Ladies and gentlemen, Smart watches They're here to stay. Apple was rumored to be launching one, and meanwhile, it seems Samsung has decided to step up its game with its own offering. The Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is already in development. Its unveiling could take place at CES, which takes place at the beginning of the year, a perfect showcase for new wearables and the connected home.
There is an event that always gets pigeonholed at the beginning of the year, the CESIn recent years, it has established itself as a gadget festival: 3D printers, smartphone-controlled drones, and autonomous robots, while smartphones have lost some of their prominence due to leaks. Still, there's no shortage of high-profile presentations; brands like Sony and LG often reserve high-end surprises for this time of year.
The upcoming CES promises to have some notable protagonists. Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 could be launching a new smartwatch at the trade show. It's only been a few months since the launch of the first model, but the company wants to get the smartwatch sector moving, boosting it with the launch of new models and a more ambitious software and ecosystem strategy.
Samsung Galaxy Gear 2: much more complete
Some of the features that this new smartwatch would have would be those lacking in the first model. We would find Integrated GPS, so we could use the watch's location, ideal for sports and routes without relying on a smartphone. Furthermore, it would also be compatible with all Android smartphones, which would expand its capabilities compared to the initial connection to a few Galaxy models.
Beyond compatibility and GPS, the leaks point to a more robust technical profile: dual core processor around 1 GHz, 512 MB of RAM, 4 GB of storage, and a battery close to 300 mAh that should last two or three days of moderate use. There's also talk of a heart rate sensor and pedometer to reinforce the health and fitness focus.
In the multimedia section, a 2 MP camera capable of recording video in 720p HD, relocated from the strap to the body of the watch to allow the straps to be changed freely, as was the case with the Samsung Galaxy GearThis detail, along with a slimmer design, would address one of the criticisms of the first Gear. It also includes an infrared transmitter to control the TV and other home devices like a remote control.
In software, various indications suggest that Samsung could bet on Tizen in its wearables to gain autonomy compared to Android and optimize power consumption, latency, and experience. The brand has hinted that it would release numerous specific apps, making the app catalog another major pillar of this generation.
The presentation of the Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 is expected to take place very soon. MWC of Barcelona This is another event being considered, taking place shortly after CES. The best part, if confirmed, is that they would be ahead of the highly anticipated Apple Watch, strengthening Samsung's position in the smartwatch market.
Preliminary signs, fairs and regular calendar
From its official blog, Samsung has recalled the launches of smart home and wearable products at previous trade shows, suggesting we'd see more of the same at the next one. While the Galaxy Gear 2 isn't explicitly mentioned, when the company talks about smart devices and the expansion of connected accessories, the odds are on its watch.
Samsung itself usually warms up its engines in Twitter with cryptic messages, and no shortage of concept videos where the brand imagines a future with touchscreens everywhere. Added to all this is the fact that its press conference at these shows is usually scheduled for the afternoon Pacific Time, around 14:00 PM (around 23:00 PM in Spain), a time slot in which it usually concentrates on important announcements.
Competition, ecosystem and how it drives the market
The competitive environment does not stop: firms such as ZTE o Archos They've shown their hand with affordable smartwatches, and there's even been speculation that Samsung might explore categories close to smart glasses. Among the pioneers in the sector are Pebble, Sony SmartWatch, and I'm Watch, joined by proposals such as Qualcomm's Toq or exploratory projects from Microsoft and Acer. This context forces Samsung to iterate quickly, but also to refine its design, autonomy, and real-world utility.
Samsung's strategy in later generations gives relevant clues: premium editions with Platinum or Golden Rose finishes, alliances with designers and artists to expand dials and straps, and an app offensive with partners such as CNN or Bloomberg. The brand, which even expects to sell three million units of the Galaxy Gear, continues to expand services and accessories. In addition, the incorporation of Samsung Pay has enabled mobile payments with Samsung Pay on some models, making it clear that the watch is not just a second screen: it aims to be a digital key for everyday life.
Expected experience: sport, independence and connected home
With GPS, heart rate sensor and pedometer, the value of the watch in sports is growing: recording routes, advanced metrics and coaching on the wrist without taking out the mobile phone is a qualitative leap ( know all the possibilities in depth ). Expanded Android support opens the door to more users and a richer app ecosystem.
At home, infrared allows the clock to be turned into a remote control, while connectivity with interchangeable straps It fits with Samsung's vision of a connected home. In everyday use, the relocated camera, interchangeable straps, and a battery life of several days would help make the watch a practical and discreet companion.
The path drawn by the leaks and official signals is clear: a more powerful Galaxy Gear 2, with a better battery, GPS, health sensors and a optimized operating system, supported by an ecosystem of apps and services that grows with each trade show. If Samsung executes this roadmap, the smartwatch will transform from an experiment into a mature offering for sports, productivity, and the connected home.
