The Samsung Gear series was a line of smartwatches and fitness trackers developed by Samsung Electronics. Here is detailed information about the Samsung Gear:
History
The Samsung Gear line was first introduced in 2013 with the launch of the Samsung Gear 2, which was initially known as the Galaxy Gear but rebranded due to the integration with the Tizen OS instead of Android. Over the years, several models were released, each bringing enhancements in design, functionality, and compatibility:
- Samsung Gear Live (2014) - The first Gear model to run on Android Wear.
- Samsung Gear S (2014) - Introduced a curved Super AMOLED display and 3G connectivity.
- Samsung Gear S2 (2015) - Featured a unique rotating bezel for navigation.
- Samsung Gear S3 (2016) - Enhanced design with larger display and improved battery life.
- Samsung Gear Sport (2017) - Focused on sports and fitness activities.
- Samsung Gear Fit - A fitness tracker with a curved display, initially released in 2014 and followed by Gear Fit2 in 2016.
Features
The Samsung Gear devices were known for:
- Health and Fitness Tracking: Including heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep tracking, and workout tracking capabilities.
- Connectivity: Many models offered Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and sometimes even cellular connectivity, allowing for calls, texts, and notifications directly from the wrist.
- Design: Samsung focused on combining traditional watch aesthetics with modern smartwatch functionality, often using high-quality materials like stainless steel and Gorilla Glass.
- Software: Initially running on Android Wear, later models switched to Samsung's proprietary Tizen OS, which offered a more seamless integration with Samsung's ecosystem.
- Interchangeable Bands: Many Gear models had interchangeable bands for style customization.
- Third-Party Apps: Support for various apps through the Samsung Gear App Store.
Discontinuation
In 2018, Samsung announced that the Gear brand would be replaced with the Galaxy Watch branding. The transition aimed to unify Samsung's wearable products under one name, enhancing brand recognition and simplifying the product lineup. The Gear series was effectively discontinued, with its last models being the Samsung Gear S3 and the Gear Sport.
Legacy
The Samsung Gear series played a significant role in the evolution of smartwatches, particularly in pushing forward health and fitness tracking features, design aesthetics, and software integration. Its legacy continues through the current Galaxy Watch series, which builds on the foundation laid by Gear models.
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