Comic strip detective Dick Tracy first showed his two-way wristwatch communicator in 1946, and although there have been numerous attempts to emulate that, the technology has not been up to the task – now it is. The GS3 will make and take calls without a smartphone.
Samsung’s Gear S3 smart/watch/phone has 3G/4G LTE, a built-in microphone and speaker, 4GB RAM, music streaming, GPS, Heart Rate Monitor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro, NFC (and Samsung Pay), Wireless charging, Wi-Fi N, and Bluetooth 4.2, and emergency SOS feature – it is the most fully-featured smart/watch/phone – a “phatch” - to date.
It has retained the highly functional rotating bezel concept that differentiated the GS2 from other contenders but added IP68 for water resistance and military-level durability. It uses Corning’s new Gorilla Glass SR+ specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher, more scratch resistant and crisp display.
The 1.3”, 360 x 360, 278ppi, Super AMOLED, Always On Display (AOD) always shows the time rather than automatically fading to black, embodying a sophisticated watch face that mimics the look and feel of luxury analogue watch.
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The signature rotating bezel has been enhanced to accept gestures. Without touching the screen, users can accept or reject calls or snooze an alarm. By “writing” on the display, messages will automatically convert to texts or you can create short reminders and to-do lists.
There is already a broad range of apps, including fitness, music, news, sports and travel and a range of customizable watch faces available for. Through an open collaboration with developers and partners, Samsung continues to enrich its wearables ecosystem and provide users with a unique smartwatch experience.
It's Knox Tizen Wearable SDK has been released to third-parties, enabling management capabilities and the development of customized applications for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem. With the Samsung Knox security platform, the Gear S3 will enable broader enterprise business opportunities.
For example, it integrates BMW’s personal mobility companion helping users stay on time, in touch and control while further enhancing the connected automobile experience. With the BMW Connected app, users can get alerts when it’s time to leave for their next trip, check their fuel level, unlock their BMW and more – all directly from the Gear S3 watch face.
Speaking from the Gear S3 Showcase at IFA in Berlin, Ariel Adams, of ‘aBlogtoWatch’ commented, “I’ve always had a fascination with the intricate details found on luxury watches. With the Gear S3, Samsung is honing in on the level of craftsmanship that helps define fine watches – from the intuitive rotating bezel to the contrast surface finishing. The Gear S3 is a smartwatch that gives watch lovers a compelling reason to consider a device that marries traditional design and digital technology.”
In a quest to uncover what truly defines a watch, Samsung drew inspiration from manufacturers around the globe, paying particular attention to the skills and craft of assembling a delicate, yet highly complex timepiece. Influenced by the craftsmanship of traditional watches, the Gear S3 was created based on intensive research and surveys from consumers, industry leaders and watch experts all around the world. Every feature, from the circular bezel to the premium finishing and buckles, has been reimagined to elicit the look of a classic timepiece. Also, the Gear S3 is compatible with 22mm watch bands so consumers can easily personalize their watch to match any outfit or special occasion.
To accommodate all the tech and a larger, longer life battery the GS3 has bulked up a little – the full-fat, “phatch” is now 46 x 49 x 12.9mm (that’s half an inch) and weighs about 60g plus the band.
The Gear S3 will come in two models – the Frontier and the Classic - and will be available in Australia before Christmas. Prices are not yet fixed but based on the Gear S2 will probably start from A$400.
