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Samsung announces Gear S and Simband at SDC 2014

Two new wearables for developers to get their hands on

Samsung announces Gear S and Simband at SDC 2014

Samsung unveiled not one but two new wearables at the Samsung Developer Conference 2014 in San Francisco.

The Samsung Gear S and Simband will offer users the choice between a general smartwatch experience and a health-focused device, creating greater diversity in smartwatch range.

Gear Standalone

The Gear S is an evolution from the original Galaxy Gear with one crucial difference; it is a standalone product that does not require tethering to a phone.

Beyond that important evolution, the device also boasts a 2” Amoled screen, GPS integration, light sensors and smarter notifications to ensure information is genuinely essential.

It also includes a basic predictive text input mechanism to allow users to respond directly to messages that come from their device without resorting to their phone alone.

Simband

In comparison, the Simband has a clearer focus towards health alone.

Featuring a wealth of sensors capable of monitoring blood pressure and carbon dioxide levels and powered by the company’s SAMI health SDK, the device is aimed at healthcare providers looking to piggyback the wearable revolution.

The new healthfocused Simband

If you want to get your hands on either of them, the Gear S is available now in the US only priced around $380, or through mobile operators on a monthly contract, while developers can apply to get their hands on the SAMI SDK and a Simband via Samsung’s innovation site.

The Gear S also has a strong health element

Staff Writer

George Osborn (no, not that one) has been ensnared by PocketGamer.biz to write words for them on pain of death/in return for money. He works with the events team to produce pitch perfect editorial for Pocket Gamer's ever-expanding events schedule, as well as working on advice features and articles to help game developers make the most of mobile.