Gear S3 delivers a sophisticated, timeless design and enhanced standalone features
Samsung Electronics has unveiled the Gear S3, a new smartwatch inspired by traditional timepieces. The Gear S3 combines the latest in mobile technology, including IP68 water resistance, mobile payments, LTE connectivity, and built-in speaker and GPS.
The smartwatch is available in two bold designs to suit different users’ lifestyles: frontier [pictured]and classic. Inspired by the active explorer, the Gear S3 frontier evokes a rugged outdoor look with an enduring style that blends form and function. The frontier was designed to perform in any setting or environment, whether business or leisure.
Meanwhile, the Gear S3 classic pays homage to the minimalist, elegant style found in the most iconic timepieces. The classic was designed with meticulous attention to detail with its size and shape chosen to attain the same consistency and balance of a well-crafted luxury watch.
“With the Gear S3, we continue to build on our wearables heritage of offering diverse choices to enhance consumers’ unique lifestyles,” said Younghee Lee, executive VP of global marketing and wearable business, mobile communications business, at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung Gear S2 achieved meaningful progress in the smartwatch category with a personalised watch face and a versatile rotating bezel that provided an intuitive smartwatch experience. Now with the new Gear S3, we expand our Gear collection and introduce not only a great smartwatch, but a great watch. With smart capabilities and sophisticated, elegant design, the Gear S3 marks a significant addition to our smartwatch portfolio.”
Speaking from the Gear S3 Showcase at IFA in Berlin, Ariel Adams, of ‘aBlogtoWatch’ commented: “I’ve always had a fascination with the intricate details found on luxury watches. With the Gear S3, Samsung is honing in on the level of craftsmanship that helps define fine watches, from the intuitive rotating bezel to the contrast surface finishing. The Gear S3 is a smartwatch that gives watch lovers a compelling reason to consider a device that marries traditional design and digital technology.”
Influenced by the craftsmanship of traditional watches, the Gear S3 was created based on intensive research and surveys from consumers, industry leaders and watch experts all around the world. Every feature, from the circular bezel to the premium finishing and buckles, has been reimagined to elicit the look of a classic timepiece. In addition, the Gear S3 is compatible with 22mm watch bands so consumers can easily personalise their watch.
Said Yvan Arpa, the Switzerland-based luxury watch designer, who was involved in the Gear S3 design process: “With the Gear S3, we sought to integrate tradition and technology, bringing to the forefront an immensely intelligent smartwatch. The large watch face was inspired by styles emerging from the world’s most premium watch brands. A classic timepiece combined with the latest innovations in technology, the Gear S3 is bound to withstand the test of time.”
In addition to its sleek look, the Gear S3 meets IP68 standards for water resistance and offers military-level durability so consumers can get through their day, regardless of weather conditions. For the first time on the Gear series, the Gear S3 features Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher, more scratch resistant and crisp display.
The 16 million colours full-colour always on display (AOD) and Super AMOLED technology further differentiates the Gear S3 from other smartwatches. The AOD always shows the time rather than automatically fading to black, embodying a sophisticated watch face that mimics the look and feel of luxury analogue watch.
The Gear S3’s signature rotating bezel has been enhanced with new features. Without touching the screen, users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. In addition, by writing on the display, messages will automatically convert to texts. Users can also create short reminders and to-do lists to manage even the most hectic schedules with the Reminders application.
The Gear S3 puts convenience at the flick of the wrist, allowing users to leave their smartphone behind when they don’t need it on-hand. The built-in GPS functionality enables users to accurately monitor their daily fitness activities while the alti/barometer and speedometer allow users to track everything from altitude and atmospheric pressure to sudden changes in weather, distance travelled and speed.
Also, LTE connection is making its Samsung smartwatch debut on the Gear S3 frontier. Additionally, with the built-in speaker, users can activate voice messaging and listen to their favourite tunes. With a battery that lasts up to four days on a single charge, users can enjoy their music, make calls and show off their stylish smartwatch longer.
Now Gear S3 users in selected markets can use their smartwatch to make a purchase almost anywhere they can swipe or tap a card with Samsung Pay for Gear S3. Samsung Pay, with magnetic secure transmission (MST) and near field communication (NFC) support, means users can easily register a credit or debit card and use it to make mobile payments.
The Gear S3 was designed with consumers’ safety in mind. In case of an emergency, users can activate the SOS and location tracking capabilities to alert family, friends and emergency professionals about crisis situations, even when their phone isn’t in-hand.
Consumers can access a diverse range of apps, including fitness, music, news, sports and travel apps, all optimised for the Gear line up of devices including the Gear S2 and the Gear S3. Select apps and watch faces will be available for download directly from the Gear S3 without the need to first download on a smartphone.
