Smartwatches have become a protagonist in the second half of the year and will continue to be key in the coming months. Samsung is reportedly already preparing the launch of its two devices most anticipated, the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 and the Samsung GalaxyBand, with an official presentation planned for the Mobile World Congress de Barcelona.
All smartwatches that have been released over this time have received to much critics. This is normal when new categories are introduced: these devices are the ones that make users change their minds about their usefulness and lay the foundations of the future of the market.
Now Samsung aims to improve the results of its smart watch with a new version, the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2What we can expect is a watch that includes similar functions, with major improvements And, why not, with the ability to make calls or connect to the Internet without needing a smartphone as the primary device. Either way, users will be waiting. relevant news to compete with the rest of the companies that also bet on this format.
On the other hand, it would not be the only new smart device from the South Korean company: a Samsung GalaxyBand. It would be a smart bracelet, less advanced than the watch, more oriented to geolocation, sports and information data. This bracelet would be a peripheral, with the advantage of being more economical.
The most important thing is that the announcement of these devices might not be long in coming, as everything indicates that it will take place in the MWC of Barcelona, an event that takes place every year at the end of winter.
Two models and a change of platform
Samsung prepares two new smartwatches: Gear 2 y Gear Neo 2. In official materials the brand is simplified (the Galaxy surname disappears), since the big news is the jump from Android to TizenThis change does not represent a visual revolution, but rather an advance in performance and autonomy.
Both share a technical basis: 1 GHz dual-core processor (compared to 800 MHz of the first Gear), 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB storage and a screen 1,63-inch Super AMOLED XThe Gear 2 model integrates 2 MP camera with autofocus; the Gear 2 Neo does without a camera to lighten weight and price.
Specifications and featured sensors
- Battery 300 mAh with estimated autonomy of 2-3 days of normal use and to 6 days with light use thanks to Tizen.
- Bluetooth 4.0 LE to link to the phone and IrLED sensor which allows it to act as a remote control for televisions.
- IP67 resistance: protection against dust and water.
- Sensors heart rate (heart rate monitor on the inside), accelerometer, gyroscope y pedometer for quantification.
- Microphone with noise reduction and built-in speaker.
- Multi-device Compatibility dozens of Galaxy devices for notifications, calls and multimedia control.
Customizable design, camera and straps
The Gear 2 bets on a metal centerpiece and replaceable straps, which opens the door to customization and third-party accessories. The camera and microphone are integrated into the front bezel for a cleaner finish.
Dimensions and weights: Gear 2 It measures 36,9 x 58,4 x 10,0 mm and weighs 68 g; Gear Neo 2 It measures 37,9 x 58,8 x 10,0 mm and weighs 55 gGear 2 Colors: Carbon black, Brown Gold y Wild Orange. On the Gear 2 Neo: Carbon black, Mocha Gris y Wild Orange.
Smart features and app ecosystem
With Bluetooth 4.0, the watch allows make and receive calls, watch notifications, Consult calendar, control the multimedia playback, use S Voice, stopwatch and time. The built-in music player allows you to listen to songs stored on your watch without carrying your phone.
As a complement to the living room, it integrates WatchOn Remote via IrLED to control the TV. And for sports, it offers personal trainer with plans for walking, running or cycling, plus measurement of pulse risk management.
The jump to Tizen comes with an own app store and availability of third-party titles and services such as Banjo, BMW, CNN, Conde nast, Expedia, eBay, Evernote, Feedly, Garmin, Glympse, GM (OnStar 4GLTE), iControl, LINE, Path, PayPal, Runtastic, Volkswagen, Weather channel y Under Armour (Map My Fitness), among others. The idea is to offer more autonomy to the clock and a growing catalog.
With these improvements, Samsung is outlining a more solid watch for everyday use, while the Galaxy Band would cover the quantifying bracelet segment with price plus contentThe combination of Tizen, comprehensive sensors, IP67 durability, and a growing app ecosystem makes the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo a must-have on the wrist.
