," indeed.

Nor have I once implied that I think this watch is some piece of incredible engineering, or that I particularly care to have one. Please elaborate on where I indicated otherwise, or can the overheated butthurt.

I think YOU need to relax =3 . If you can't take the responses you get, perhaps you should reevaluate participating in the debate in such an obnoxious manner. Either that, or be prepared to constantly shave off all that excess troll hair. You've done this many times before, and it *never* works out well for you. Not once.

In other words, when you choose to not be civil, don't get bent out of shape when you're called on it. You're fooling no one but yourself.

7.9.2013 01:51 #20

Bozobub

Originally posted by Jemborg: Originally posted by ivymike: James Bond would be proud. Y'mean Dick Tracy!

-------------------------------------------------------------------
I think both work, but Dick Tracy came 1st =) .

It'll be interesting - assuming the concept of "smartwatches" survives - to see where this goes in a few years. Think of the incredibly fast evolution of smartphones...

7.9.2013 01:54 #21

xboxdvl2

Originally posted by Bozobub: Originally posted by robertmro: Two thoughts.

1. It looks really cheap and junky. Like it will last about 6 months.

2. This is the first time that they copied an Apple product that hasnt come out yet, if ever. I know you love Apple, homes, but they didn't come up with the idea for smartwatches. That'd be the Pebble Watch. i actually saw a watch that can make phonecalls in 2008.it was an import from china,not sure what smart features it had but it could make basic phonecalls and listen to mp3s.according to pebble wikipedia they didnt release that watch until 2013.the import was available from 2007 on the net.

i have the big screen tv,a ps3 and 5.1 channel surround sound.car still runs smooth and computer still works but its a bit outdated.

7.9.2013 07:31 #22

Bozobub

Sure. That doesn't change my basic point at all.

7.9.2013 12:03 #23

Mrguss

Quote:I actually saw a watch that can make phonecalls in 2008.it was an import from china,...the import was available from 2007 on the net. The W08 Red:
http://szhfs.en.alibaba.com/product/515..._3M_camera.html

Others:
http://www.alibaba.com/trade/search?fsb...ext=watch+phone

+5000

7.9.2013 15:20 #24

KillerBug

Hopefully this will evolve into something good...I might give up my phone if there was an android watch that made calls (with bluetooth), worked with google glass, functioned as a wifi hotspot, got strong signal outside the city, and held a charge.

Unfortunately, this watch doesn't do any of those things...nor does the Pebble, nor does it appear the apple will. Do manufacturers really think people want a cell phone accessory that doesn't add any functionality or convenience that you wouldn't get from a $30 timex that looks much better? I wonder if they plan to make some kind of belt-mount "blank brick" of a cell phone with no screen, so that people will actually have a reason to get the watches (although why they would want the blank brick I don't know). Hmmm...that gives me an idea...a smart wallet: It holds cash and cards just like a normal wallet, but it also has the battery, cpu, ram, etc of a phone...just no screen and only the power button. That way you replace your regular wallet with the smart one, leave the smartphone at home, and go out with just your wallet, keys, smartwatch, and bluetooth. Or better yet, just wait a year or two until the new smartwatches make the smartwallet redundant, that way you don't have to worry about crushing your $600 wallet every time you sit down on a hard chair.

9.9.2013 03:04 #25

dEwMe

Originally posted by SoTired: Originally posted by Bozobub: Originally posted by SoTired: I can't believe manufacturers really think people want smart watches.
I can understand your disbelief, but remember, the evolution of smartphones themselves was a long, rocky road, especially when you go back to their PDA roots. I don't think anyone really knows how this is going to eventually pan out. That's a fair point. Over the next ten or fifteen years, this technology could evolve in many ways. I'm skeptical, and I predict that none of us will be talking about smart watches in ten years.

With that said, someone at Apple decided to build 65 million smartwatches NOW. I know a lot of fanboys, and none of them are talking about getting an Apple smartwatch. Samsung also seems to be going all-in; again, I know plenty of android fans, and none of them are talking about getting one of these.

I suspect that in the next eight months, Apple and Samsung will see some heads roll for what looks to me like a disaster in the making. Mmmmm yeah maybe I could see some wearing a wrist communicator sort of thing as we've seen in ScFi forever. But really...If I can do the same or more with a device I can tuck in my pocket I don't see using one. Of course I never was a wrist watch guy do to big wrists. Your mileage may vary as they say.

Just my $0.02,

dEwMe

9.9.2013 11:35 #26

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