Samsung Pushes Further into Wearables with Gear S and Circle

Samsung Gear S_Blue Black_3Samsung has revealed its Gear S smartwatch, which builds on the manufacturers previous generation of devices with the addition direct 3G connectivity – meaning that it doesnt require a paired smartphone to connect to the internet, receive messages or even make calls.

The Gear S also has Bluetooth for syncing to other devices, as well as wi-fi connectivity. The watch has a 2” curved Super AMOLED display, and runs on Samsungs Tizen OS, as the manufacturer continues to opt for its own platform over Googles Android Wear. Samsung is promising a wider selection of widget functionality, including navigation from Nokias Here, bite-size news from the FT, and run tracking from Nike.

Its been a busy day for smartwatch news, with LG unveiling the the G Watch R, its second Android Wear device, and more rumours of an impending launch date for Apples own smartwatch offering.

Samsung_Circle_Black _5Gear Circle
Samsung also moved into new – and slightly unusual – territory for wearable devices, with the reveal of its Gear Circle.

The Circle is a pair of smart headphones that snap into a necklace shape when not in use, which can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth for making calls, listening to music and controlling functions with voice commands.

Both devices are set to launch in October.