Samsung unveiled its very first smart watch device during a spectacular event late Wednesday. The gadget is called Galaxy Gear and it will sell with a price tag of $299.
The rumours around smart watch devices have spiked in the past months. Nearly all big players in the mobile technology market have been reported to be working on wearable computers.
Many Features
Samsung Galaxy Gear is definitely an impressive technology piece for its size. It has a 1.63” face and it will be offered in various colours options. In addition, the smart watch will run on Google’s mobile operating system Android. It will even rock a 1.9MP camera.
Galaxy Gear is developed to connect with other Galaxy devices (both tablets and smartphones). The watch will notify its owner of any incoming calls, text messages and emails. Also, it will allow the making of hands-free calls. Through voice commands, the user of the gadget can check weather forecasts, dictate and send emails and set alarms.
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear also has a pedometer function and it supports mobile applications. For now, however, there are only 70 apps compatible with the device. Among them are, for example, Evernote, eBay and RunKeeper.
Predictions
Although it is too early for us to talk about the wearables market, there are many predictions on how it will perform in the future. Prognoses vary and opinions are positive and negative. According to a report published by IMS Research, the market of wearable smart devices will be worth at least $6 billion in a matter of only three years. Moreover, people behind the research clarify that this is their most conservative forecast. In addition, in 2011 only, the amount of shipped wearables was estimated at 14 million.
The Next Big Thing?
With all of this information in mind, we ask “Is the smart watch the next big thing?” It may have the potential to be. Samsung’s Galaxy Gear has a very pleasant interface and it is quite customizable. Also, people may start to see it as an accessory that speaks of success and wealth (like is the case with many technology gadgets today). In rich countries with still expanding economies as UAE, for example, such gadget could become a common symbol of social status.
However, we cannot overlook the fact that its price is rather high, as with many novelties debuting on the market. After all, this is only an accessory. Some Galaxy products, like Galaxy Tab 2 7”, can be easily found at a price under $200. Also, even though Samsung is confident that its smart watch is a “fashion icon,” it has a limited appearance.
In terms of practicality, the device offers many functions. But do mobile users really need them? According to Pranav Mistry, head of the think tank team of Samsung, Galaxy Gear’s purpose is to allow users to keep their phones in their pockets. In addition, it is not really clear whether this gadget is durable or not. It will be interesting to see how it react to extreme temperatures and impacts, for instance.
Nevertheless, we cannot help ourselves but give smart watches the benefit of doubt. Let’s not forget that when tablet PC were first introduced, most people were very skeptical about their future success on the market. However, today, they have turned into a must-own device.
Will we see the same with smart watches too? Time will show.
Samsung’s Galaxy Gear will start selling on September 25 in 140 countries.
