14 DAY TRIAL // Smartwatches have been rectangular up to now, with only one two exceptions to speak of: the Motorola Moto 360 and LG G Watch R. This is finally set to change, however.
Why? Because Samsung is designing a round smartwatch of its own, called Orbis.
The company patented a ring-operated smartwatch design about two months ago, back in November 2014, and now it's building upon that technology.
The specifications of the Orbis are largely unknown at this time, but Samsung may choose to turn the device into a real smart wearable device instead of just an extension of the smartphone.
Which is to say, the Orbis Smartwatch will probably have its own messaging and 3D capabilities, as well as room for a micro-SIM.
Even if it doesn't get those perks, Orbis will still receive a crown-shaped power button, like on the Apple Watch (Samsung and Apple never stop poking at each other apparently).
This button will be able to wake up the screen, launch S Voice (double press), send emergency messages, maybe some other things too. According to one report in any event.
As for the rotating bezel ring, it will likely be used to launch other applications installed on the OS.
I can't confirm any of these myself, however (at the moment), so we'll all have to wait for Samsung to actually make an official announcement.
Update January 15, 2015: Seems I somehow overlooked the LG G Watch R. So that makes Samsung's upcoming device the third of its kind. Thanks go to John for pointing it out.