Samsung Reveals the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch

By Marcus Yam
published

We finally learn more about Samsung's smartwatch.

Rumored for weeks now, Samsung today took the wraps off of its Galaxy Gear smartwatch. It shares some similarities to current smartwatches on the market, like the Pebble, but takes things a little further with additional hardware.

In terms of basic operation, it pairs with a compatible Galaxy phone (currently the Note 3, 10.1, and soon the S4) and notifies users of incoming messages, such as calls, texts, emails and alerts, delivers a preview of those messages. When an incoming message requires more than a quick glance, users can simply pick up their Galaxy devices and the Smart Relay feature will instantly reveal the full content on the screen.

In a real Dick Tracy move, the Galaxy Gear also has a built-in speaker and dual-mics that allows users to conduct hands-free calls directly from the Gear by lifting their hands to their heads. Users can also draft messages, create new calendar entries, set alarms, and check the weather on the Galaxy Gear with S Voice.

Taking candid photos could be easier than ever, as the Galaxy Gear integrates a 1.9 Megapixel camera that can record both photos and video.

For more, check out LAPTOP's hands-on.

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Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
11 Comments Comment from the forums
  • CaedenV
    Cooler than I thought it would be, but still not something I would be interested in. I mean, I got my first cell phone in Y2K and the first thing to go was my watch. 13 years later I am not about to adjust to having something strapped to my body again.
    Reply
  • deftonian
    Not bad! I'd get one but I'll probably wait until the next gen or other companies enter the market and the competition gets fierce. I think the future of the smart watch is pretty promising. However, I expect these to be banned in a lot of places, just like google glass.
    Reply
  • weierstrass
    Very nerdy, will stick to my automatic watch.
    Reply
  • whiteodian
    If it's not waterproof, then it is a fail for me.
    Reply
  • oj88
    What about the battery life? I for sure don't want to charge my watch everyday.
    Reply
  • robochump
    Ehhh. $299 for a smart phone accessory is ridiculous, nice try Samsung. At least it has some sort of pedometer but more focus on health related apps/tech would have been better. See what the iWatch packs for a reported $199.
    Reply
  • house70
    I'll keep my Bell&Ross for now. I don't see myself having to charge any watch ever so often. Some companies (Seiko, Citizen) have incorporated solar panels in their dials, at least eliminating the needs to charge them manually or replacing the battery. No smartwatch can say the same, AFAIK.
    Reply
  • teh_chem
    All these smart watches are dumb. They're all going to flop.

    I couldn't fathom wearing a watch that isn't water resistant or water proof in any fashion, or have to charge every day (315mah battery--scoff).
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    "Taking candid photos could be easier than ever, as the Galaxy Gear integrates a 1.9 Megapixel camera that can record both photos and video"

    So...

    It's a Paedo-Watch

    Reply
  • mynith
    'What time is it? My watch battery died' will soon become a much more common expression. And the sad part: people will buy this because some idiot tries to market it as the next big thing when it just isn't. I'll stick with a mechanical watch, thank you very much. That said, I'm not most people. I'm the guy who brings a laptop with him, but then owns a 15 dollar cell phone. I just don't really like the phone constantly trying to absorb less capable versions of other devices into itself. Not all devices need to be smart. Some just need to do what I want them to. No more, no less.
    Reply