Following Samsung's announcement of its new Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo smartwatches over the weekend, most folks figured that that'd be the last time we heard about anything Gear-branded at MWC 2014. However, it turns out that Samsung actually had one more Gear wearable up its sleeve on its wrist for today's Unpacked 2014 Episode 1 shindig.
Known as the Samsung Gear Fit, this new wearable is a fitness-focused device that also happens to serve up notifications when paired with a Galaxy smartphone. It does so using a 1.84-inch 432x128 Curved Super AMOLED display, which Samsung claims is the first such screen on a wearable device. The Gear Fit is also IP67 rated for resistant to dust and water and includes a 210mAh battery that's estimated to last three to four days with typical usage.
When it comes time to get your sweat on, the Gear Fit features a pedometer, heart rate monitor and more to help keep track of your exercise stats. And once you're done working out and are ready to relax, the Fit can also act as a media controller. When paired with a Galaxy smartphone, the Gear Fit can serve up notifications for things like calls, SMS, email, S Planner and third-party apps.
Samsung says that the Tizen-powered Gear Fit will roll out to stores around the globe starting in April. One other detail about the Fit that's worth noting is that is features a changeable strap, meaning that owners will be able to swap their existing band for another one that may better fit their mood. The straps will be available in Black, Orange and Mocha Grey hues.
There's definitely no shortage of fitness trackers on the market, but not all of them are also capable of serving up notifications from your phone as well. That feature could help Samsung's Gear Fit stand out in an increasingly-crowded market. Of course, we still don't know how much the Gear Fit will cost, and that's one aspect of the device that could easily help make it or break it. With a launch slated for a little over a month from now, hopefully Samsung will spill its pricing beans for the Gear Fit soon.
Does Samsung's Gear Fit pique your interest? Or would you prefer your wearable to be a bit more like a traditional, Gear 2-like smartwatch?
Via Samsung
