14 DAY TRIAL // For those of you eagerly awaiting to get your hands on Samsung’s new batch of Gear 2 and Gear Fit wearables, we have good news. Samsung plans to globally preview (hands-on) the two devices before they are made available for pre-order in more than 61 countries starting March 21.
The company notes the new Gear 2 and Gear Fit (but also the Galaxy S5 smartphone) will be available for preview in Samsung Experience Stores, mobile carrier stores and other select retail stores spread across 61 countries.
According to the official statement, the US and Switzerland are going to be the first lucky territories to get the global preview of the two wearables. The other 59 markets, including UK, Germany, China and Brazil will follow in close proximity.
Pre-orders might be starting now, but the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear Fit will start shipping out to interested parties on April 11.
“The new Galaxy S5 and Gear devices are designed for what matters most to our customers. We listen closely to our consumers when designing these products and we want to give as many customers as possible the enough chance to experience the Galaxy S5, Gear 2 and Gear Fit before they purchase.”
The two wearables have been launched at MWC 2014 in February, just after a few months since Samsung introduced the original Galaxy Gear.
Compared to predecessor, the new devices are missing the Galaxy branding. This is Samsung’s way of highlighting the new wearables aren't based on Android anymore, but on its own Tizen OS platform, that has been in development for some time now.
The new Gear 2 is lighter and thinner than the Galaxy Gear, the design make-over isn't so radical as previously thought. One thing that stands out is that the camera now lives in front of the watch and not on the wristbands.
The Gear 2 comes with the same 1.63-inch screen with a resolution of 320 x 320, the same as the original Galaxy Gear. Under the small hood, there’s a 1GHz processor combined with 512MB and 4GB of internal storage.
The new model is also IP7 certified (meaning the watch is dust- and water- resistant) and has a heart sensor and IR blaster, so it can act as fitness wearable too.
The Gear Fit has the 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display but it’s smaller and lighter than the Gear 2, having a focus on health. For some reason, Samsung hasn't said anything about the Gear 2 Neo availability.