Samsung’s poorly reviewed smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, became slightly more appealing this morning with an announcement that it would soon be compatible with 8 new devices. As you may be aware, the Galaxy Gear currently only works with the Galaxy Note 3, something we knocked it for in our review. How good is a smartwatch if it only works with a single smartphone?
But times are-a-changing, and the Gear will soon work with the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3 and Galaxy Note 2 to start once each phone receives an Android 4.3 update over the coming weeks. Outside of those popular devices, Samsung has also said that compatibility will be delivered to the Galaxy S4 Mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 Zoom through a separate software update beginning at the end of October.
The timing of each update depends on carriers and countries. So even though 4.3 started rolling out to the Galaxy S4 in Germany this month, it could be a while before we see this on U.S. variants.
Does compatibility with more devices make the Gear any more appealing to you?
Samsung Extends Galaxy Gear Compatibility to Galaxy S III, S4, Note II, and More
October 23, 2013
Samsung provides more users with enhanced flexibility and freedom via extended Galaxy Gear compatibility
Seoul, Korea – Oct 23, 2013 – Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. today announced that more Samsung devices will be compatible with Galaxy Gear, a perfect companion device that makes mobile communication easier and more enjoyable.
Galaxy Gear will be available for use with Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II through the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. The update came first to Galaxy S4 devices in Germany in October. Samsung will also extend Galaxy Gear compatibility to other GALAXY devices – including Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom – through a separate software update beginning at the end of October. Software update schedules for each device will vary by country and carrier.
“Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”
Samsung Galaxy Gear
Galaxy Gear will enable Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II users to make and answer calls and view incoming messages and notifications with just a glance. For a closer look at more important messages, users can simply pick up their master device and the Smart Relay feature instantly reveals the full content. Users can also find major social apps on Samsung Apps to maintain connections to their social networks via Galaxy Gear.
With a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users can snap a visual memo by simply tapping Galaxy Gear’s screen. Photos are then easily and automatically saved in the master device’s gallery. Users can enjoy a built-in Pedometer app and use Galaxy Gear to control the music played on their master devices. Of course the device also functions like a watch, with the option to change the face with 10 different clock options and even more options available via Samsung Apps.
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) ＊＊Update schedule and features may differ by country and carrier.
Samsung Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II will get the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. For Galaxy S III and Note II, new capabilities provide easier text input, and updated graphics and multimedia, as well as new updates to Samsung features and applications, including:
• Smsung KNOX＊, a secure and comprehensive mobile solution for enterprises and consumers. (＊Galaxy S III 3G
version will get Samsung KNOX with a platform security only in select countries.)
• Smart Switch to seamlessly transfer content from other smartphones to Samsung devices
• HomeSync to store, share and enjoy content securely wherever you are
• Group Play 2.5 with shared video support
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in technology, opening new possibilities for people everywhere. Through relentless innovation and discovery, we are transforming the worlds of televisions, smartphones, personal computers, printers, cameras, home appliances, LTE systems, medical devices, semiconductors and LED solutions. We employ 270,000 people across 79 countries with annual sales of US$187.8 billion. To discover more, please visit www.samsung.com.
Via: Samsung
This post was last modified on January 13, 2020 8:44 am