Samsung announces the Gear S, its standalone 3G smartwatch
Another Samsung smartwatch? Indeed, but this one doesn’t need your phone
It’s been called a “watchphone” and most recently the “Gear Solo,” but Samsung has finally revealed its next long-rumoured wearable device: the Gear S, a smartwatch that has its own SIM card and 3G connection.
You won’t need a paired smartphone to take calls, send messages, and use varying apps (like turn-by-turn navigation via HERE) on this Tizen-powered watch, which features a 2.0in Super AMOLED display running at 360×480 with a dual-core 1.0Ghz processor, 512MB RAM, 4GB of internal storage, and a 300mAh battery.
“The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication,” says the company’s JK Shin, CEO and head of IT and mobile communication. “It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime.”
The Gear S also features Bluetooth 4.1 and Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can use an onscreen keyboard for texting or use the S voice feature to issue commands. Samsung also claims that the device has “more enhanced multi-sensors” for health and fitness tracking, along with GPS and the S Health suite. It’s IP67 rated for dust and water resistance, as well.
While the watch doesn’t require use of a smartphone, it can still be paired with a device for call and message forwarding, with Samsung claiming that it’ll be easy to swap between 3G and Bluetooth connections as desired.
Samsung’s Gear S will be available in October and quite likely on display at IFA next week. No word yet on pricing, but beyond the watch itself, we can’t help but wonder how much it’ll cost to provide service for such a device on top of your monthly phone bill. Sounds like a potential hang-up to us unless carriers have bundle deals in mind.
[Source: Samsung]
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Andrew Hayward
Freelance Writer 
