The Samsung Gear S features a Super AMOLED display of 2 inches and runs on the Tizen mobile OS, Samsung's alternative to the Android mobile OS of Google. It has a slew of connectivity features such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and 3G for those who are always on the go.
Along with a dual-core processor of 1GHz, the Gear S features a huge lineup of sensors which include a pulse rate reader, a compass, GPS, barometer, and a unique UV monitor.
Other notable features of the upcoming Gear S would include a resolution of 360x480, a battery of 300mAh that delivers up to 2 days of continuous usage, 4GB of internal storage, RAM of 512MB, dust and water resistance that is IP67-certified, and a hardware design which could just be its more impressive detail.
For the software geeks, Samsung equips the Gear S with the HERE navigation from Nokia and the Spritz speed reading technology. It comes preloaded with the company's own S Health app together with the Nike+ Running software.
The HERE navigation caters to pedestrians who will use the watch for turn-by-turn navigation which is a remarkable departure from the familiar software of Google. Likewise, the Spritz speed reading feature, which has the ability to display up to 1,000 words a minute, is also found in the Gear S' older siblings such as the GS5 and the Tizen-powered Gear 2.
Samsung's announcement of the Gear S smartwatch coincided with the unveiling of LG's G Watch R which is an Android running smartwatch that is built with a traditional rounded display.
Samsung is pairing the Gear S smartwatch with the Gear Circle headset. Packed with a 180mAh battery, the headset has touch sensor, Bluetooth connectivity and a vibration motor that delivers silent notifications. It also allows the wearer to listen to music wirelessly. It has a mic built in for chatting and for receiving voice commands. When not in use, it can be worn as a geeky-looking neck ornament.
The Gear S smartwatch is just one of Samsung's huge wearable lineups that the company has released over the past year. These wearables would include the Gear Live Android-based smartwatch, the Gear Fit smart fitness band, and the Gear 2 watch. Rumors are saying that Samsung would also come up with its own smart glasses that will compete with the Google Glass and a watch that has an internal connectivity, making it independent from smartphone pairing.
The Gear S smartwatch and the Gear Circle headset are expected to launch at the same time. Though Samsung is aiming for an October release, it has yet to announce the pricing details.
