Samsung's first attempt of a SmartWatch, the Galaxy Gear, will be compatible with more devices aside from the Galaxy Note III. This isn't news actually because Samsung announced this back when they were introducing the Gear, Note III, and the Note 10.1 (2014) but anyway, since Samsung posted a presser about it probably because a lot of reports said that the Gear will not be compatible with other Galaxy devices. Samsung on their presser, said that the Galaxy Gear support will come with the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update to other Galaxy devices.
That includes the Galaxy S IV (which has started receiving the said update in Germany), Galaxy S III, and the Note III. Other devices like the Galaxy S IV Mini, S IV Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and the S IV Zoom will be getting a separate update which will enable these devices to be compatible with the Galaxy Gear.
Press Release:
Samsung Extends Galaxy Gear Compatibility to Galaxy S III, S4, Note II, and More
Samsung provides more users with enhanced flexibility and freedom via extended Galaxy Gear compatibility
Galaxy Gear will be available for use with Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II through the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. The update came first to Galaxy S4 devices in Germany in October. Samsung will also extend Galaxy Gear compatibility to other GALAXY devices – including Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and S4 zoom – through a separate software update beginning at the end of October. Software update schedules for each device will vary by country and carrier.
“Extending Galaxy Gear compatibility to more Galaxy devices reflects our deep commitment to continuing to deliver enriched mobile experiences to our consumers,” said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile division, Samsung Electronics. “Through a significant effort to enhance and enrich the Galaxy experience, Samsung continues to empower our users in their mobile lives and enable smart freedom with Galaxy Gear.”
Samsung Galaxy Gear
Galaxy Gear will enable Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II users to make and answer calls and view incoming messages and notifications with just a glance. For a closer look at more important messages, users can simply pick up their master device and the Smart Relay feature instantly reveals the full content. Users can also find major social apps on Samsung Apps to maintain connections to their social networks via Galaxy Gear.
With a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users can snap a visual memo by simply tapping Galaxy Gear’s screen. Photos are then easily and automatically saved in the master device’s gallery. Users can enjoy a built-in Pedometer app and use Galaxy Gear to control the music played on their master devices. Of course the device also functions like a watch, with the option to change the face with 10 different clock options and even more options available via Samsung Apps.
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) ＊＊Update schedule and features may differ by country and carrier.
Samsung Galaxy S4, S III, and Note II will get the Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean) update. For Galaxy S III and Note II, new capabilities provide easier text input, and updated graphics and multimedia, as well as new updates to Samsung features and applications, including:
• Smsung KNOX＊, a secure and comprehensive mobile solution for enterprises and consumers. (＊Galaxy S III 3G
version will get Samsung KNOX with a platform security only in select countries.)
• Smart Switch to seamlessly transfer content from other smartphones to Samsung devices
• HomeSync to store, share and enjoy content securely wherever you are
• Group Play 2.5 with shared video support
