The Korean electronics giant's device will sync with Galaxy smartphones and tablets, allowing users to check notifications and play music without pulling out their mobile devices. by Shara Tibken September 4, 2013 10:14 AM PDT Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch syncs with users' smartphones. (Credit: Josh Miller/CNET) NEW YORK--Samsung on Wednesday pushed into wearable computing devices with the launch of the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, amping up its war with Apple before the company even enters the market. The device syncs with Galaxy smartphones and tablets, allowing users to do things like control their music or check messages without touching their mobile devices. Gear runs Android, though the customized interface closely resemble's Microsoft's operating system. The device will arrive in stores Sept. 25, the same time as the Galaxy Note 3. Samsung unveiled Galaxy Gear, Note 3, and the Note 10.1 tablet during a splashy Unpacked event at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. It held a simultaneous event in New York's Times Square neighborhood to broadcast the launch for reporters. Gregory Lee, president of Samsung Telecommunications America, showed off Gear and the Note 3 in New York before the main event started in Berlin. "This is proof and [a] reflection that Samsung is truly relentlessly innovative in bringing first-to-market products and having the best mobile products in the marketplace," Lee said. Samsung's diverse product portfolio and speed have helped it overtake rivals such as Apple and Nokia to become world's biggest and most profitable handset maker. Gear represents its chance to not only get a lead on Apple but also show that it can be an innovator instead of a follower. That becomes increasingly important as Samsung moves to cement its position at the top of the mobile market and as it looks ahead to a time when cellphone sales wane. As the smartphone market becomes saturated, companies such as Samsung and Apple will count on computing devices such as watches and glasses to drive consumer spending. Apple is reportedly prepping a wearable of its own, but it's unclear when that will be available. Samsung, meanwhile, will face competition from companies already making wearables, such as Pebble and Sony. Smartwatch shipments are expected to grow in leaps and bounds in the coming years. According to recent data from Juniper Research, app-enabled smartwatch shipments will hit a little over 1 million this year. By 2018, however, that figure will jump to 36 million.
The Korean electronics giant's device will sync with Galaxy smartphones and tablets, allowing users to check notifications and play music without pulling out their mobile devices.
Samsung's Galaxy Gear smartwatch syncs with users' smartphones.
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)
NEW YORK--Samsung on Wednesday pushed into wearable computing devices with the launch of the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, amping up its war with Apple before the company even enters the market. The device syncs with Galaxy smartphones and tablets, allowing users to do things like control their music or check messages without touching their mobile devices. Gear runs Android, though the customized interface closely resemble's Microsoft's operating system.
The device will arrive in stores Sept. 25, the same time as the Galaxy Note 3.
Samsung unveiled Galaxy Gear, Note 3, and the Note 10.1 tablet during a splashy Unpacked event at the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. It held a simultaneous event in New York's Times Square neighborhood to broadcast the launch for reporters.
Gregory Lee, president of Samsung Telecommunications America, showed off Gear and the Note 3 in New York before the main event started in Berlin.
"This is proof and [a] reflection that Samsung is truly relentlessly innovative in bringing first-to-market products and having the best mobile products in the marketplace," Lee said.
Samsung's diverse product portfolio and speed have helped it overtake rivals such as Apple and Nokia to become world's biggest and most profitable handset maker. Gear represents its chance to not only get a lead on Apple but also show that it can be an innovator instead of a follower. That becomes increasingly important as Samsung moves to cement its position at the top of the mobile market and as it looks ahead to a time when cellphone sales wane.
As the smartphone market becomes saturated, companies such as Samsung and Apple will count on computing devices such as watches and glasses to drive consumer spending. Apple is reportedly prepping a wearable of its own, but it's unclear when that will be available. Samsung, meanwhile, will face competition from companies already making wearables, such as Pebble and Sony.
Smartwatch shipments are expected to grow in leaps and bounds in the coming years. According to recent data from Juniper Research, app-enabled smartwatch shipments will hit a little over 1 million this year. By 2018, however, that figure will jump to 36 million.
