Samsung, at its Galaxy Unpacked event in Berlin, unveiled three new devices - the much-anticipated Galaxy Note 3 smartphone, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch and the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition) tablet. The Galaxy Gear smartwatch will work as an accessory to its market-leading Galaxy smartphones, with a small screen offering basic functions like photos, hands-free calls and instant messaging. Here are the new devices in detail:
Galaxy Gear
Samsung unveiled a highly anticipated digital wristwatch at least weeks ahead of a similar product expected from rival Apple. The so-called smartwatch is what some technology analysts believe could become this year's must-have holiday gift.
Samsung launches 5.7-inch Galaxy Note 3, Galaxy Gear smartwatch, Galaxy Note 10.1
A journalist looks at a Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch (L) and Galaxy Note 3 after their launch at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin, September 4, 2013.
Samsung says the Gear can act as an extension to a smartphone by discreetly alerting users to incoming messages and calls on its display screen, which measures 1.63 inches diagonally. Users can even make calls, secret agent-style without getting out their phone. The Gear also sports a basic camera and works with popular social media and fitness apps such as Twitter and RunKeeper.
The Galaxy Gear will come in six colours - Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold, and Lime Green.
The Android-powered device starts shipping in most countries September 25 starting at $299. It will be compatible initially with two Samsung products also unveiled Wednesday - the Galaxy Note III, which is a smartphone with a giant 5.7-inch screen and a digital pen, and the Galaxy Tab 10.1, a tablet computer with a 10.1-inch screen comparable to Apple's full-sized iPad.
Galaxy Note 3
The Galaxy Note 3 is the successor to the Galaxy Note II smartphone launched last year. The company unveiled the latest version of the Galaxy Note phone-cum-tablet at the event before the opening of IFA.
The new phone features an even bigger 5.7-inch full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080) screen, improved stylus functions, a 13-megapixel rear camera and faster data connection than the conventional 4G network. Samsung added enhanced security solution KNOX to the phone, setting its eyes on corporate users, a niche long dominated by Canadian smartphone maker BlackBerry Ltd Galaxy Gear.
Running Android 4.3 OS, its LTE version will come powered by a 2.3 GHz quad-core processor, while the 3G version will be engineered with a 1.9 GHz octa-core processor. It has 3GB RAM.
Available in 32GB or 64GB internal storage along with an additional microSD card slot, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear are set to launch starting from September 25 in more than 140 countries around the world.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 will be available in Jet Black, Classic White and Blush Pink.
Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 edition)
Samsung also introduced a new edition of the Galaxy Note 10.1 tablet. The company calls it the Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition), which has a 10.1-inch WQXGA (2560 X 1600) Super clear LCD display. It will come in three connectivity options - WiFi Only, WiFi and 3G, WiFi and LTE, available in 16/32/64GB + Micro SD. The tablet comes in two colour options - Jet Black and Classic White.
It also runs Android 4.3 OS and has an 8 megapixel rear and 2 megapixel front camera. It comes packed with a 8,220mAh Li-ion battery.
The Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014 Edition) will be offered globally and will be available starting from Q3, 2013.
With smartphones and tablets now ubiquitous, electronics companies are trying to create a new category of products to lure consumer spending. That includes building advanced computing technology into everyday objects such as wristwatches and glasses.
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With inputs from Reuters and AP)
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