Samsung unveils Galaxy Gear 2, Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smartwatches

 

 

Samsung jumped the gun on Mobile World Congress by announcing the Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo smartwatches

Getting out ahead of Monday's expected Galaxy S5 announcement, Samsung came out of the gates at Mobile World Congress with the reveal of the company's latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo.

If you were expecting a major cosmetic makeover or a long list of new features in the new Gears, you're probably going to be a little disappointed. As you can see above, the new watches retain the same general design scheme as the original Gear. The biggest difference is on the inside: the new Gears ditch Android for Samsung's own Tizen OS. Apparently Tizen is friendly with long battery life, as the new Gears are now estimated to last two to three days, with typical use (the original lasted about a day).

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are nearly identical, save for the lack of a camera on the Neo, which also helps to make the Neo 19 percent lighter than its camera-laden counterpart. That camera also got an update, as it's now living on the watch's main body, rather than on its strap (as it was in the original Gear).

Both wearable devices have some health tracking apps thrown in, including a heart rate sensor, pedometer, and downloadable sleep and stress tracking apps.

No word yet from Samsung on pricing, but we do know that the new Gears are going to roll out worldwide starting in April. Will that be later than the Galaxy S5? Check back on Monday, as we're sure to find out.

Source: Samsung