Samsung might be set on releasing a new smartwatch running on Android Wear soon, based on documents filed at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The documents, which were first reported by Sammy Today, speak of a product code-named SM-R382 that is presumed to be a smaller smartwatch than Samsung's Gear 2, which has dimensions of 36 x 58.4 mm. SM-R382 has a size of 37 x 46 mm, making it approximately 10 mm shorter than Samsung's current flagship smartwatch. The FCC is usually the last regulating body that gives its stamp of approval on an electronic device before it is shipped to retail stores.
"SM-R382 after passing Bluetooth certification, visited FCC and passed it also," says the report on Sammy Today. "Certified wearable has only Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity and according to fcc documents lost 10 mm in height compared to Gear 2 with its 37 x 46 mm dimensions."
Earlier this month, Samsung filed a trademark application for the name "Samsung Galaxy Wear," which many folks see as only fitting for a Samsung wearable that runs on Google's Android Wear. However, Samsung has reportedly cancelled its application, prompting many to believe that the new device named in the FCC filings will not be the first in a Samsung Galaxy Wear family of devices but will belong to the Gear 2 lineup of wearables running on Android. This is further spurred by the code name SM-R382, which is very close to the naming scheme used in patent applications for the Gear 2, named SM-38x.
It should also be noted that Samsung was one of the several manufacturers that have signed up to introduce new Android Wear devices when the operating system for wearable devices was announced in March.
Last month, serial leakster @evleaks announced that Samsung is working on several new devices, including a Galaxy S5 Prime for Europe, a Galaxy S5 Active and a black Gear wearable. The rumor mill is also buzzing with tips that Samsung plans to introduce a SIM-enabled Gear Solo.
All this, for now, is mere speculation. Until Samsung speaks up, we can't entirely be sure of an Android Wear smartwatch from the Korean manufacturer, especially given Samsung's recent efforts to reduce its independence on Google by creating its own operating system. In fact, Samsung has taken the time to move all its smartwatches in the Gear lineup over to Tizen, although most users will most likely not see major difference in the user interface at first glance.
