The next-generation Samsung Gear S3 is all but confirmed to arrive at IFA 2016 next month, as the company is already teasing the gadget in its invite for the event.
Not too long ago, the Samsung Gear S3 was tipped to debut at IFA in September, rocking a sleek rotary bezel just like its Gear S2 predecessor. Fast forward to the present date and it seems like those rumors were spot on, with Samsung gearing up to unveil the device at IFA.
While Samsung has offered no official statement regarding its IFA plans for next month, the company has started sending invites to the event, and its invitation is a clear teaser for the Gear S3.
In a not-so-subtle hint, watch hands are all over the invitation for Samsung's Sept. 1 IFA event, clearly indicating that the company's next smart timepiece will debut in less than three weeks from now.
Considering that the Samsung Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic made their debut at IFA 2015 in Berlin, it doesn't really come as a big surprise that the new Gear S3 will take advantage of the same annual event to make its grand entrance onto the wearable scene.
In the same way Samsung introduced two variants of the smartwatch last year, we're also expecting to see a Gear S3 and Gear S3 Classic breaking cover at the event this year. Aside from these two models, a Gear S3 by de Grisogono could arrive as a luxurious variant made in collaboration with Swiss jeweler de Grisogono. The luxury version could debut at the World Watch and Jewelry Show in March 2017.
Leaving the luxury edition aside, the "regular" Samsung Gear S3 is expected to include an array of sensors such as a barometer, altimeter, speedometer, and an integrated GPS. The smartwatch should also rock various notable upgrades over its predecessor, improving on virtually every aspect. Design-wise, however, it should retain the same overall form factor and rotating bezel functionality.
The Gear S3 is also expected to run Samsung's own Tizen OS, just like the Gear S2 before it, which may be disappointing for some. While Samsung did try to make its wearable OS as functional and useful as it could, critics still found the software more of a hit-and-miss, falling short in terms of application support compared to Android Wear.
It remains to be seen whether Samsung has managed to refine its Tizen OS to deliver a better experience with the Gear S3, but we'll soon find out. We'll keep a close eye on all IFA 2016 developments and keep you up to date on the latest news, so stay tuned.
