Samsung’s latest smart watch is hitting shelves today, but it’s not Android Wear. Samsung is forging ahead with its Tizen-based Gear line with the Gear S2. This is Samsung’s first round smart watch with a full circle display (none of that flat tire nonsense). Listings are still hard to come by, but expect the Gear S2 to pop up throughout the day. In addition the the US, the Gear S2 is launching in Germany, Singapore, and Korea.
The Gear S2 has a 1.2-inch round Super AMOLED display with a rotating bezel, which can be used to scroll and control functions like media volume. The watch is 11.4mm thick and actually looks like a watch. However, the regular Gear S2 has non-standard band attachments, so you’ll have to get replacement bands made specifically for this device.
Unlike past Samsung Gear watches, you can use this one with any Android phone running KitKat or higher. Previously, you needed a Samsung device. If you want to give the Gear S2 a shot, it starts at $299 with a $349 “classic” version coming soon. That one appears to have a standard band and more watch-like aesthetics. Best Buy has the Gear S2 listed, but we haven’t seen it pop up elsewhere yet. We’ll update if we do.
Update 1: 2015/10/02 6:44pm PDT
Amazon link
The Gear S2 has gone up on Amazon. The $300 standard black version is the only version in stock right now, but it has Prime shipping.
- Thanks:
- Jun