Samsung Planning iWatch Rival Using AltiusOS
You know Apple was testing the iWatch waters with the release of its sixth-generation iPod nano. The gadget was square and could be worn on a wrist like a watch. Apple even released a series of custom watch faces exclusively for this device. Now it's no longer offered by Apple, but it can be found on sale over on eBay, and seems to be quite a hot product.
That said, Apple jumping into the smartwatch pool isn't surprising. It's also not surprising to see Samsung take the same plunge, not to be outdone by its former fruity iFriend. If there's one gorging thorn in Apple's heel, it's Samsung packed with Google's widely-used Android OS.
Let the battle begin.
Slashgear has acquired screenshots of what appears to be a smartwatch from Samsung called the Galaxy Altius. The images were reportedly ripped from a Korean message board in a thread that asked how this watch would fit within the rest of the market. One image even lists the AltiusOS, a possible Java- or Android-based operating system designed by Samsung.
The screenshots also reveal that this device will be carried by South Korea's SK Telecom, the "world's most innovative" mobile service provider. With a data plan, the watch may simply pull information from a 3G network rather than rely on a smartphone's Bluetooth connection. If a phone is present, it may stream info from that device instead.
However the screens indicate that it's a standalone device rather than complimenting a user's phone. The device appears to have 235 MB of internal storage, 1.5-percent of which is likely consumed by the AltiusOS operating system. The report also notes that beta 2 is shown in the images, indicating that the software was built specifically for this device, for that it has been fitted for this particular form factor.
The "home screen" consists of WP8-like titles including a music player, clock, email and more. A scroll bar at the bottom indicates that the LCD screen is touch-based, and the user swipes a finger left and right to access additional tiles. The resolution may be 500 x 500 but that's speculation based on the size of the images.
The new images bring some confusion to the Altius name. Last month brought reports that Samsung's next-generation Galaxy S device slated for a release in April is codenamed "Altius". The flagship device was formerly codenamed "Project J" but changed to the Altius name. It may be possible this codename is used across a broad lineup of devices slated to launch in the same window, including the Galaxy S and smartwatch.
Sounds like you just called the mighty Apple a monkey, since they copied SONY and Pebble smartwatch, among others.
Anyhow, the idea is not new: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smartwatch
The fact that this or that manufacturer tries to integrate it with their own devices is progress, IMO.
On the article: sounds like Kevin never heard of this idea before. Either that (which is unacceptable for a tech news reporter), or he's trying really hard to troll us with some Samsung vs. Apple (non-existent) spin - which is unacceptable for any reporter. Article fail.
Don't get caught up in the iWatch affair. You are a top manufacturer with all the resources you need to be a leader. There is no need to follow the beaten iPath. You have bendable displays and electronics on the way within your own factories. Show us all the creative things you can do. I fully expect you to have wearable communication devices such as wristband phones/tablets, bluetooth earrings, augmented reality glasses, and smart jackets in the market before the end of the decade.
Sincerely,
Tech Fan
I never feel the need to look at my wrist to tell the time, ever!
yes, pls show us something that isn't a copy and isn't just bigger or a faster cpu (but still not any faster).
Thanks!
Dear Valuable User,
We are not caught up on Apple's affair. We just like to push Apple around with our old Smart-watch innovation.
We have most of what you requested in concept designs. Some are already out for public views in our region.
Remember, Apple is not an innovation but a recipe company.
For the People,
Samsung
LMAO
The same can be said about Apple.
Also the iPhone has a faster CPU because it's also newer. When the Galaxy S4 debuts it will most likely be faster than the iPhone 5. But Samsung will also most likely loose that crown when the iPhone 5S, or whatever it's going to be called, is launched. It's a cycle, it doesn't mean one is ahead of the other.
The industry and consumers deserve better than what Apple will be selling in the iWatch.
How is Samsung copying Apple here?
Quite a reputation Apple has managed to create, such that whenever a revolutionary product is introduced, everyone assumes Apple must be behind it somehow.
True, just like smart phones existed before iPhone. BUT making an existing mobile device market better is always possible. This was seen with a dying or stagnant mobile music devices that became revitalized with iPod/iTunes and all of the devices that came after. How many consumers have smart watches?!? Not many at all, why?!? Because they suck. Make an intuitive smart watch and consumers will buy and not because its Apple but because it is useful.
I am a little surprised that Apple decided (if true) to come out with a smart watch before a smart TV. Then again there is high saturation in the consumer TV market.