Samsung has formally unveiled the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, which connects to an Android smartphone via Bluetooth, following a number of leaks running up to the event, The Next Web reports.
At around the size of a regular watch, it has a touchscreen display, camera for capturing snaps with a tap, NFC and Bluetooth on board. It provides much of the functionality of an Android device without needing to actually touch the phone.
Core to the experience is the voice control, which will allow you to carry out all the usual functions like switching music on, making or receiving calls and sending messages, as well as operating apps. Handily, the Galaxy Gear will work with other non-Samsung Android phones too.
The Galaxy Gear has also been pre-loaded with Samsung specific apps and is targeting health and fitness fans with the inclusion of features that allow to track health data, monitor heart rate, track fitness goals and keep tabs on what the owner eats.
Other third-party apps designed to run on the Gear include Highlight, a location-based app that allows the users to connect to other users close by. Several new features, like ‘Handshake Memory’ have been added specifically for the launch of the Gear.
The Galaxy Gear will be available worldwide from October.
