Samsung Unveils $299 Galaxy Gear Smart Watch With One-Day Battery Life

[hutchitl]

Watch?

In all actuality, I do not think Apple will release a watch for a few major reasons. First is size, especially among women. Women do not wear big watches because their arms are not as large as men, and because big watches are not feminine.

The second reason, which I think is a bigger argument against Apple releasing a watch is branding and target audience. Apple maintains a designer, high-end electronic image. Partnering with BMW, Mercedes Benz are examples where they have created an image of elegance and luxury. Apple sells their products at a premium as well. In order for Apple to be successful in watches, they need affluent people to stop wearing their Omegas, Tags, and Rolexes in exchange for an Apple Watch. I think this would be very difficult to do.

 

[alent1234]

In all actuality, I do not think Apple will release a watch for a few major reasons. First is size, especially among women. Women do not wear big watches because their arms are not as large as men, and because big watches are not feminine.

The second reason, which I think is a bigger argument against Apple releasing a watch is branding and target audience. Apple maintains a designer, high-end electronic image. Partnering with BMW, Mercedes Benz are examples where they have created an image of elegance and luxury. Apple sells their products at a premium as well. In order for Apple to be successful in watches, they need affluent people to stop wearing their Omegas, Tags, and Rolexes in exchange for an Apple Watch. I think this would be very difficult to do.

Really?
Why do they sell their stuff in wal mart then?

 

[roadbloc]

One day battery life. Recharging every day is just what I've always wanted out of a watch.

 

[AppleMark]

But what do you expect from such a small device?
If you think about it, Apple has already tried this with their iPod Nano, so I don't know why people are expecting anything more than what Samsung or Apple has already done.

All these watches are only good for the following....

1. Time
2. Weather
3. Fitness (Health Monitor)
4. Quick link to your phone for calendar/email/sms etc
5. Music

Anything else is a pipe dream. Samsung has covered all of these but went overboard with a camera/video device. Some people may want a front facing camera for Facetime or Skype but it would take up so much valuable screen space making it impossible.

Battery life is ALWAYS going to be a concern with such a small device and a full watch size screen. You will be lucky if Apple can extend this any further than what is already possible.

The Galaxy Gear doesn't look that bulky once on a wrist. It's comparable to a Pebble Watch. Flexible glass is still years away for something like this so Apple's iWatch will also be just as bulky, or just a tad slimmer.

I'm not trying to shoot you down or rain on your parade, but you have to be realistic of what is possible right now in 2013. In 5 days time we will find out what Apple has up their sleeves, just don't be too disappointed when it's not what you expected.

What do I expect from such a small device?

Well I already stated that in my post. I expect it not to look so awkward and be better implemented and last more than a day. I did not mention it's features, either lack of or otherwise. Therefore I do not get your response angle.

As for your suggestion that this is a pipe dream, I will wait to see what Apple's wearables will look like and drop you a line.

However, it is not unrealistic to expect aesthetics on something you will have to wear on your wrist, otherwise it is not worth bothering. Aesthetics is observed in all Apple creations. This is from computing to, MP3, tablets and phones.

Otherwise we would all be using clunky looking hardware just like the.... Samsung gear. Seriously, Samsung have caught up in the devices market, but they have rushed this out to avoid being called copy-cats and being sued for patent nonsense. They just wanted to be first to market fearing Apple would showcase iWatch next week.

Apple's wearable's will be better, because of the feedback from the Samsung Gear and that can only be a good thing. Whether or not I will buy one is something else completely.

So as for "trying to shoot you down" or not etc, nice try, but you do not have the firepower to even think about starting...

 

[gnasher729]

Only thing I could think of was battery life. The list could be long even with the basics. My basics might be different from yours. My number 3 would be battery life or tough glass.

Otherwise I am stumped. It's probably something really obvious though

EDIT: I also thought of price at the last moment - lol

I bought my watch twelve years ago, and I've worn it every day (except that I have another watch that comes out on occasion to be worn with suit, bow-tie and everything that goes with it). That's an essential property of my watch - it is on my body, on my wrist, _all the time_. Now think how you could use that essential property and use it.

 

[prowlmedia]

In all actuality, I do not think Apple will release a watch for a few major reasons. First is size, especially among women. Women do not wear big watches because their arms are not as large as men, and because big watches are not feminine.

The second reason, which I think is a bigger argument against Apple releasing a watch is branding and target audience. Apple maintains a designer, high-end electronic image. Partnering with BMW, Mercedes Benz are examples where they have created an image of elegance and luxury. Apple sells their products at a premium as well. In order for Apple to be successful in watches, they need affluent people to stop wearing their Omegas, Tags, and Rolexes in exchange for an Apple Watch. I think this would be very difficult to do.

The lack of thought regarding this is Samsung through and through. I did state earlier that this a serious ugly watch. The place is run by male marketeers.

If and when ( and they will ) Apple release a watch you know it will be something like this..

and not the 1980s casio inspire monstrosity that the Gear is.

your theory about the Tags and omegas are completely wrong. The only people that wear those are rich *******s IMO. And not many people younger than 30 wears a watch at all! Or remotely cares about them. they have more info on their phones.

No one talks about watches anymore in the same way they used to wish to get a Rolex or a Tag etc. It's like the whole chapter about Business cards in American Psycho. Things that were a sign of affluence change

Also Apple's move will be a lot more integrated - it would have sensors and probably a heart monitor. Will have one camera.

Also it doesn't need to have a square or vertical screen. Why not a vertical or horitzontal strip screen. say 1 icon high. It doesn't need to show videos. It's a companion device.

http://www.icreatemagazine.com/apple-rumours/apple-iwatch-design-concepts/

 

[prowlmedia]

For a companion device, I think $199 is too much. In fact, I'm going to go lower than my earlier statement. $79 would be ideal. $99 is more likely. $129 is possible, but definitely the limit. Any more and it should be its own animal.

Living in a dream world. $199 will get you a pretty ****** ordinary watch!! Adn the $79 range is joke. $2 movements and a bit of leather.

$199

Even the seiko 'smart' watches are $500 and the Tissot T-Touch watches are $700 - Decent fitness watches are $300

$299 is very cheap. But then again. Some people are cheap and are happy with a $7 timex.

 

[leo.andres.21]

Wow... just wow.

You're being sarcastic, right?

I thought it was implied. I am not that ignorant.

 

[malman89]

The biggest let down for it is the fact that it needs to be used in conjunction with another Samsung device, namely one that was introduced today. I think Samsung has missed a trick, as they would probably sell many more to people who don't want/have one of their smartphones yet want a piece of the smartwatch action. As long as Apple makes the device usable whether you own an iDevice or not, I don't think Samsung are going to be rustling any feathers in Cupertino.

If it's running Android, people will find a way around this shortly.

I think it is a poor choice though.

 

[prowlmedia]

I thought it was implied. I am not that ignorant.

Well in all fairness it's only the 'Good' Android phones that do run smoothly. The cheap ones on singles and dual cores are shocking.

 

[Oletros]

If and when ( and they will ) Apple release a watch you know it will be something like this..

I expect no, even the Samsung is more wearable than that monstrosity.

 

[prowlmedia]

All these watches are only good for the following....

1. Time
2. Weather
3. Fitness (Health Monitor)
4. Quick link to your phone for calendar/email/sms etc
5. Music

Anything else is a pipe dream. Samsung has covered all of these but went overboard with a camera/video device. Some people may want a front facing camera for Facetime or Skype but it would take up so much valuable screen space making it impossible.

Battery life is ALWAYS going to be a concern with such a small device and a full watch size screen. You will be lucky if Apple can extend this any further than what is already possible.

The Galaxy Gear doesn't look that bulky once on a wrist. It's comparable to a Pebble Watch. Flexible glass is still years away for something like this so Apple's iWatch will also be just as bulky, or just a tad slimmer.

I'm not trying to shoot you down or rain on your parade, but you have to be realistic of what is possible right now in 2013. In 5 days time we will find out what Apple has up their sleeves, just don't be too disappointed when it's not what you expected.

Um, no to all that.
The screen is the main thing that kills the battery. It doesn't need to be always on. Gear's is. if it had a six axis sensor it coudl tell when it's at an angle facing your eyes. Or a shake to come on.

Or it could have a hybrid e-ink / normal screen - these have been around for a number of years now and this might be the right use.

Gear has NO sensors - so is pointless for fitness. Apple/cook have stated that the interesting thing about wearables is instant health checks. it's incredible what can be discovered about your health from skin contact.

Front facing cameras are tiny and a few mm thick. Way smaller than the lump on sammy watch. There is no problem to have one. You are nuts saying "It's impossible"

 

[mlblacy]

similar to Jawbone UP2

New image of the iWatch

This looks along the lines of the UP2. I have the Jawbone, I love it. However the technical quality issues are still evident, even if it is not a catastrophic release like the first gen was. The band is wearable, and does not look really odd like the Fuelband and some of the other competitors. It also does not look like the Casio monstrosities of the 80s. While I would love a curved glass model I suspect that will happen when I am flying around town in my hovercar. Even if one came out, would I wear some of the concepts? Not sure...

While there has been a lot of debate about the usefulness of watch-like companion devices and the move away from wristwatches altogether, there is little talk about how useful they can be. I have been constantly wearing my UP2 for the last 10 months. I sleep with it, I do not shower with it... although I could. It wakes me up in the morning, it tracks my sleep, it even lets me take random power naps when my eyes get bleary. It reminds me not to sit still for too long. It tracks all my steps, and lets me set goals. It also integrates seamlessly with third party apps like RunKeeper to track & chart my workouts. I have lost over 20lbs, and went from barely being able to run once around a track to running 7 miles nonstop in a short 7 weeks. So, these devices can be life changing and useful as opposed to intrusive and esthetically challenged. I remain very interested in seeing what they have in store for us. We have seen Samsung's take and while it was not as horrific as the "leaked" prototypes, it is still ridiculously fugly and a one-day battery life is a deal-breaker. As one who gave up bluetooth connectivity for a 10 day battery life (with the Jawbone), I can say it was a worthy tradeoff. Synching physically takes seconds, finding the time to charge a device every single day would negate a chunk of the insight tracking.

 

[The Deepness]

Sure, but it creates dangerous situations. Because every time you're going to look at your watch for messages or video calls you'll be distracted. So no biking, driving while using an iWatch in this context.

Good! You shouldn't be distracted by anything while biking or driving. I use GPS by MotionX to track my outdoor activities. Just went mountain biking yesterday. It not only tracks my path, distance, speed, and elevation, but also announces my progress every five minutes (even with my iPhone switched to silent). The announcements every five minutes are a convenient reminder to take a swig of water while riding so I don't get dehydrated. All this is with my iPhone tucked safely in my CamelBak. I never need to look at it. Nor would I ever need to look at a watch with similar features.

Further more, I think it's not polite to have conversations with your wrist or read stuff on it while being in a social situation. Meaning, when buying a magazine in a shop for example or a product of any kind and meanwhile not being focused on the person selling the product because you're watching your wrist for an incoming message...

TOTALLY AGREE!!!!!!! People can be SO incredibly rude with their smartphones. Whenever I go out to lunch or dinner with a friend, I shut my iPhone OFF. I'm there to enjoy the company of my friend, not be a conduit for them to experience what's on my iPhone.

Meaning, a watch can be useful when running in the park

Any number of existing devices are already useful when running in the park. A watch form factor won't add anything.

"why on earth" you need a device for to "watch" stuff on it while on a iPhone you can do so much more 'and' will be more focused as well because you're aware of getting your iPhone unlocked in front of you out of it's pocket...

Exactly the point of myself and many other posters here. The smartwatch as a concept just doesn't make a whole lot of sense. At least not yet.

That's why I can't imagine the value of any smart watch if it doesn't have attributes that goes beyond the traditional conventions for with a normal watch is being used for; to see the current time.

I agree! Wrist watches have been around for a very long time, and their functionality has pretty much been nailed. A successful smartwatch from any company would have to either so reinvent the product that we'll wonder how cavemen ever survived without it, or be so desired (regardless of usefulness) that people will pay anything for them.

I'm not talking about value, I'm talking about attributes that goes beyond the traditional way of dealing with a normal watch. I can imagine that developing such attributes comes along with a more expensive product.

That is talking about value. We just value different things when it comes to the concept of a smartwatch. And it's fine to agree to disagree. You seem to value added functionality above all else and are willing pay what I consider to be an exorbitant price for it. I'd expect added functionality from such a device as well, but value a minimally-intrusive yet stylish design for a low price ($79-$129) more.

It will not be so much different in my humble opinion then a Samsung "trash" watch when Apple will come up with a device worth 30 bucks. I dare to state it will be even less functional then.

I disagree. I'm not convinced that Apple is definitely coming out with a smartwatch, but if they do, I expect that they will be able to do so in an elegantly-designed device with a rich feature set, all for a surprisingly low price.

That's simply not true. All of Apple main products are very expensive, especially when compared to alternative devises from other branches. This is a common fact.

Again, I disagree. And this comes back to our differing perceptions of value. Considering their design, build quality, reliability, and longevity, I don't believe any of Apple's products to be "very expensive, especially when compared to alternative devices from other companies" (boldface mine) and don't regard that as a factual statement at all. You get what you pay for. Apple's products may cost a bit more up front than similar products from their competitors in some instances, but when you factor in ease of use and reliability over the life of the products, most products from Apple's competitors simply don't measure up and often wind up being as, if not more, expensive.

That's where we have a different view on it. I wouldn't mind if it would cost a bit more then 129 dollars as long it can deliver the value which I've described earlier. Well, time will tell

We certainly do! You're more sold on the concept than I am at present. If Apple does come out with a smartwatch, and if it knocks my socks off, I may consider paying that kind of money for it too, but I seriously doubt it.

We will see.

 

[BlindMellon]

i don't know. i think these smart watches make about as much sense as my car stereo having a remote: none. hard to believe there's so much r&d involved for something that amounts to a heart monitor while you jog. it's not enough we have a small computer in our pockets now, but we need a remote screen to it on our wrists.

i'll file all this with mood rings and pet rocks.

 

[mlblacy]

Apple has never been afraid...

If Apple were to indeed release an 'iWatch' smart watch I would be interested to see the pricing considering they will most likely be releasing a phone with plastic back for a lower price range. To make the watch sell they would have to have impressive battery life and features which would mean it could function as a lone device. Surely this would mean that people who wanted a smallish IOS device would just buy the iPhone C if it isn't much more? More over wouldn't this also jeopardise the iPod Nano and possibly cut other iPod lines sales? Either the watch will have no separate functionality and risk not selling well, or it will have this functionality but will have a higher price range to avoid cutting iPod sales.

...of launching a new product that cannibalizes an existing product of their own.

 

[chazbcn]

I wouldn't be surprised if apple leaked to the world that they were working on a watch (even had some people working on it) just to get other companies to make one, and apple won't ever release it. lol

LOL, I thought just the same while watching the keynote.

As for the Gear itself, personally I don't find it any useful. Every feature is already there on any smartphone; I can't see anything new, useful or revolutionary. You have to have your handset nearby even to just play some music. It's not much of a standalone product as far as I can see.

 

[Xiroteus]

$299 is very cheap. But then again. Some people are cheap and are happy with a $7 timex.

More like ten dollars. Which was a clip watch anyway made of non plastic. *Joking tone added here*

i don't know. i think these smart watches make about as much sense as my car stereo having a remote: none. hard to believe there's so much r&d involved for something that amounts to a heart monitor while you jog. it's not enough we have a small computer in our pockets now, but we need a remote screen to it on our wrists.

i'll file all this with mood rings and pet rocks.

I wonder if it gets to the point where we need remotes for our phones that it could be time to take a break for five minutes.

 

[samcraig]

That's just it. IP infringement isn't theft. It's simply IP infringement. They're not thrown in jail, or put on probation, or suffer any consequences of what would normally constitute theft. 99 times out of 100, those caught infringinging have to pay for the rights of the ideas they're using in their own products.

It's a simple fact that it's not something some corporations do, and others don't. They've ALL done it, and they'll continue to do it until the end of time.

To further - these days - it's nearly impossible to NOT infringe. Especially in the tech world. There are millions of patents which could be "violated." And some patents (as we know) are just "silly" to have ever been granted in the first place.

----------

The lack of thought regarding this is Samsung through and through. I did state earlier that this a serious ugly watch. The place is run by male marketeers.

If and when ( and they will ) Apple release a watch you know it will be something like this..

That's not a watch. That's a phone with a flexible screen. And I find it hideous and can't imagine it being a pleasure to use a screen - that large on a curve on your wrist.

 

[ThomasM]

Annoying that they've failed to see the potential in delivering a bracelet with a smaller screen that would compete with the likes of Nike and their fuelband, Jawbone up and Amiigo.

 

[Colpeas]

WOW, 512 megabytes of RAM! The time will run faster!

 

[icolove]

Here's the issue.... the world does not need smart watches and it's a really stupid market to try and create.

 

[beeblebrox00]

Here's the issue.... the world does not need smart watches and it's a really stupid market to try and create.

I agree. I do not see smart watches catching on with the general consumer at all. Honestly, the only time i wear my wrist watch is when I'm wearing a suit or dressed nicely. Just pull your phone out of your pocket. boom saved 300 bucks.

there may be some application there for working out and running and what not, but not for the price tag

 

[samcraig]

there may be some application there for working out and running and what not, but not for the price tag

I think that's the appeal to the fitbit and nike fuelband - they are unobtrusive to those that want to wear and use them. These smartwatches and concepts are trying to combine that functionality with a bunch of other features that are probably better suited to remain on a phone. Especially if you still NEED the phone to pair up with via bluetooth.

I'm also not fan of weighty and/or bulky watches.

 

[Leech74]

Oh....My....God

Wow!

If I were a Samsung designer I would be hanging my head in shame.

If I were an Apple designer then I would be grinning like a mad man, whatever Apple come up with can't be any worse than what Samsung have just bought to the wearable tech party.

Only works with a phone, 1 day battery life and $300 (£200 in my money) means that only the die hard fans and those with more money than sense will buy it.