Smartwatches from Samsung, LG
Samsung's "Gear Live" and LG's "G Watch" - both powered by Android Wear - are the first devices to adopt the new Google software specifically designed for wearables.
G Watch - LG's first smartwatch - is equipped with Google's voice recognition service and can perform simple tasks including checking email, sending text messages and carrying out an online search at users' voice command.
The two devices cannot make phone calls by themselves but can be connected to many of the latest Android-based smartphones, the South Korean companies said in separate statements.
Samsung and LG are the world's top and fourth-largest smartphone manufacturers, respectively.
A typical smartwatch allows users to make calls, receive texts and e-mails, take photos and access apps.
Pre-orders open
G Watch is available for online pre-order in 12 countries including the United States, France and Japan and will go on sale in 27 more countries including Brazil and Russia by early July.
Gear Live is also available for online pre-order.
The launches come as global handset and software makers step up efforts to diversify from the saturated smartphone sector to wearable devices.
Samsung introduced its Android-based Galaxy Gear smartwatch last year but it was given a lukewarm reception by consumers.
The second edition, Gear II, was unveiled in February, based on Samsung's own Tizen softwear in a move to break free from its reliance on Google's Android platform.
Samsung's arch rival Apple is believed to be set to launch its own smartwatch soon, while Google is moving towards a wide consumer launch of its Google Glass later this year.
Chinese smartphone maker Huawei also unveiled a connected watch called TalkBand.
Global smartwatch sales are expected to grow this year by more than 500% from 1.9m units in 2013, according to the market researcher Strategic Analytics.
Source: AFP via I-Net Bridge
Source: I-Net Bridge
For more than two decades, I-Net Bridge has been one of South Africa’s preferred electronic providers of innovative solutions, data of the highest calibre, reliable platforms and excellent supporting systems. Our products include workstations, web applications and data feeds packaged with in-depth news and powerful analytical tools empowering clients to make meaningful decisions.
We pride ourselves on our wide variety of in-house skills, encompassing multiple platforms and applications. These skills enable us to not only function as a first class facility, but also design, implement and support all our client needs at a level that confirms I-Net Bridge a leader in its field.
Go to: http://www.inet.co.zaRelated
Huawei rides high as wearables market shifts gears 23 Dec 2024 Apple sprints ahead of Garmin in wearables race 10 Dec 2024 Huawei unveils familiar looking Watch GT 5 series 19 Sep 2024 Huawei dominates global wearable market 12 Sep 2024 Google remembers that Fitbit exists, new features coming 14 Aug 2024 Samsung folds, flips and rides the Ring wearable wave with new AI products 11 Jul 2024
