Samsung using first Galaxy Gear to test the smartwatch water
Samsung announced its Galaxy Gear smartwatch only days ago but already a successor is being tipped for early 2014.
It seems that Samsung is planning to launch the Galaxy Gear 2 at next year's CES or MWC consumer technology trade shows, according to Daum. It's not a surprise that Samsung is working on a new model but to launch it so soon after the original is unusual and certainly off-putting for potential Galaxy Gear buyers. See also: Samsung Galaxy Gear hands-on review.
The Korean site suggests that Samsung is merely using the Galaxy Gear to test the water before making a new and improved model. The Galaxy Gear has gained a mediocre reaction due to its high price tag ($299), sluggish performance and poor battery life.
"On the other hand, Samsung Galaxy gear is simply the first work to determine the market reaction will be limited to experimental evaluation products are coming out." said Daum.
It's expected that the Galaxy Gear will improve on some of the original's shortcomings by adding GPS and therefore not relying on a companion device as much. It is also likely to be compatible with more smartphones so that Samsung is casting its net wider.
The Galaxy Gear is only compatible with the Galaxy Note 3 and the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition). An incoming software update will add support for the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 2.
The Samsung Galaxy Gear is due to launch on 25 September. Let us know if you're planning on getting one and what your experience with it is.
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