Samsung steals a march on Apple with Galaxy Gear smart watch launch
Samsung has become the first large phone manufacturer to unveil its ‘smart watch’, a new breed of wrist mounted gadgets which pundits predict could be the next big thing.
The launch is seen as a statement of intent by the South Korean giant as it seeks to get one up on Apple, which has yet to unveil its own much vaunted device.
Enabling the wearer to retrieve email, texts and social media updates at a glance without the need to faff about digging out your phone the gadget has nevertheless received a lukewarm response, owing to its reliance upon being paired with a limited range of Samsung tablets and phones.
Features include the ability to control music from larger players, camera, voice recognition and make phone calls.
Introducing the strap on device at the IFA electronics fair Samsung’s chief executive said: “Consumers want their daily lives to be easier and more enjoyable. Samsung Galaxy Gear benefits consumers by integrating smart device technology even deeper into their everyday lives, and bridges the gap between the mobile device and fashion worlds to create truly wearable technology.”