16.06.2018

IN lately Smart watches are rapidly gaining popularity, and, according to statistics, today every fourth person wears one. Therefore, leading brands regularly present to the market their new products with wide functionality.

Recently, smart watches have been rapidly gaining popularity, and, according to statistics, today every fourth person wears one. Therefore, leading brands regularly present their new products with wide functionality to the market. In our review, we will look at the fourth update of the Gear S model, which is presented annually by Samsung. Its main competitors are such monsters as Apple (Apple), Huawei (Huawei), Garmin, Motorola, ASUS, Microsoft (Microsoft), Sony. But is the line really worth paying attention to?

The S4 smartwatch was presented to the market two months before Apple, and this is very important, because manufacturers compete not only in the technical parameters of their equipment, but also in terms of audience coverage. So far, of course, Apple is in the lead - the number of its fans reaches 14%, while Samsung is chosen by 5% of users.

Model features

Previous versions had quite good characteristics, but in some respects they could not compare with Apple Watch models. The manufacturer tried to take into account all the shortcomings, so the Gear S4 combined the maximum number of flagship solutions and became more sporty.

The company has long planned to combine a smartphone and a fitness bracelet, and according to experts, in this version it managed to do this to the fullest.
The configuration of the Samsung Gear S4 leaves all possible opponents behind. Smart watches are equipped with a huge number of sensors that monitor the physical parameters of their wearer, including heart rate. This and much more, such as determining the level of stress and water in the body, are provided by special sensors. Also " smart watch"have acquired water and dust protection, in which they have caught up with the Apple Watch Series 2, which can be immersed in water up to 50 m. It has also been updated software. Samsung has added trainer functions that are more accurate. Now the device accurately detects the start of a workout.
But the most pleasant thing for the user was the reduction in the price of the device.

New design

The manufacturer used an idea that was successfully tested on the Galaxy S7 Edge - and the watch received a rounded body with curved edges. The functions of tracking physical parameters are performed by a touch strap, for the manufacture of which Samsung received a patent.

It will also serve as a customizable control screen - application shortcuts are located here, now access is much easier. As it became known, the smart watch will be equipped with another patented invention – an excellent camera with optical zoom.

According to Samsung Electronics employees, the Gear S4 will be an excellent replacement for all previously released smart watches that have ever been released. But in order to intrigue users, all the features of the device are not revealed. They only focus on the fact that the watch is significantly superior to all earlier models and is equipped with many biometric sensors. Users will have to discover the secrets themselves.

As it became known this summer, the Koreans decided to rename their new “smart watches” Samsung Gear S4 in Samsung Galaxy Watch. It was assumed that this was due to a change in platform: instead of the proprietary Tizen OS, it was allegedly planned to use Wear OS on Android based. However, as it turns out, this is purely a matter of name.

According to South Korean media, the Galaxy Watch will run the latest Tizen 4.0 out of the box. In general, it can only be called fresh with a certain stretch, since the fourth version of this OS was presented last year, and it is quite well known to developers.

The main focus of Tizen 4.0 was on voice control and the Internet of Things. Probably, the Samsung Galaxy Watch will come pre-installed with a proprietary voice assistant Bixby. In general, you need to understand that the Korean giant’s smartwatch is not just a mobile accessory, but a self-sufficient device that is part of the Samsung ecosystem.

However, the software platform is far from the only advantage of the Galaxy Watch. According to insiders, the new smart watches will receive the widest possible range of sensors to monitor the state of the body. Supposedly they will even be able to measure blood pressure.

Some even credited the gadget with the ability to diagnose heart disease and diabetes. However, even for a preliminary diagnosis of such diagnoses, a detailed study using much more accurate equipment is required. So, at best, we can only talk about a recommendation to undergo an examination by a doctor.

Other features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch include a more capacious 470 mAh battery compared to the Gear S3, compact dimensions thanks to the use of Panel Level Packaging technology, and support for 4G LTE networks. True, the latter will be available only if mobile operator familiar with technology.

Galaxy Watch release date

According to the first version, the presentation of the Galaxy Watch will take place on August 9 simultaneously with Samsung smartphone Galaxy Note 9, which has the flagship . However, the accessory will go on sale no earlier than August 24, and in some countries the time frame for entering the market may be delayed for a longer period. Pre-order starts on August 16th.

According to the second version, the company will not rush to announce the Samsung Galaxy Watch, which will take place no earlier than August 31 at the IFA 2018 international exhibition in Berlin. In any case, the Koreans will strive to get ahead of Apple, which is planning to release the Apple Watch Series 4 in September.

In general, the market situation is now favorable for new “smart watches” from Samsung. Over the past year, the number of offers of this kind of accessories on the market has decreased significantly, while the company in any case can count on the core of its regular audience. The entire “question” is $349.

Model numbers

Not long ago it became known that new Galaxy Watch is being certified in Russia as “portable wearable minicomputers of the Samsung brand.” Moreover, as many as four models are indicated: SM-R800, SM-R805, SM-R810 and SM-R815. Thus, unlike previous years, the Russian buyer will definitely have a choice.

In this article you will learn the most best smart watches 2017, and also find out their price and characteristics.

A few years ago, smartwatches were widely known in all markets due to the will of many manufacturers who decided to use software in their devices Android Wear. But, as is often the case in recent tech history, it was Apple that really fueled the industry, and in doing so, released the first smartwatch model called the Apple Watch. Today, it seems that smartwatches are back in the spotlight, and with Android Wear 2.0 already announced in 2017, we're wondering what surprises might be lurking next, and what kind of smartwatches we can look forward to in the future.

A wearable device is basically anything that has a sensor that can capture data and provide functional services to the wearer. The universe of wearables is growing and is limited only by the creativity of the industry. Today we have smart watches, fitness trackers, clothing, shoes, jewelry, implants, electronic tattoos and much more that we never dreamed of before.

The smartwatch connects via Bluetooth to a smartphone, which uses an app to detect specific user activities using daily activity statistics or GPS tracking.

What can you expect from smart technology in 2017?

This year, we'll see a number of fashion companies getting into the sports tech space, just as we're seeing smartphone companies teaming up with the auto industry, according to Gartner research director Angela McIntyre.

The smartwatch market has been growing rapidly in recent years, and in 2017 we are likely to see smartwatch models from fashion brands such as Michael Kors.

A 2016 Gartner survey found that in the US alone, about 19% of people own a fitness tracking device. As McIntyre emphasized, this shows the scale of appeal of this type of gadget among consumers.

McIntyre also explained that "smart» watches are likely to see slow but steady growth in 2017 compared to 2016. However, this growth will be directly dependent on the style, reliability and willingness of major watch brands to invest in marketing campaigns that highlight "smart" watches on its production line.

From January to March this year, we saw several important announcements in the field of smart technology, or rather smart watches, such as LG Watch Style and LG Watch Sport, Huawei Watch 2, Connected Modular 46 from Tag Heuer, some Fossil hybrids, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger and Casio. But what other releases can we expect in 2017? Now we’ll talk about this.

Smart watch Xiaomi Mi Band 3 release date – June 2017

Mi Band from Xiaomi is almost a bestseller. The Chinese manufacturer has managed to combine functionality at a fair price and conquer markets around the world, either through direct purchase on the Xiaomi website or through online purchases from third-party retailers.

Mi Band is used in combination with a smartphone, since the data recorded in the band is only accessible through the application. The second generation, Mi Band 2, brought new basic information available on a small OLED display on the band itself. We haven't heard rumors about the third generation of Mi Band yet, but we certainly hope that Xiaomi keeps it simple and fair in price.

Smart watch Samsung Gear Fit3 release date – June 2017

Samsung Gear Fit2, unlike Xiaomi Mi Band 2, brings with it many new features. The investment in the Tizen operating system has made this bracelet a success with all its features, however, the high price deters some people from buying it. When it comes to smart technology, the market is still quite conservative, and many users will only invest in a given gadget if they are involved in a sport that would benefit from the watch.

By the way, according to a recent Gartner survey, about a third of people who buy a fitness bracelet stop using the device after a few months, either because they no longer find the information offered by gadgets useful, or they simply started using their smartphone for this purpose.

Smart watch Samsung Gear IconX 2 release date – June 2017

IconX is a Bluetooth headset that works as a device for tracking statistics and data, for example when doing fitness. It is worth noting that you should not evaluate the functionality and capabilities of the device based on the first firmware that Samsung provides when you turn on IconX for the first time. Therefore, it is necessary to check the functionality and capabilities of this headset only after updating the software to the latest version.

Smart watch Samsung Gear S4 release date – September 2017

Samsung announced new line smartwatches running the Tizen operating system at IFA 2016. These models include the Gear S3 Classic and Frontier. They combine the smart features of the Gear S2 (2015) with the fitness features of the Gear Fit 2.

The next generation of Samsung Gear is expected to be released in early September at IFA 2017.

Smart watch Apple Watch 3 release date – September 2017

The introduction of Apple's Smartwatch line greatly influenced the popularization of smart technology. In 2015, Apple occupied more than 50% of the market for smart watches and smart appliances. From these figures we get a clear idea of ​​the importance of Cupertino in the global market.

In September 2017 Apple of the Year is expected to announce the third generation of Apple Watch. We don't know yet whether this will only be an upgrade of the current model, or whether the company will treat them in a completely new way. Given the iPhone's launch history, the first option is the most likely.

So, from this list, which smartwatch would you like to see in 2017?

Video: Review of Apple smart watches 2017

There are two main players in the smartwatch market: Apple and Samsung. And if new Apple Watch models are consistently released every year (albeit with minimal differences), then users have been waiting for the new generation of Samsung smart watches for the second year (Gear Sport was just a sports version of Gear S3). And in anticipation of the imminent announcement of new watches from the Korean company, I collected all available information about them.

Name

Let's start with perhaps the most unobvious: Samsung's new smart watch may get a new name. For quite a long time it was assumed that the device would be called Gear S4, but latest rumors They say that the new product may be called Galaxy Watch. Possible rebranding is most likely associated with the use of a different operating system, but we’ll talk about that later.

Characteristics, display

It is obvious that Samsung will update the hardware in the Gear S4, since the company's current line of smartwatches runs on two-year-old hardware (Gear S3 Classic/Frontier, Gear Sport). Insider @UniverseIce reports that the watch will have an increased battery compared to the previous generation: 470 mAh versus 380 mAh.

About Gear S4 (probably called Galaxy Watch) Based on Android Wear, 470mAh battery, PLP package, it is expected to have new UX interaction and blood pressure measurement.

In addition, there is information that the Gear S4 will be released in two sizes: 38 mm and 42 mm (similar to the Apple Watch). It is also likely that the smartwatch will be released in two versions: classic and more sporty, just like the Gear S3 (Classic/Frontier), and will be available with or without an LTE module.

Operating system, features

Here's the fun part: Samsung may replace the Tizen operating system with Wear OS! And this is a rather unexpected decision, because Tizen has proven its effectiveness in previous generations of Samsung smartwatches. The reason for this decision is still unknown, but it is quite possible that the watch will be called Galaxy Watch precisely to separate itself from the Gear S line, all watches in which run on Tizen.

Samsung has already released smart watches on Android - the Galaxy Gear model

As for the features of the new smartwatch, they will have a pressure sensor and will also be assembled using the Panel Level Packaging (PLP) manufacturing process. This means that the chipset will take up less space, allowing you to install a larger battery.

Gear S2 and Gear S3 Frontier

Price

It is expected that the Gear S4 at the start of sales will be priced the same as the Gear S3 - at $349. The same starting price applies to the Apple Watch, the main competitor Samsung Gear S4.

Announcement/release date

The announcement of new Samsung smart watches should take place in August. Perhaps they will be shown on August 9 at the Galaxy Unpacked event dedicated to the presentation of the Galaxy Note 9. There is also an option that the watch will be presented on August 31, just like previous models.

But the Gear S4 will not go on sale immediately, but in October-November of this year.

Are you looking forward to the Gear S4 (Galaxy Watch)? How do you feel about the possible transition to Wear OS? What would you like to see in the new watch?

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Today, the smart watch market is at the peak of its popularity. Statistics show demand has increased by a quarter over the past few years. The mobile device combines the basic functions of a smartphone, is more convenient to use and looks very stylish. The heroes of the review are the Samsung Gear S4 smart watch.

After the release of GearS3, the developer planned to make a revolution. The September technology exhibition went more or less as expected and smoothly. Manufacturers did not make technological breakthroughs. Sales of smartwatches provide Samsung with second place in sales after Apple. However, the devices are famous for their high cost and paleness in comparison with their first competitors.

The new watch from Samsung was supposed to be one of the most anticipated events of the coming year. Manufacturers decided to make a small surprise by presenting the model at a recent exhibition in Germany. The previous Gear S3 model turned out to be quite interesting and was able to compete with its closest competitor, the giant in the field of smart technologies - Apple. But the device lacked a sports component. The Samsung Gear S4 is not so much independent as it is an addition to the Gear S3. Gear sport is designed to eliminate the sporting shortcoming.

Who are smartwatches for?

The devices are mainly of interest to professional athletes and people leading healthy image life. The main function of the fitness tracker is to display general body indicators on the screen. You can measure your heart rate, distance traveled and calories burned.

Versions

It is expected that the Samsung Gear s4 smartwatch will be presented in 2 versions:

• Classic – for a more conservative audience who prefers classic watch designs
• Fronter – for lovers of sporty style

Read also:

Review of Lemfo Lem5 Pro smart watch - functionality and controls

Audience Expectations

The manufacturers themselves stated that new model designed to combine all the best from smartphones and smartwatches. Time will tell how feasible this is. Gadget lovers would like to see the following modifications in the new smartwatches:

• Compactness - the gadget looks a little bulky, although its design is quite well thought out. I would like the model to be lighter and look more harmonious
• More accurate location determination. The previous model had problems with this and crashes occurred. As for the functional part, the gadget was crude and not fully thought out
• Author's operating system did not allow many to work standard applications. It is assumed that the Gear S4 will run on the Android system, and the developers will diversify the number of possible applications
• Other models did not have the “Always on” application, which is available on all modern smartphones running on the Android system, starting from version 4.3
• Reduced initial cost. An important factor. Gear S3 has become more affordable, allowing it to compete with Apple in the fight for audiences
• Expanding the functional part is expected from gear sport. Such a solution could at least somehow justify the cost of the device in the smart IT market
• The frame of model 3 deserves special attention. With its help it was possible to navigate through the menu. But there was no navigation button, which negated the ease of operation. To go back, you had to double-tap the display. We hope to see a built-in button in the new model.
• The main inconvenience when using the device is that they are always on. This can be seen in the example of Samsung Galaxy and other models of the developer
• One more wait - more capacious battery, and ergonomic work

Read also:

Smartwatch review - ASUS ZenWatch

New strap

Samsung patented new technology touch strap, in theory equipped with a flexible screen. It sounds like an episode of a fantasy saga, but the Korean giant already has similar solutions.

Screen

As for the screen, rumors say it will be round and slightly curved at the edges. It may look very stylish and fresh, but the convenience and, most importantly, the benefit of the modification remains in question. The diagonal will remain the same 1.2 inches with a resolution of 360 * 360.

What can surprise a model?

Gear Sport, presented in the German capital, boasts water resistance. Of course, this is not news for the smart device market. Many watches have protection against dust and water, but sports gear has dived deeper. In theory, they can be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. Similar products can boast of being tolerant of rain and small amounts of water. It is not recommended to immerse them to depth.

Color scheme and design

From the point of view appearance and style, the device looks very good. Doesn't look strictly military. Manage smart watch can be done with several benzene buttons and using touch screen, as in previous models. By default, the watch is designed in black and blue, but the straps can be replaced at the discretion of users.

Technological characteristics

• Capacity RAM 4 GB
• RAM capacity: 768 MB
• 2-core processor
• Clock frequency is 1 GHz
• Bluetooth and wireless connection support