“The Galaxy Gear is here. For those who haven’t been following this very closely, let me break this down: It’s a smartwatch from Samsung with a bright, clear touchscreen, built-in microphones, a speaker, and a camera. It can do certain things on its own, and when connected via Bluetooth with a Samsung smartphone it can also send and receive calls. The watch can display texts and e-mails from your phone and launch a selection of specially-designed apps from Pocket, Evernote, and RunKeeper,” Sam Grobart writes for Businessweek.
“There is one thing that the Gear doesn’t seem to have: a purpose. This is true for all smartwatches, which tend to be liked more in theory than practice,” Grobart writes. “Samsung’s latest attempt is part of a larger effort the company calls ‘Smart Freedom,’ which means very little… But the Gear doesn’t necessarily provide a larger answer to the watch-of-the-future puzzle, either. The $299 device provides ‘a day’s’ worth of battery life, says Samsung, but dumb wristwatches already offer infinite levels of power due to the cunning use of springs. This seems like a step backward. Recharging the Gear also requires a dock, so you have to take that with you if you do any traveling.”
Grobart writes, “The Galaxy S3 and S4 smartphones were launched with an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink assortment of features and capabilities. The Gear is another chapter in the Do Everything, Show Everything book that Samsung is writing. With the Gear’s significant limitations and lacking a clear reason for existing, it remains to be seen if customers want to read that book.”
Read more in the full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: As we wrote earlier:
And now Samsung waits with the Sonys of the world to find out how smartwatches are really supposed to be done.
[Thanks to MacDailyNews Reader “The Roving Skeptic” for the heads up.]
Related articles:
Apple’s iWatch cleared for takeoff – September 4, 2013
Samsung announces ‘Galaxy Gear’ watch accessory for Galaxy Android devices – September 4, 2013
Brick-On-A-Wrist
Derek, please describe for us all what wrist device was it that Apple released in 2010? Oh, yeah, a brick.
…and since the 3GS, iPhones have also apparently been designed by industrial masons, not by human ergonomic experts. Formerly a derogatory term, now the term “brick phone” is popularly applied to Apple’s iPhone.
I recommend we reserve our criticisms for function and performance rather than external design. Apple isn’t the pinnacle of all great design on the planet, you know. There will no doubt be adequate MEANINGFUL things to say about Samsung after the device is objectively assessed in person.
Apple released a wrist device??!!??
Um, can you explain what wrist device Apple released in 2010? And please don’t say the 6th gen iPod Nano…
sad but true!
http://www.macworld.com/article/1156936/nano_wristband.html
He just said DON’T say the Nano!!!
joker didn’t say it. but it is still true.
Apple released a Nano – other people turned it into a watch
Did you just call all the other posters here stupid? Apple didn’t come up with the idea for the straps, 3rd party vendors did. The link shows that.
You’re a paid shill for Assmung.
“human ergonomic experts?” And what human ergonomic expert designed the Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note? Andre the Giant? There’s nothing wrong with judging a device by its cover, especially one that’s considered a fashion accessory. The design is hideous. Steve Jobs once fired an engineer for not covering up screws on a Mac prototype. The screws are front and center on the Galaxy Gear. This was clearly a rushed product. DOA! $299? I can’t contain my laughter. I’m sure Cupertino’s shaking in its boots.
Nice one Billjack! I had an iPhone 3G, and the 4. When the 5 was announced, I was like, ah crap, I’m bored. So I got an Android. I do not like it. First, the phone size isn’t good for me -awkward in the hand, and hard to use just one hand. Second, the OS just doesn’t feel smooth either. I really do like Google’s ecosystem with all their different apps, but the phone itself sucked (my opinion of it). So, after a year, I will be buying the new iPhone full price so I can dump Android. It makes me laugh so hard when people say Apple lacks innovation because of screen size. THAT is a matter of personal preference, and many many people prefer to be able to put a phone in their pocket rather than carry it around like a Zach Morris phone. As far as the watch? Definitely a craptastic “lets get it out and be the innovator before Apple does” kind of product. If Apple does have their own, I surely won’t want it anyway, but I don’t doubt it’ll be a more thought out and planned product.
It takes a big man to admit he’s wrong. Welcome back. Not sure about your Android app selection comment though. With iOS, you get the beautiful girl without the diseases.
If you don’t like it go home and stop nagging… you have nothing to say here.
bye
Zack Morris phone. Love it!!!
MJ: Every time I see someone fiddle with their ‘android’ phone I smile. The sheer kludge and lack of polish is remarkable.
Personally, I’m not convinced of the merits of a ‘smart watch’ – even IF Apple were to try it.
If you want to be a Samsung apologist why don’t you go to one of their fan sights? I highly doubt anyone here, other than other trolls, really want to hear your repetitive bullshit.
You are on the wrong site troll.
1. Apple has not released a watch or a “smart watch.”
2. Apple has consistently created mobile devices that are lauded for their design. They even get shit for it. The seams on the iPhone 5 are tighter than a Samsung Marketer’s Ass on an Apple news site. *cough*
3. I’ll reserve judgement when I can’t see anymore and therefore will have to go to the store to touch Assmung’s new “Smart watch.” Right now it looks like a bulky PoS that offers nothing I need that my phone doesn’t already do.
4. Aside from looking like shit, the author of the article already outlined why it’s useless functionally.
Pick up your teeth as you leave.
@Mike. Clueless and doesn’t even realize it.
Mike,
Please find something amusing to do… what you wrote is incorrect, meaningless, waste of space and words.
Only meaningful thing to be said about Samsung, other than it doesn’t have any purpose too, is that it is just sooooooo LAME.
I believe it will become a new fashion icon around the world,” said Samsung CEO JK Shin.
@Mike
Enjoy ur cheap fashion.. I know.. $300 is not cheap.. but even they tag it as $1000 watch… Samsung is still heap…
@ mejsric and the far less civil critics:
If you re-read what I wrote at the top of the page, I was chastising Derek for (as usual) judging a book by the cover.
Where do you in any way read into it that I admire anything about this thing or about Samsung? All I wrote is that it’s better to objectively assess the competition rather than dismiss it as trash based on first appearance. Grow up and learn how to display a hint of circumspection.
We all assume that this is just another useless craptastic Android device. But why not wait until actually fiddling with one before arrogantly — and ignorantly — prejudging?
After all, the 6th Gen iPod Nano was trashed by the mass public based on appearance and poor battery life, and Apple had to quickly redesign it. Yes, it’s true.
Looks like Samsung WILL BE pooping out another piece of crap :-}
A rather desperate attempt to flame Apple gear and defend Samsung gear.
I’m going to let the sales numbers speak for themselves as well as the user feedback.
It’s still just a Brick-On-A-Wrist to me. FAIL-job deluxe. A future example of how to crap out a product just for the sake of beating others to the ‘market’, whatever that is for POS technology. 😛
Brick-On-A-Wrist
Razor sharp description of a LAME
SAMSUNG effort..
in this echo chamber, any measured or objective assessment that doesn’t worship one particular brand is considered a “flame”.
however, if you actually read what i write, you will never find me rating Samsung imitations above Apple products. The only thing I have to say about the watch is that it’s no worse than any Apple product that people have put on their wrists. If and when Apple chooses to respond, it may very well be insanely great. Or it may be a brick. The intelligent person would have to do a real comparison to know. All the peanut gallery here wants to do is trash all things without an Apple label, which is highly immature.
Then there are the issues of:
Functionality: Oops, the Samsung Galaxy Gear requires tethering to the Galaxy Note (or maybe an updated Galaxy phone) for full functionality. And darn, the camera is in exactly the wrong place for video chatting, but oh yeah it doesn’t do video chatting, and the camera quality is so low who cares anyway.
Good Taste: Oops, the Samsung Galaxy Gear is big, clunky and ugly.
I personally don’t care if Apple design a smartwatch because I don’t wear watches on my arms. I keep one in my trousers pocket. When Apple comes out with a flexible display, flexible battery seriously smart watch, I’ll reconsider.
21 Inches Samsung..do it right! lol
Samsung ytolls hace been busy overnight fixing all the jogh ratings on posts that call them out….
Won’t hep you Samscum,
Brick on a wrist will forever apply !
Yeah, but I have to admit that Garmin watch I dug up on the net is FAR worse. I posted the link to a picture of it around here somewhere. It’s scary horrifyingly big.
… versus the iWatch which is elegance and performance in a single package. Oh, wait, there is no iWatch.
Indeed. We have to wait and see. Darn, no instant gratification now now now. Apple must be doomed. (o_0)
Good article. For a change.
Wear it to show the world just how big a tool you really are!
Does too much… poorly.
Sounds like an iWatch to me: no purpose. I thought the iPad was dumb and I think the iWatch is dumber. I may be wrong twice but I just don’t see the iWatch from Apple having any purpose. Do people still wear watches?
Si
iPad was obviously NOT dumb so iWatch is “dumber” than something that’s is eminently useful and popular? Yeah, I think the iWatch may be “dumber” than an iPad… 🙂
Whatever iWatch is, Apple is not going to release it unless it is going to be a runaway success. If doesn’t have that potential, Apple will not release it.
Samsung, on the other hand, will release just about anything…
If you think the iPad is dumb, you have never used it.
With a few exceptions, there are 2 types of people:
1: Those who love their Apple products.
2: Those who haven’t used them.
Given your utter lack of vision regarding the iPad, I’m gonna go with, your opinion this subject is immaterial.
You MAY be wrong?? Ain’t no “may” about it……
School districts buying “overpriced” iPads by the thousands feel the iPad is second to none. Ppl with intelligence know you need to pay up for quality.
I think that I would not be selected for the jury in a criminal court case if Samsmug was the defendant. My reaction to the Gear is much like the author’s. I wonder what my reaction would be had it been released by Apple. Impossible you say, and I agree, but still….
Apple would not release something like that.
Apple is shooting for four to five DAYS of battery time. (at least) 😉
I disagree! Flipping your wrist to perform basic functions is infinitely better than fumbling for your phone!
Exactly, a “smart watch” done well or at least more similarly priced to a normal watch could be great because a watch is convenient which is why people don’t use pocket watches.
Gotta love the not-so-subtle title change MDN gave to the article.
The Galaxy Stupidwatch.
Coined – MDN 😝
Without help from Apple they can’t builds. Once Apple’s iwatch will come, they will copy it. Until then samcopy will wait.
I’m waiting for Ballmer to deliver his crowning masterpiece – the surface wristwatch with bundled MS Office Professional. Finally you can edit Powerpoint presentations while taking a dump.
I thought MS Office was used to create the dump?
All these idiots copying rumors about an Apple iWatch…..wouldn’t it be funny if iWatch was the Apple TV everyone has been waiting for??
It would be funny. Or maybe just a new subscription app for the Apple TV. That would be hysterical. Truly.
I’m also a watch lover who doesn’t see the market for smartwatches. This “thing” in the article above, let’s just say it doesn’t have Stark Industries written all over it. It’s ugly.
Perhaps Tim Cook and the guys at Apple have their fingers on the pulses of technology consumers and know there’s pent up demand for an additional gadget that needs your smartphone to be of any use, but I just don’t feel it.
Sit me in front of a Breitling Super Avenger, or a nice Tag Grand Carrera, or an Omega DeVille and I’ll salivate. Even Seiko has figured out the classic beauty of old 1940s chronographs and made it available in affordable watches.
And yet they’ve just become the most beautifully useless things.
A square brick? No thanks.
Someday though. Someday when your smartwatch completely takes the place of your wallet, maybe.
Agreed. I much prefer my Omega Seamaster to Samsung’s “WTF? That’s a watch?”
Interesting Watch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXyjM5gdaM
I had to look.
Holy crap, that’s a bit out of my price range.
Very interesting indeed.
Primary function of a watch is to tell the time. Does this perform that task anywhere near as well as the present mechanical/electronic ones? NO. Therefore, whatever it is, it isnt a watch.
The pebble has a reasonable charge life , performs well as a watch and offers a platform for other things. They have set the bar so far and this ‘Gear’ is nowhere near.
Now we have a couple of years maybe before Apple produce the blueprint for the next Samsung attempt.
I’m NO fan of Samsung, but you’ve tested this watch and found its ability to keep time to be subpar?
No.
If you have to recharge a watch every 24hrs or it no longer works – and you therefore dont know what time it is, the device must be crap. It could well be very accurate crap – when it has a charge.
So you go out for a party – get bladdered and stay over, in the morning you dont know what time it is because you didn’t bring the charger thingy to the party. That is a shit watch.
So, what Samsung have produced is a wrist thingy, that does all sorts of things for a few hours and then needs a re-charge.
Samsung should make 900 Million of these devices…Double it for next year. Thats my recommendation. 😉
Aren’t the landfills having enough problems?
Not as long as it’s dumped in Samsung Backyard!
Yikes! I hope they don’t see that comment. I have to work at Samdung, and they’re already bringing those watches through the building in wood crates, like I don’t have enough crap to keep track of.
Completely underwhelming. Even by Samsung’s standards.
A real disappointment and sets Apple up to knock it out of the park.
This thing reminds me of a Casio “geek” watch I had in the 1980’s. Except that Casio watch from 30 years ago looked more futuristic.
1. Now we’ll have some more “before and after” iWatch photos to use when Samsung scrambles to copy the iWatch.
2. Any watch—smart or dumb—has to fit on a normal wrist and not look like an LCD workout device/jog weight. Sheesh.
3. Unless Apple has some amazing new screen tech, I think they will minimize the screen, like the iPod shuffle, Fitbit or the Jawbone devices. If the screen is much bigger than a normal watch, it looks stupid and it’s too fragile and too much of a battery waster.
You people keep thinking that the iWatch is a watch. Think forward instead of backward. It is something that has never existed before. Wait for it instead of closing your minds.
You are right of course.
As a former Yes , former Galaxy s3 , s4 owner , I have an iPhone 4 now , In all honesty , it’s really all most of us
need …
I can’t believe how much easier the iPhone works ,
Easier to get to my music , and it even sounds better on
iPhone than Galaxy phones !!!
When I turn my phone on , my email appears very shortly
After. Not so with Android ..
Attachments are easier to open and view also …
Just speaking for myself here, but these are facts …
Totally agree
Who are the idiots who say Apple released a watch? You guys are unprecedented idiots.
believe it will become a new fashion icon around the world,” said Samsung CEO JK Shin.
Fashion icon???? EeeeWwwww…
Koreans have predilections to design gadgets with little bulge on the side or on the back , usually hiding there a camera, all those enlarged zits need is oozing puss, do you
hear that shitsung? Here is your design direction for the future,
Samsung you idiots. You left out the 2 Stereo Speakers and Subwoofer on the thing. You still have time, redo and fit it in. You must have double the bullet points for features to compete with Apple.