Samsung reveals new features for the next Gear smartwatch
Samsung has so far released a handful of Gear smartwatches and is getting ready to release its third generation, which is codenamed Project Orbis. The earlier models received mixed reception, so the company is making big changes to its next wearable. The first big change is that Samsung will ditch the traditional scrolling and will outfit its new Gear with a rotatable bezel. This will be used for scrolling, zooming in and out, and possibly a few other things as well. It is important to note that this watch will not use Android Wear as the OS, but instead will run Tizen.
According to comparison tables at SamMobile, the screen of the new Gear smartwatch will have 305 PPI, as opposed to 300 PPI in the Samsung Gear S. There is also speculation that the device will release with two versions, one of which will require tethering to a phone, and the other will feature 3G connection to make calls on its own. The next Gear will also have an accelerometer, gyrosensor, magnetic and pressure sensors, and a heart rate monitor for fitness applications.
Samsung's new SDK for the latest Gear offers a lot of exciting new details, and it seems the company is poised to compete fiercely with both the Apple Watch and Android Wear smartwatches. As the wearable space becomes increasingly more competitive, the new rotating bezel and departure from Wear might just make it innovative enough for consumers to consider making a purchase.