Samsung reveals ‘Galaxy Gear’ smartwatch

Samsung has launched its much-anticipated ‘Galaxy Gear’ Smartwatch, letting users speak into the device on their wrist instead of their mobile phone.
Watch this video report analysing the new Galaxy Gear from Bloomberg below

The Galaxy Gear will cost $299 at launch, and will go on sale in more than 140 countries with the new Galaxy Note 3 from September 25.
However, the Galaxy Gear is not a standalone device, and needs to be paired with other Galaxy Android devices (including the upcoming Note 3) to work.

With the new device, Samsung has beaten Microsoft, Apple and Google to bring wearable technology to market- with Google’s upcoming Glass eyewear still in test phase. However, many smartwatch devices already exist, such as Sony’s SmartWatch 2, the Pebble and the MetaWatch Strata.

The device can make calls, receive emails and take photographs and features speakers and microphones.
The Galaxy Gear was unveiled at a Samsung Unpacked event in Berlin, and comes ahead of speculation that rival Apple is planning to launch a similar ‘iWatch’ device. It will be competing with Sony’s SmartWatch 2, which was announced in June.
It Pranav Mistry, head of Think Tank Team at Samsung Research America, demonstrated the device during a presentation at the Berlin IFA .
“This is an exciting time for all of us at Samsung,” he said. “We have created something incredible. You don’t need to get your phone out anymore. Gear takes the entirety of your digital world and places it right where you can see.”
Mistry said Samsung was inspired by a traditional wristwatch with a simple face.
“It is stainless steel but light in weight. The strap is packed with technology of the next decade.”
The device is switched on with a swipe, which unlocks features including apps, contacts, a camera and email.
Incoming messages – such as calls, alerts and emails – show up on the smartwatch and can be accessed on the wrist.