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Samsung Gear Solo smartwatch with cellular connectivity to debut alongside Galaxy Note 4?

Samsung Gear Solo smartwatch with cellular connectivity to debut alongside Galaxy Note 4?

Alexandra Burlacu

Samsung is reportedly planning to unveil another smartwatch called the Gear Solo alongside the highly-anticipated Galaxy Note 4 phablet in early September.

As smartwatches are gaining momentum, the wearable device market is shaping up to be the next highly-competitive space in the tech arena. Samsung already has a bunch of smartwatches on the market, but apparently they're not enough. The latest smartwatch from the company launched as the Samsung Gear Live, boasting Google's new Android Wear operating system (OS) for wearable devices, but a new one seems to be en route.

The upcoming smartwatch from Samsung, however, will reportedly be different from the company's existing array of wearables. More specifically, the purported Samsung Gear Solo will reportedly boast built-in cellular connectivity, which means that it will be able to make or receive calls independently, even if it's not paired with a compatible smartphone. For now, all Gear smartwatches can only offer such functions when connected to a smartphone.

The Samsung Gear Solo is expected to make its debut alongside the next-generation Galaxy Note 4, most likely at a pre-IFA 2014 Unpacked event the company scheduled for Sept. 3.

"Facing intensifying competition from low-priced smartphones and feature phones in China and India, Samsung's strategy is to gain a solid technological lead with the Gear Solo," The Chosun Ilbo reports (via SammyHub).

"Samsung hopes the gadget will help it stay ahead of Chinese rivals that are catching up quickly armed with low-priced smartphones. The Gear Solo will have its own phone number and offer all kinds of communication functions."

If the upcoming smartwatch does indeed come with built-in cellular connectivity, it means that it would allow users to leave their smartphone at home and still be able to enjoy calls. This could come particularly in handy when engaging in physical activities where a large smartphone would be uncomfortable.

"The Gear Solo is Samsung's answer to complaints from sports and leisure enthusiasts that their ever-expanding smartphones are too cumbersome to lug around during outdoor activities."

The tech community is currently waiting for the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 powerhouse to debut in September adn be the star of the show, but this purported Samsung Gear Solo could turn some heads as well. On the other hand, cellular connectivity will most likely warrant a higher price tag for the wearable device, and it remains to be seen whether consumers are willing to buy an expensive smartwatch.

Nothing is officially confirmed at this point, but more information should become available as we get closer to the Samsung Unpacked Episode 2 event on Sept. 3.

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