Samsung has lifted the lid off two new smartwatches at Mobile World Congress. The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo have both ditched the Android operating system of the original Gear, instead opting for Samsung's own Tizen software.
Physically, the Gear 2 looks very reminiscent of its predecessor with its brushed metal surround. A new addition, however, is the physical home button on the front.
The camera has been incorporated into the body of the watch rather than the strap, and there's an infrared sensor that Samsung says will control your TV.
On the back you'll find a small window, through which the Gear 2 is able to track your heart rate. There's also a built-in pedometer to monitor your steps -- there's really no excuse to be out of shape now. Thanks, Samsung.
It's available in rose gold too.
It maintains the rubber strap with the metal clasp. I found the original Gear to be quite comfortable to wear, so I'm hoping the new model will be similarly so. The metal contact points suggest that you'll still need to use a separate cradle in order to charge the watch.
The homescreen has an identical style to the Android software on the first model. How the rest of the interface compares remains to be seen.
Which colour do you prefer?
If neither of those suit, why not go for a more vibrant orange colour?
It's perhaps a little more brash, so if you want to pair it with a sharp suit, perhaps the black model will be a better choice.
The Gear 2 is joined by the Gear 2 Neo. There's not a huge amount of difference between the two, but there a few things that separate the two.
For one, the Neo has a black plastic surround, rather than the more luxurious brushed metal of the standard Gear 2.
The strap looks identical, however, and both models come with the heart rate monitor, pedometer, and infrared sensor.
Samsung promises "enhanced connectivity" for this generation of watches, although whether that translates to a wider selection of apps to use remains to be seen.
It has a built in music player -- along with 4GB of on board storage -- allowing you to listen to music over Bluetooth headphones without needing your phone too.
The Galaxy Gear 2 Neo won't come with a camera.
It too will come in an orange hue that seems designed to match those lurid lycra shorts that runners sometimes wear.
It practically screams "I love exercising, look how healthy I am!"
There's no word yet from Samsung on when the new watches will be available, or how much they will cost.
We'll be taking a deep look at the watches just as soon as one lands in our hands. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.
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