Today Samsung unveiled their new Samsung Gear Live smartwatch that makes use of Google’s new Android Wear software. Now before you say, “oh no, not another Samsung Gear,” you should note that the new Gear Live will be compatible with all Android devices, not just Samsung ones. That means that the Samsung Gear Live should have a much wider appeal to audiences who own any type of Android device.
There are a few differences though between the Gear Live and their Galaxy Gear line. For starters, the Gear Live does not include a camera. Secondly, like I stated above, it will work with any Android device running 4.3 and up. It will feature a 1.63” Super AMOLED display, a Heart Rate Monitor, IP67 Dust and Water Resistance, and function with many Google services.
Look for the new Samsung Gear Live early July with preorders starting June 25th.
Press Release
San Francisco, California – June 26, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., today unveiled the Samsung Gear Live, powered by Android Wear. The Samsung Gear Live is a new Android wearable that gives you useful information when you need it most.
“Samsung has been a pioneer in the quickly-evolving wearable market, and the launch of Gear Live furthers our efforts to deliver a simple and intuitive wearable experience to consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “Through our long-term close collaboration with Google, we have successfully incorporated the capabilities of Android Wear into the Gear Live, in a way that only Samsung can do. I am confident that Samsung and Google together, we will grow the smart wearable market to positively impact consumers’ life.”
“Watches powered by Android Wear aim to help people get access to useful information the moment you need it, at a glance,” said Sundar Pichai, SVP, Android, Chrome & Apps. “It’s exciting to be working closely with Samsung on the launch of the Gear Live-with it’s all-day battery and vibrant display-to bring more smart wearables to the market.”
Advanced hardware technology
The Samsung Gear Live offers a powerful mobile experience, heralded design aesthetics and innovative features that users expect from Samsung. The new Android Wear device features Samsung’s signature Super AMOLED display for incredible color and screen clarity. It also offers easy customization of the clock face and utilizes simple one-touch device wakeup for instant access. The Gear Live meets IP67, protecting the device against the effects of dust and water immersion , and comes with a standard 22mm band, so users can change the band to express their taste and personality. Finally, the sleek watch allows users to better manage their health and fitness with a built-in heart rate monitor that works seamlessly with multiple fitness apps.
Simple and intuitive Android Wear experience
Allowing information to move with the user, the Gear Live, powered by Android Wear shows targeted information and suggestions in real-time. The wide variety of Android applications compatible with the Gear Live means users can seamlessly receive the latest posts and updates from social apps, chats from preferred messaging apps, and regular notifications from shopping, news or even photography apps. The new device also offers intuitive voice commands; just say “Ok Google” to ask questions like what time your flight leaves or the score of the game, or to get stuff done, like calling a taxi, sending a text, making a restaurant reservation or setting an alarm. The Gear Live can be paired with any Android device running Android 4.3 or higher for a truly connected and personal mobile experience.
The Gear Live will be offered in Black and Wine Red with interchangeable strap options. It will be available to order from June 25th through the Google Play Store (play.google.com/devices), and will subsequently go on sale in Samsung Retail Stores.
