Samsung has taken the wraps off its Galaxy Gear smartwatch according to news reported on AllThingsD.com, Time.com and other sources Sept. 4. The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch debuted in Berlin at a consumer technology show known as IFA. The smartwatch is new technology even though comic strip character Dick Tracy had something similar, called a 2-way wrist TV, way back in 1964.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch functions similarly to Google Glass in that it needs to communicate with a smartphone or tablet for most of its functionality. In the case of the Galaxy Gear, that smartphone has to be a Samsung Galaxy Note 3, also new, also introduced and demonstrated Sept. 4 at IFA in Berlin.
Apple is also developing a smartwatch. There are already a couple of smartwatches available on the market, one from Sony and one called the Pebble.
Here are a few interesting facts about Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch.
Screen: Measures 1.6 inches diagonally, very large for a watch. It's a Super Amoled touch screen display like many of Samsung's smartphones.
Camera: Has 1.9 megapixels so it's far smaller than most new smartphone cameras which are now 5, 8 and 10 megapixel models.
Battery life: Samsung estimates it at 24 hours, and it requires its own unique charger. That's fairly short. You'll need to take the charger along when traveling even on short trips.
Colors: Samsung offers a choice of 6: Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold and Lime Green.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch connects via Bluetooth to the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone (due in stores Sept. 25) or Samsung Galaxy Note tablet.
The watch button on the right side functions as a home button.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear has an adjustable band that is supposed to be able to get small enough for a woman to wear it in comfort, if not style. Look for the Samsung Galaxy Gear in stores beginning Sept. 25.
IFA stands for International Fuhrenden Marken, which can be translated as Leading International Brands. It's an annual trade show in Berlin that focuses on consumer technology including smartphones, televisions, tablets, home appliances and more.
More articles:
10 email features that matter most: Know when your mailbox account disappears.
Moto X and Droid Maxx: 2 hot new Android phones compared.
Apple lives up to predictions with a few surprises.
Steve Wozniak to offer free lecture in Akron Oct. 21.
Amazon.com kills rumor of free Amazon smartphone in 2013.
People can control Google Glass by typing into their smartphones.
7 good places to sell or trade your iPhone and how much they pay.
Verizon Droid Maxx: Hands-on comparison to iPhone.
Siri has a few words for Google Glass.
Leaked video shows 5 colors of iPhone 5C back casing on YouTube.
Google discredits rumor that it will sell Google Glass at Best Buy for low price.
Predicting features of the next iPhone.
Google Glass price will decrease but not right away.
Verizon subscribers can get new phones every 6 months with new Edge plan.
Sprint's new Unlimited for Life plan offers data, text and talk for $80 monthly.
Apple offers $50 and $100 gift cards to students who buy iPhone iPad or Mac.
3 honest and legal ways to earn money using the internet and 1 scam to avoid.
Copyright © 2013 Susan J. Walker.
Like this article? Click “subscribe” above; follow @WalkerSusanJ on Twitter.
