14 DAY TRIAL // Samsung’s wearable devices have barely made it out into the world and they are already threatened, as Google has recently launched its own dedicated OS for the devices, entitled Android Wear.
But on the plus side of things, Samsung has also been listed as one of the official partners for Android Wear, so it appears the Korean tech giant has found a way to weasel itself in and be part of the developing Google wearable family.
But for now, it appears Samsung is still betting its money on the Gear concept. And not even two months after the launch of its latest wearables, Sammy is said to be working on a new addition to the Gear family, which consists of a 3G-enabled model.
So the Korean Herald reports Samsung is developing a new smartwatch that will bundle the 3G functionality. Rumors about such a device have appeared a while ago, but now I’m able to come back and tell you the name of the smartwatch.
According to Asian sources, it will be called “Gear Solo” and the name has already been registered with the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
However, this is not a fixed name and it might change. The gadget will come equipped with its own USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) which will let users place phone calls. This appears to be reminiscent of the watch we presented to you this weekend, developed by Black Eyed Peas’ Will.i.am.
Anyway, the smartwatch is said to be arriving on the Korean market via SK Telecom but will be made available on the international market too.
Samsung company officials have declined to answer any question regarding a 3G smartwatch endeavor.
Samsung appears to have found a way to by-pass the draining battery issues that could come about if a USIM module were inserted into the device.
Judging by the fact there’s also a video camera on the Samsung smartwatch, users should be able to use it to place video phone calls, while connected to the Internet. But such a functionality would certainly strain the battery a lot.
It appears the smartwatch with phone calling capabilities idea is getting a lot of attention. Will brand vendors aim to provide a wrist mounted wearable capable of replacing smartphones? Will.i.am seems to believe this is the case.
We also brought you news of the Rufus Cuff, which represents another attempt at porting phone capabilities to your wrist. The project is up on Indiegogo and inviting interesting parties to make a pledge in order to make this cuff-looking colorful project a reality.