Samsung is taking an unpaved path in its wearable device future by announcing two Tizen-Powered smartwatches, the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo.
These aren’t the first consumer devices to utilize the Tizen OS — that honor goes to the NX300M camera — but it will be interesting to see what a Tizen-powered smart device will bring to the market, as we’ve yet to see a Tizen-powered smartphone announced to the general public (that could change during tomorrow’s Unpacked 2014 Episode 1).
At first glance, not much has changed from last year’s Galaxy Gear. You’ll notice that the “Galaxy” moniker is no longer present, due to these devices not being Android-powered. The camera has been moved from wristband to the top of the actual case, which will make the overall look of the Gear 2 fluid for many. The Gear 2 Neo will omit the 2MP camera found on the Gear 2, but other than that the devices are pretty much the same.
The Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will be compatible with more than dozens of Samsung Galaxy smartphones at launch, which surprisingly will be in April (Nice subtle hint of Galaxy S5 launch date, Samsung!).
Specs:
- Display: 1.63-inch Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
- Processor: 1.0 GHz Dual Core Processor
- Operating system: Tizen-based wearable platform
- Camera (Gear 2 only): 2.0 Megapixel Auto Focus (1920×1080, 1080×1080, 1280×960)
- Video: Codec: H.264, H.263; Format: 3GP, MP4; HD(720p, @30fps) Playback & Recording
- Audio: Codec: MP3/AAC/AMR/Vorbis; Format: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGG
- Camera Features: Auto Focus Camera, Sound & Shot, Location Tags, Signature
- Fitness features: 1. Heart Rate sensor; 2. Pedometer; 3. Exercise (Standalone Modes: Running, Walking; Companion Modes: Cycling, Hiking); 4. Sleep & Stress (Downloadable)
- Music: Music Player with Bluetooth Headset and Speaker
- Watch-on Remote: Remote Controller via IrLED Sensor
- Basic Features: Bluetooth Call, Camera, Notification(SMS, E-mail, Apps)
- Apps: Media Controller, Schedule, Smart Relay, S Voice, Stopwatch, Timer, Weather
- Downloadable features: Calculator, ChatON, Flashlight, Quick Settings, Voice Memo
- Gear 2 strap options: Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange
- Gear 2 Neo strap options: Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange
- Ruggedness: IP67 Certified Dust and Water Resistant, Noise Cancellation
- Featured apps: Banjo, BMW, CNN , Conde Nast, Expedia, eBay, Evernote, Feedly, GARMIN, Glympse, GM (Onstar 4GLTE), iControl, Line, Path, Paypal, RUNTASTIC, Volkswagen, Weather Channel, Under Armour (Map my fitness).
- Samsung Services: Samsung Apps
- Connectivity: Bluetooth® v4.0 LE, IrLED<
- Sensors: Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate
- Memory: 512MB RAM
- Storage: 4GB
- Dimensions: Gear 2: 36.9 x 58.4x 10.0 mm, 68g; Gear 2 Neo: 37.9 x 58.8 x 10.0mm, 55g
- Battery life: Li-ion 300mAh; Typical Usage 2~3 days, Low Usage up to 6 days
Source: Samsung
