Samsung’s next big innovation is coming soon to a store near you. In addition to the company’s recent Galaxy Note 4 reveal, Samsung has announced a new Android-powered “smartwatch” called the Galaxy Gear S. The Gear S is a Tizen-powered watch with curved display that Samsung has added to its line of smart watches. Tech insiders are speculating that its Samsung’s most advanced smartwatch yet. 
Reportedly, the new Galaxy Gear S will feature a 2.0” AMOLED display with 360×480 resolution, a 300mAh batter, a dual-core processor, and sensors that include an accelerometer, gyroscope, compass, heart rate monitor, barometer and sensors for ambient light and UV. The watch, like several of Samsung’s other models can make and receive phone calls and connect to WiFi or through Bluetooth.
Some initial reactions from TechCrunch are that the watch is huge and clunky but the curved display is interesting and eye-catching and gets the job done. A Yahoo writer said that the Gear S is also significantly more comfortable to wear than the Gear 2 and Gear Live because of the curve. The Verge’s David Pierce says, “The G S is not designed to replace your smartphone, I’m told. It’s designed to let you leave it at home though, or in the other room. Its built-in connectivity means that even when it’s far away from your phone it can still send and receive messages, and get turn-by-turn directions,” of some of the watch’s features.
Samsung also said the company has more than 1,000 apps in its store that are compatible with the Gear S, which is another reason it is so desirable. The tech company has not announced pricing for the watch yet, but with all of the updated features, customers can expect to pay top dollar for this high-tech smartwatch. The watch will be competing with offers like the Motorola Moto 360, LG’s G Watch and G Watch R and the upcoming Apple iWatch.
Although the exact watch release date is yet to be set, insiders say that it will be available sometime in October. The uncertainty comes in part because of the built-in cellular radio; the device will need to be cleared by the FCC and find carrier support before it can hit American markets.
