The next generation Samsung Gear smartwatch will have a round face, the company practically confirmed in a press release on Thursday.
Samsung’s media materials (via Android Central), relating to the release of a new SDK, show renders of round watch faces featuring a number of popular apps.
The SDK for the Samsung Gear Ecosystem encourages folks to “get ready for the next gear.”
The decision to look at a round smartwatch has been rumoured for months now, following a distinct lack of success with other square models.
According to recent reports, the smartwatch codenamed Orbis will have a rotating bezel, allowing wearers to control the device in much the same way Apple Watch users are able to navigate using the digital crown.
Android Wear rivals like LG, with the G Watch Urbane and Motorola with the Moto 360 have won acclaim for the design, if not the functionality and battery life, of their round-faced smartwatches.
Samsung’s new range of Gear devices could arrive at the IFA tech show in September, as have previous generation devices.
Given the company has already pushed out the SDK for the new round-faced wearable, we can’t imagine it’ll be too long before Samsung outs its new wrist companion.
Read more: Samsung Gear S review
The next question is whether Samsung will give Android Wear another shot? Or will the next Gear will carry Samsung’s own Tizen operating system?
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Editorial independence
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.