Samsung released the new Galaxy Gear smartwatch which is essentially an extension of your smartphone or phablet device allowing you to communicate with it without having to hold it. The communications are limited, but for the most part, the more important interactions like calling, texting, time and emails can all be controlled via the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. This week Samsung talked a little bit about the devices that will be able to work with the new Galaxy Gear and a couple more were added to the short list. As of right now, the Galaxy Gear will only work with the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy S4.
Samsung is going to extend the support for the Galaxy Gear to the Galaxy Note 2, Galaxy S3 and the remaining Galaxy S4. Right now the international or unlocked version of the Galaxy S4 are the only ones that can use the watch. The other devices will be getting updated to the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean software soon and that will also bring the compatibility for the Galaxy Gear. The exact date was not revealed by Samsung but initial rumors suggested that it would not be until December. If you want to be using the Galaxy Gear for the holidays, then you are going to have to upgrade to the Galaxy Note 3 before then.
According to Samsung, other devices will soon be added to the list that include the Galaxy S4 Mini, Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy Mega 5.8, Galaxy Mega 6.3 and the Galaxy S4 Zoom camera. The devices on this list will be getting an update to the software, but it will not be bringing them up to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean at the same time, unlike the other devices. If you want to pick up the Galaxy Gear, you can do so for just $300 without any contract.
The specs for the watch include a 1.6-inch display, 800Mhz processor, a 1.9MP camera, plus the ability to get phone calls, notifications and run a limited number of applications. Those that have had the chance to review the Gear smartwatch have talked about the unpolished experience and lacking performance. Being the first real smartwatch on the market, Samsung was bound to run into issues, but some will wonder if it is worth $300 then.
