While Samsung sent out invites for its next Unpacked event scheduled for September 4, where it's expected to unveil the next generation Galaxy Note device, there's also buzz that it might release a smart watch, named Galaxy Gear, at the same event.
Adding more fuel to the rumour is a new report by Dutch website Galaxy Club (via
BGR) which has
spotted a
trademark filing on the USPTO's website related to a new range of smart devices christened as Galaxy Gear. Samsung describes the devices as "Wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages; wearable electronic handheld devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle for the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages and for keeping track of or managing personal information; smart phones; tablet computers; portable computers" in the filing. This, in a way is a confirmation that Samsung intends to name its smart watch "Galaxy Gear."
Just a few days back, Korean publication Asiae.co.kr had reported that Samsung is likely to
launch its new smart watch at the September 4 event with the Galaxy Note III, citing unnamed sources.
Previously, Patently Apple had also
reported in July, that Samsung was planning to release its new smart watch which would be named "Samsung Gear" and positioned as a smartphone accessory with the Galaxy Note III smartphone/ phablet.
While not much is known about the smart device, there have been
rumours about Samsung working on a smart watch as part of its Project J lineup. Samsung had confirmed that it was indeed working on a smart watch but did not reveal any other details. As per past rumours, this smart watch is likely to come with an arm band, will have the ability to bike mount and will come with a pouch as well. Some
leaked screenshots of this watch also surfaced online, which indicated that this smart watch was running on a beta version of the Altios OS.
It would be interesting to see how Samsung's offering would compare to the current crop of smart watches from Sony, Pebble and other smaller players. However, Samsung would be looking to gain some mileage before Apple unveils its own smart watch. We had reported in July that
Apple had applied for the 'iWatch' trademark in Japan, Mexico, Taiwan, Turkey and Colombia.
Earlier this year, Bloomberg had reported that Apple's so-called i
Watch is expected to release this year and that the project is currently being fuelled by the efforts of over 100 engineers being led by Apple design chief Jony Ive himself.
A recent report by Apple Insider, also mentioned that
Apple's smart watch is likely to debut in 2014, quoting Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with KGI Securities who regularly offers predictions on future Apple products.
It's worth mentioning that companies like
Google,
Microsoft, and
LG, are all said to be working on bringing their own smart watch-like devices to the market.