Samsung has launched its new Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smart watches at Mobile World Congress (MWC), and guess what? These devices are not running Android. Instead, Samsung has chosen to incorporate its own Tizen operating system, a move that might be seen as the first step to for the Korean giant to rid itself of Android.
Just six months ago last year September, Samsung launched the first Galaxy Gear at IFA in Berlin. It was an important launch for the company, as the device was its first smartwatch. More importantly, the device was powered by Android, which gave it increase attention.
However, with the change to Tizen, it is not certain why Samsung chose to go this route instead continuing with Android.
Both the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo are thinner than the original Galaxy Gear. They are just millimeters slimmer at 37 x 58 x 10mm but have the same body size. The most important thing about the new Gear smartwatches though, is that they have increased battery life. Samsung is promising six days of low usage, and up to 3 days of regular use. In comparison, the original Gear users were forced to charge the device on a daily basis.
Furthermore, both the devices are compatible with more than a dozen Samsung smartphones available on the market today, according to the company's press release.
When it comes to specifications, both the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo, sports a 1.63-inch 320 x 320 resolution AMOLED display, along with a fast 1GHz dual core processor. However, the difference between both devices begins to show where the cameras are concerned.
The Gear 2 comes with a 2-megapixel camera, while the Galaxy Gear Neo does not. This could likely mean that the latter device will be cheaper.
Feature-wise, both smartwatches comes with an IR remote control, heart-rate sensor for fitness related purposes, a pedometer, phone media controllers among other things. In addition, users can store media and other data on the 4GB of internal storage on each device.
"Samsung continues to lead innovation in the wearable market by creating devices that are completely integrated into the lives of consumers through extended connectivity features, stylish customization options and a robust application ecosystem," Said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. "With the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, we have enhanced everything consumers love about the Gear to offer unparalleled smart freedom in their everyday life."
On the matter of Tizen, we should know more about it soon at Samsung's press conference.
