Samsung confirms smartwatch reveal on Sep 4

The "Galaxy Gear" smartwatch will make its debut at Samsung's Berlin "Unpacked" event

Samsung is so excited about its smartwatch that it just can’t stop confirming its existence. Lee Young-hee, Samsung’s EVP of mobile, spoke with the Korea Times and confirmed that the smartwatch, dubbed “Galaxy Gear,” will indeed be unveiled at its September 4 event in Berlin, just ahead of the IFA consumer electronics fair.

Now for the bad news: the smartwatch will not come with a flexible display.

“The Gear won’t have a flexible display. The new device will enhance and enrich the current smart mobile experience in many ways. It will lead a new trend in smart mobile communications,” said Lee.

But not to worry: Lee said Samsung has patents related to the “next wearable devices,” so there will be better products down the line. Phew.

Earlier rumors suggested that Galaxy Gear would indeed have a flexible display. One patent filing describes a “body made of flexible displays and elastic materials that can be used while wrapped around a wrist or flattened out.”

Lee also said that the device will be marketed mainly to “young trend setters.”

Her description of the smartwatch as a device that will “enhance and enrich the current smart mobile experience” suggests that Galaxy Gear will not be a standalone product, but will instead be a paired device.

A July trademark filing on “Galaxy Gear” describes "wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages." Which sounds more or less like what you’d expect from a smartwatch.

A report from GigaOm earlier this month noted that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch will have a 2.5-inch OLED display, and will be powered by a dual core processor. The report also said that the smartwatch will have a camera embedded in the strap and will have a built-in accelerometer that will wake the watch when it’s moved upward toward the face.

Lee also confirmed in her interview with Korea Times that Samsung will also be unveiling its Galaxy Note III at the Berlin event, as many expected. She declined to comment further on the phablet, however.

While Samsung’s “Unpacked” event will be held in Berlin next Wednesday, it will be broadcast live in New York City’s Times Square and will be livestreamed on YouTube. Rumor also has it that there will be a pop-up store in Times Square where Samsung will sell the smartwatches. 

Image source: mobot.net