Samsung Galaxy Gear officially launched. Looks way more interesting than I expected

Samsung has announced its highly anticipated watch/smartphone companion – Galaxy Gear. And I have to say, it’s a really interesting product, at least on paper.

I was initially very doubtful about Samsung’s ability to create something truly interesting in such an uncharted category. Usually they had to wait for Apple or someone else to figure things out first. Early rumors about Gear’s huge 2.5” display and photos that leaked last week made me even more skeptical.

Luckily, the actual device is much smaller – it comes with only 1.63” 320x320px display, and fits quite well on the wrist.

Samsung seems also given quite a lot of thought about what Galaxy Gear should do and how.

Tight integration with Samsung’s smartphones, ability to send and receive calls with cleverly built-in speakers and mics, the large selection of Gear designed third party apps, 25hr battery life, and even the built-in camera which sounded like a gimmick before, seems like a really useful stuff that should enhance my overall smartphone experience.

Of course, overall design might be better, and I would prefer for the Galaxy Gear to be able to sync well with other smartphones. But on paper, and from the scripted presentation, Gear seems like the device I will definitely want to try. Let’s hope real life experiences leaves me feeling the same way.

Samsung Galaxy Gear specs include:

• 800 MHz processor
• 1.63 inch (41.4mm) Super AMOLED (320 x 320)
• 1.9 Megapixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus Camera / Sound & Shot, HD(720p) Playback & Recording
• 2 Microphones (Noise Cancellation), 1 Speaker
• Bluetooth® v 4.0 ? BLE
• Accelerometer, Gyroscope
• 4GB Internal memory ? 512 MB (RAM)
• 36.8 x 56.6 x 11.1 mm, 73.8g
• Standard battery, Li-ion 315mAh

Galaxy Gear will cost $299,  and should start shipping in some markets on September 25th, with worldwide roll-out planned for October.

Source: Unwiredview.com