Samsung Unveils New Gear S3 Smart Watch With GPS and LTE [Update: Will Support iPhone]

[MacRumors]

Just a week ahead of Apple's planned September 7 event, Samsung today unveiled its latest smart watch, the Gear S3. Samsung's newest wearable device comes in two varieties - a "Classic" model with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi and "Frontier" model that features LTE support. GPS, a new feature, is built into each model.

An always-on Super AMOLED display is included and with LTE, the Frontier model, positioned as the more rugged, outdoor Gear S3 watch, can load data quickly enough to stream songs from music services like Spotify.

Both Gear S3 models look similar, with a 46mm solid steel case and a rotating bezel (adopted from the Gear S2) that's used to swap between watch faces and select apps. The Gear S3 uses standard 22mm watch bands that are compatible with a wide range of third-party band options, and its larger body houses a 380 mAh battery that's able to last up to four days between charges.

Samsung Gear S3 is available in two bold designs to suit different users' lifestyles: frontier and classic. Inspired by the active explorer, the Gear S3 frontier evokes a rugged outdoor look with an enduring style that blends form and function. The frontier was designed to perform in any setting or environment - whether business or leisure. The Gear S3 classic pays homage to the minimalist, elegant style found in the most iconic timepieces. The classic was designed with meticulous attention to detail -- with its size and shape chosen to attain the same consistency and balance of a well-crafted luxury watch.

Other features built into both the Gear S3 Classic and the Gear S3 Frontier include the same activity tracking options available in all Gear smart watches, IP-68 water resistance, miltary-level durability, barometer/speedometer, support for Samsung Pay and MST/NFC payment transactions, and speakers. The Gear S3 also uses Corning's new Gorilla Glass SR+, said to be super scratch resistant.

The Gear S3 continues to use Samsung's Tizen operating system. Software updates being introduced today will also be brought to the Gear S2, Samsung's previous generation Smart Watch that will continue to exist in the Gear lineup.

Samsung has not yet unveiled pricing or a specific release date for the Gear 3 smart watch, but it is expected to be released in the U.S. later this year.

Apple may release details on its next-generation Apple Watch at its September event. Rumors suggest the device will include a faster processor, a better battery, and built-in GPS, but design changes are not expected.

Update: According to a Samsung representative that spoke to SamMobile, the Gear S3 will work with the iPhone, likely via the Gear mobile app that's in development for iOS devices.

Article Link: Samsung Unveils New Gear S3 Smart Watch With GPS and LTE [Update: Will Support iPhone]

 

[Markoth]

probably has terrible battery life. LTE is still too expensive for such a small device.

 

[SigEp265]

I wish they would make it work with iOS

 

[Schwyz]

If only Samsung could make a good OS.

 

[JohnApples]

probably has terrible battery life. LTE is still too expensive for such a small device.

Article says 4 days of battery life. If true, that's awesome. I'm seriously impressed by what I'm reading, assuming it's all accurate.

Finally, some real competition to get Apple to improve the AW. Up until now, it was pretty up-in-the-air about which smart watch was best, as they all had pretty similar features. Always on display? 4 day battery? GPS? Streaming music via cellular? All things that would greatly benefit the AW.

 

[nathan_reilly]

probably has terrible battery life. LTE is still too expensive for such a small device.

Dang, what conjecture!

 

[SethBoy]

A great reminder that a watch can be circular and still look ugly.

 

[HenryFSU]

probably has terrible battery life. LTE is still too expensive for such a small device.

[doublepost=1472662144][/doublepost]"With a battery that lasts up to four days on a single charge, users can enjoy their music, make calls and show off their stylish smartwatch longer." WOW

 

[Bbqthis]

Looks promising, unless you have small wrists. Then straight outta luck.

 

[britboyj]

Lack of GPS is one of the reasons I didn't find the Apple Watch any more useful than a simple Fitbit Charge HR, which cost 1/4 of the price.

 

[UnixGoon]

In a word ... sexy.

 

[LordQ]

Damn, Samsung is stepping up their game.

*MacRumors people triggered*

 

[Oblivious.Robot]

First impressions just by looking at the video, it does indeed look awesome!

But I still am happy with the Apple Watch, and more importantly am waiting for OS3 than v2.
Although I'd gladly buy a brand new one if they introduce a round design!

Edit - Before this thread turns into a pissing contest, competition is good for us consumers people and I hope Apple and Samsung keep going at it to win our affection.. eerr money lol.

 

[needfx]

that doesn't look too bad

 

[spinedoc77]

Wow, what a beautiful watch. A start contrast to the fugliness of the Apple 80s calculator watch huge bezel overly chunky look. I'm disappointed that it's not Android though, but 3-4 days of battery life is sure enticing. The frontier one is really nice looking. I was always against the outer dial until Samsung made it rotating, but it still seemed to plain. With the addition of physical markings it now looks much classier, and I'm sure there will be some functionality to it as well.

 

[dwaltwhit]

Hopefully this will push competition and innovation. I don't know about the bezel as a fial. It seems if I turn it more than a 1/4 turn, my fingers will block the screen.

 

[azentropy]

A great reminder that a watch can be circular and still look ugly.

Really? I find it MUCH better looking than the Apple Watch... plus GPS, waterproof, 4 day battery are my biggest complaints with the Apple Watch (and why I don't wear mine much).

 

[BeefCake 15]

A great reminder that a watch can be circular and still look ugly.

It's a really nice looking watch, why do you think it's ugly?

 

[Born Again]

boring - watches arent the next big thing.

That includes the Apple Watch.

 

[paul4339]

Looks nice... the navigation wheel appears to be a nice integration as well.
I think what will be interesting is how well their OS and software is going to be maintained.

.

 

[AntonLee]

Impressive? I'm not impressed at all. Where's the fitness apps? Texts? Looks flimsy. My Apple Watch has withstood my 6-6 day jobs in a factory. The circular bezel looks chinsy

 

[HenryFSU]

I must say, it looks super nice and like that it emulates a real luxury watch (like the digital Tag Heuer one). And Waterproof and Dustproof too. Hope Apple Watch 2 is like this.

 

[Rafterman]

probably has terrible battery life. LTE is still too expensive for such a small device.

The LTE only triggers when it is disconnected from your phone. I am trying the S2 Classic with an iPhone 6S Plus and the Samsung iOS beta app. I hate to say it, but it blows Apple's watch out of the water - and I had that for 6 months, before I sold it and kept the S2. This is one instance where Samsung beats Apple in interface design.

 

[satchmo]

Looks like Samsung decided to copy someone other than Apple this time around.
It reminds me alot like the Garmin Fenix 3.

 

[littyboy]

Beautiful watch.