Persistent rumours that Samsung is working on a round-faced smartwatch has been lent further credence by a new report.
According to Sammobile, citing sources familiar with the matter, the device will be called the Gear A, although it’s being developed under the codename ‘Orbis’.
The report suggests earlier rumours that the Orbis would boast a rotating bezel control ring are true, although it doesn’t detail how exactly the feature will be used.
However, earlier rumours suggested it will perform functions like zooming in and out, setting alarms, and moving between apps and menus.
The sources also claim
The Note 5, for reference, is expected to enter the public eye at Berlin’s IFA 2015 tradeshow in September.
The Samsung Gear A was initially rumoured to launch at MWC 2015 earlier this year, but the report claims the release was delayed to get the smartwatch right.
Related: Apple Watch tips and tricks
There’s mounting pressure on Samsung to produce a formidable wearable, following the launch of rival Apple’s first smartwatch.
The Apple Watch was made available to buy on April 24, and has since seen staggering purchase figures that have already eclipse lifetime Android Wear sales.
Round-faced watches are typically received better in the smartwatch space, as seen by the LG G Watch Urbane and the Moto 360, both praised for their design.
The Apple Watch, meanwhile, uses a square face, so a round-faced Gear A could give Samsung the edge over its Cupertino-based adversary.
Would you be keen to buy a round-faced Samsung smartwatch? Let us know in the comments.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
