Google I/O: Samsung to reportedly unveil its first Android Wear smartwatch next week

There have been reports hinting at Samsung working on a smartwatch based on Google’s Android Gear. Now, some sources tell Cnet that the phone maker could launch its first smartwatch running Android Wear at the Google I/O event next week.

According to sources, the smartwatch will be on similar lines as the company’s Gear lineup, adds the report. It is believed to be working on two models of an Android Wear smartwatch – one using Samsung’s own chip and another powered by Qualcomm chip. However, there is no clarity on which one of these models the company plans to showcase at the Google I/O.

Last month, some leaked patents hinted at a Moto 360-like Samsung Android smartwatch. The patents showed some new features of the device, as well as mockups of its design. The highlight of the device appeared to be its ability to support hand gestures, which means users could simply move their wrist to control the device. The band of the smartwatch can also be used to control the device, suggested another patent.

Well, Samsung won’t be the only company to showcase its new wearable. Along with Samsung, LG will also put on display the highly anticipated G Watch, according to the report. There is no word on the Moto 360 being showcased at the developer conference yet.  It should be noted that – just like other device in the best selling Moto clan – the Moto 360 is expected to launch soon at a highly competitive price. So, it is quite likely to compete with the Samsung Android smartwatch. Samsung is also rumoured to be working on the Gear Solo standalone watch-phone.

Source:

tech.firstpost.com

Posted by Editorial Team on 2:42 AM in Android Wear, company’s, Google I/O, LG, mockups, Moto 360, Qualcomm chip, rumoured, Samsung, Smartwatch

Apple iWatch may arrive in October

Apple may launch its iWatch in the fall, according to Reuters, which reports that Taiwanese company Quanta will start production of the device in July.

Citing two people familiar with the matter, Reuters reports that the as-yet-unnamed smartwatch could be launched as early as October. One of the sources said that the device will have a slightly rectangular display measuring 2.5 inches diagonally, a size which could indicate a curved design. The watch face will protrude slightly from the watch band, creating an arched shape, according to the source, and the device will offer a touch interface and wireless charging.

Rumors of an Apple smartwatch, dubbed the “iWatch,” have swirled for years. Rival Samsung launched its Galaxy Gear watch last year, and unveiled its Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo offerings in February. Described by Samsung as “companion devices”, the watches are compatible with the Korean tech giant’s Galaxy smartphones.

The Gear 2 has a flat 1.63-inch inch display and comes with a 2 megapixel camera, a host of fitness features and a music player.

Sony and Pebble are also playing in this space. Smartwatches, however, have not exactly generated massive consumer buzz.

Nonetheless, tech research firm IDC predicts growing momentum in the overall wearable tech market, with device shipments expected to triple from 2013 to exceed 19 million units this year. The global market for wearable tech is expected to reach 111.9 million units in 2018, according to IDC.

Smartwatches are part of this trend, which includes devices such as the Nike+ FuelBand. Set against the backdrop of a growing market, IDC says that demand for smartwatches will grow, but warns that the devices’ value preposition for consumers has not yet been fully clarified.

Apple often schedules product launches around September and October.

Neither Apple nor Quanta has yet responded to a request for comment on this story.

Source:

www.foxnews.com

Posted by Editorial Team on 12:04 PM in 2 megapixel camera, 2.5 inches diagonally, Apple iWatch, Galaxy Gear watch, Galaxy smartphones, IDC predicts, Korean tech, Smartwatch, Taiwanese company, wireless charging

Samsung introduces new patent applications for Smartwatch

Samsung 

has introduced new wearable patent applications for its Smartwatch such as circular face, gesture controls and image recognition that it filed recently for its entry into 'wearable tech'.

The patents include interesting features such as hand movements to call different applications, tap movement on the screen to communicate with remote controls for gadgets around the house; the device would also show inactivity and would be equipped with sensors for monitoring pulse.

The Smartwatch has also been provided with an ornamental value and can be worn as a pendant or used as a key chain.

According to Tech Crunch, Samsung's filing of patent applications could describe its initial foray into Android Wear, which Samsung has said would support in addition to its Tizen-powered Gear devices much like the one featured in Motorola's Android Wear-powered Moto360.

A fascinating feature of the Smartwatch is its ability to identify with barcodes, images and objects. The user only needs to point the device at an item and it would instantly provide an optical character recognition, including a translation for printed text.

However, reports suggest that this wearable patent blitz doesn't necessarily indicate a product roadmap, but it does show that Samsung is seriously ramping up its research and development efforts in this area.

The Korean company was among the first to jump for Smartwatches, and is already selling its second-generation Galaxy Gear line of hardware.

Source:

www.business-standard.com

Posted by Editorial Team on 3:01 AM in hand movements, monitoring pulse, Motorola's Android, new patent applications, optical character recognition, roadmap, Samsung introduces, seriously ramping up, Smartwatch, Tizen-powered Gear