Samsung Gear line gets heart monitor, pedometer updates
The Gear Fit fitness band and the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches are refreshed with more-accurate sleep mode, heart rate monitor, and pedometer settings.
The people have spoken and Samsung listened. The company announced Wednesday that "based on consumer feedback" it had unleashed several new updates for its fitness band and two smartwatches.
The Gear Fit , Gear 2 , and Gear 2 Neo all have new software updates for US users that include a more accurate pedometer, heart rate monitor, and sleep mode.
Specifically, the pedometer now starts counting steps automatically and allows for higher goals and an easier data transfer process. The updated sleep mode disables the screen wake-up feature so that users can now wear their device while sleeping without the bright screen waking them up.
Samsung dropped the Galaxy name for its smartwatches and unveiled the Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo in February. These two devices are touted as having several standalone features alongside the ability to act as a companion to a Samsung smartphone. They run on the company's own Tizen operating system, rather than Android.
Alongside the refreshed smartwatch lineup, Samsung also debuted the Gear Fit in February. This wearable is a slim fitness band with a full-color screen.
Samsung's new updates began rolling out Wednesday.