Samsung Unveils Gear S2 Smartwatch
This is a big week for smartwatches with the IFA consumer electronics trade show coming to Berlin and the holiday shopping season fast approaching. One of the items sure to get plenty of attention at the IFA show is the latest smartwatch from Samsung, which has been one of the leaders in pioneering wearable devices.
The Samsung Gear S2 is the seventh smartwatch from the tech giant and its first to sport a round display rather than the usual geeky square or rectangular dial. The S2 in available in three versions called the Classic, standard and 3G. The Classic model has a black case and black leather band for users “who prefer a more timeless watch design.”
The standard model comes with a dark gray case and rubber strap to match or silver case with white rubber strap. According to Samsung, this model is “ideal for those who are on-the-go and have an admiration for minimal and modern design.”
The 3G Gear S2 is basically the standard model with the addition of a 3G radio that can connect to 3G cellular networks. The 3G is unique in that unlike most smartwatches, it can be used without a smartphone.
All models share the same set of specs including a 1.2” diameter touch display with resolution of 360 x 360, 1 GHz dual-core processor, 512MB RAM and 4GB of storage. The Gear S2, which includes NFC, WiFi and Bluetooth, may be charged wirelessly for two to three days of battery life.
The Samsung Gear S2 runs the Tizen OS rather than Android and comes with a 24-hour fitness activity log. The rotating bezel makes it easy to interact with the apps that Samsung is planning specially for the Gear S2. Also coming are new watch faces for the circular display.
Samsung will officially introduce the Gear S2 models at the IFA show this week.
