Samsung's Galaxy Gear Smartwatch: 10 Features We Would Like to See

 
 
By Don Reisinger  |  Posted 2013-08-30 Email Print this article Print
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Samsung next week plans to hold a special press event before the IFA Conference in Germany to introduce a new smartwatch named Galaxy Gear. Samsung hasn't leaked much information about what it's building into its smartwatch. But suffice it to say that the company will be opening a new front in its mobile product war between itself and Apple. Until we know Galaxy Gear's features it will be difficult to judge which company will have the best chance of success in this emerging market. However, this is as good a time as any to speculate on what the device might offer. Sure, it'll tell time, but what other features should it boast in order to attract buyers to this new segment of the wearable technology industry? While there are a significant number of smartwatches on the market already, no one has succeeded in turning this into a mass market on even a small fraction of the smartphone market's scale. It's uncertain whether buyers will decide they also need a smartwatch if they already have a mobile phone, which for many people serves as a more versatile replacement for the wristwatch. This eWEEK slide show suggests some features Galaxy Gear should have to get potential buyers to take a close look at it.

 
 
 
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  • Samsung's Galaxy Gear Smartwatch: 10 Features We Would Like to See

    by Don Reisinger
    1 - Samsung's Galaxy Gear Smartwatch: 10 Features We Would Like to See

  • A Big Display Is a Must

    Samsung's Galaxy Gear is rumored to be launching with a screen that would come in at 2.5 inches. Although that might not seem big compared with the 5-inch smartphones available today, it's an impressive size for something to be worn on the wrist. But as with anything else in the mobile market, the bigger the screen, the better.
    2 - A Big Display Is a Must

  • Can Samsung Deliver HD to Its Screen?

    There has been some talk of the 2.5-inch Galaxy Gear display coming with a resolution of 320 by 320. But that doesn't mean that that's as far as Samsung will go. With any luck at all, the company will offer an even better resolution to get users as close to HD as possible. After all, if the watch's face is capable of delivering video and photos, the higher the screen's resolution, the better.
    3 - Can Samsung Deliver HD to Its Screen?

  • The Ability to Interact With Samsung Devices With Ease

    It's an absolute necessity that the Galaxy Gear easily interacts with Samsung's Galaxy line of smartphones. Judging by its name, the device likely will. However, if that feature is left out and it can only deliver some integration with Galaxy handsets, expect the Galaxy Gear to suffer slow sales.
    4 - The Ability to Interact With Samsung Devices With Ease

  • The Ability to Work With iPhones, Too

    Since the Galaxy Gear will more than likely support Bluetooth, Samsung shouldn't place any arbitrary limitations on the device so it only works with its own products. The Galaxy Gear should be platform- and operating system-agnostic. That means the iPhone must be supported with the device.
    5 - The Ability to Work With iPhones, Too

  • Yes, It Needs Android

    There's been some talk about what operating system the Galaxy Gear should be running. Why it's such a debate is unknown. Samsung absolutely must put Android on the smartwatch. By doing so, Samsung would increase its chances of attracting developers, as well as improving sales. It's a win-win with Android onboard.
    6 - Yes, It Needs Android

  • A Reasonable Price Tag Is Absolutely Necessary

    Price matters greatly in a niche market. Realizing that, Samsung can't get too crazy and try to deliver a product in Galaxy Gear that costs too much. Reasonable pricing is central to the smartwatch's broader appeal to consumers.
    7 - A Reasonable Price Tag Is Absolutely Necessary

  • Stylish Design Will Be Required

    If Samsung is going to ask people to wear a watch, the company better find ways to make it look stylish. That means offering customers a product that doesn't look like those big, bulky and geeky calculator watches or cheap plastic digital watches from the 1970s. Galaxy Gear should reflect a person's style and personality. Stylish design is an absolute must.
    8 - Stylish Design Will Be Required

  • A Future-Proofing Ability

    Samsung also has to ensure that consumers will be able to keep using their watches for years to come. They shouldn't be throwaway devices that will just add more bulk to the digital waste stream. Yes, Samsung might launch a new smartwatch each year, but current owners need to believe they can hold onto that device for a long time without feeling they are stuck with an obsolete piece of junk.
    9 - A Future-Proofing Ability

  • Storage for Photos, Videos and Everything Else

    There's a chance that the Galaxy Gear might come without storage, but it would be much better if it did. The device should be able to store at least some photos and videos, and it would be great if it could house some applications. Just because it's small doesn't mean the Galaxy Gear can't store important files.
    10 - Storage for Photos, Videos and Everything Else

  • Different Style Options for Different Occasions

    Samsung should make sure that the Galaxy Gear comes with different band options. Sometimes folks might want to wear a colorful leather band, while in other cases they'll choose a metal band. Elegant or casual, Galaxy Gear should deliver different style options.
    11 - Different Style Options for Different Occasions
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2 Comments for "Samsung's Galaxy Gear Smartwatch: 10 Features We Would Like to See"

  • workerbee September 01, 2013 12:34 pm

    How utterly, totally stupid. Who needs a huge, clunky device on their wrist that doesn't have the capability of anything useful - beyond a time display? Oh. So add apps and don't forget games and Facebook. On THAT tiny screen? Who are you kidding? As with all this junk, the potential for misuse is astronomical. Hey, kids, don't forget in school to take pictures of all the test answers. The wrist thingie will be a lot less obvious to use than a smartphone. 'Technology' has gone off the deep end and is desperately working to create more useless garbage to be marketed into 'must haves' for the kids. Gotta keep that revenue stream going, right?

  • pradeep August 30, 2013 8:55 pm

    awesome by samsung a new type of invention for the youngsters then may i know the price

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