Samsung extends Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatibility to eight other smartphones

The company states in a press note that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch will be available for use with Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II after the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update which will be rolling out in phases. Further, the company mentions that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatibility will be extended to five other Galaxy smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8, Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom.

The company will be rolling out a separate Gear compatibility software update for these five smartphones starting by end of this month. However, the South Korean giant reveals that the software update schedule for all the eight smartphones will vary by country and carrier.

Samsung has also revealed the expected Android 4.3 Jelly Bean changelog for Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II which include improved text input; updated graphics and multimedia; Samsung KNOX (only for selective countries); Smart Switch, for transferring content to Galaxy devices from other smartphones; HomeSync, for sharing and storing content and Group Play 2.5.

Commenting on the announcement, JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics said, "Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers. Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear."

Samsung launched its first wearable tech device, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch at IFA alongside Galaxy Note 3, and it was initially compatible with just the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition tablet and Galaxy Note 3.