Alexandra Burlacu
Samsung just upped its game in the wearable tech race with three new offerings: The Galaxy Gear 2, Galaxy Gear 2 Neo, and Galaxy Fit.
The company made its first foray into this growing market with its original Galaxy Gear smartwatch, but failed to impress. The first-generation Galaxy Gear received plenty of criticism and never saw the wide adoption Samsung likely hoped for, and the company is now taking another shot with its latest wearables.
The new Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smartwatches aim to improve the experience and succeed where the original Galaxy Gear failed. The new Galaxy Fit, meanwhile, is a new fitness wristband that aims to compete with the likes of Fitbit, Nike FuelBand, Jawbone Up, and other such. It remains to be seen, however, whether Samsung will make it this time or will again see disappointing sales.
"Samsung continues to lead innovation in the wearable market by creating devices that are completely integrated into the lives of consumers through extended connectivity features, stylish customization options and a robust application ecosystem," JK Shin, Samsung Electronics CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, touted in the press release. "With the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, we have enhanced everything consumers love about the Gear to offer unparalleled smart freedom in their everyday life."
Galaxy Gear 2 & Galaxy Gear 2 Neo Specs
The new Galaxy Gear 2 is an improved version of the original Galaxy Gear, and sports some notable changes. It is the higher-end of the two new smartwatches, and it includes a camera on its main body, not on the wrist strap as with the original Galaxy Gear. The Galaxy Gear 2 Neo, meanwhile, doesn't have a camera, as it will be lower-priced. Both new models will offer longer battery life compared to their predecessor, and will also sport a more streamlined, less-bulky design (something the original Galaxy Gear was criticized for).
It's also worth noting that both the Galaxy Gear 2 and the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo ditch the Android OS found on the first Galaxy smartwatch in favor of Samsung's own Tizen OS.
In terms of specs, both smartwatches run the touchscreen-friendly OS on 1.63-inch Super AMOLED displays with a resolution of 320 x 320, and pack 1GHz dual-core processors. Both the Galaxy Gear 2 and the Galaxy Gear 2 Neo come with built-in heart rate sensors, pedometers, as well as sleep and stress sensors, which users will be able to monitor via the corresponding app on one of the Samsung Galaxy smartphones that are compatible.
Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit
Aside from its new smartwatches, Samsung has also introduced a third wearable tech option with its new Galaxy Gear Fit. This gadget is a health band similar to the popular Nike FuelBand, Fitbit, and Jawbone UP, and marks Samsung's entrance into the growing market of wearable fitness accessories.
"Samsung understands that the next generation of wearable mobile solutions must directly reflect the diverse interest and needs of consumers," said JK Shin. "In response, our Gear portfolio continues to expand with unique devices for a wide range of lifestyles, including the new Gear Fit designed to help those consumers striving to live more fit and active lives without sacrificing their own personal style or their ability to stay connected on the go."
Availability
The new Galaxy Gear 2, Galaxy Gear 2 Neo, and Galaxy Gear Fit will hit commercial availability sometime in April, but Samsung has yet to provide an exact launch date. No pricing details are available at this point, but we'll keep you up to date as soon as we learn more.
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