The concept of connected objects is fashionable, it has created several niche markets related to sports or health, however, no manufacturer has managed to democratize these devices to the general public. Samsung will it be the first? Response in the test of the Galaxy Gear.
A technological feat
Galaxy Gear connects to a Samsung Galaxy Android device 4.3 or higher (currently, only the Galaxy Note 3, the latest Galaxy Note 10.1 (2014) and soon the Galaxy S4 are compatible, but more and more devices are designed to be compatible when they upgrade to Android 4.3) via Bluetooth 4.0, and it is a kind of second screen for your smartphone / tablet.
Updated: Samsung Galaxy S4 is compatible recently (with the update to Android 4.3 update) and the Galaxy Note 2. It is also possible to install custom ROM, but these methods are dedicated to insiders.
other connected watches the tiny 1.63-inch touchscreen displays your incoming e-mails, text messages, and other notifications.
Galaxy Gear is primarily a technological feat. This little box contains many components:
- Exynos processor clocked at 800 MHz
- Android 4.2.2
- 1.63 inch Super AMOLED 320 x 320 pixels resolution
- 1.9 megapixel camera sensor with BSI sensor (capable of shooting 720p)
- 2 microphones, 1 speaker
- Bluetooth 4.0 (Low Energy)
- Accelerometer, gyroscope
- 4GB storage
- 512 MB RAM
- 315 mAh battery
It looks like a watch …
Because you have purchased a Galaxy Note and Galaxy 3 Gear, you probably expect quality products. Galaxy Gear does not exudes superior quality, such as jewelry or high-end watches. It inspires the same feeling you get with a “sporty” product like Nike, Puma or Adidas. A good finish, among the best in the watch sector connected.
Galaxy Gear has a hard plastic shell with a brushed metal facade, accented by four industrial screws in the corners, plus a glass touch screen. Bracelet welcomes photo sensor located so you can take photos directly from your wrist.
The design is minimalist and rather neat, nevertheless several issues come to the downside. For example, holes visible microphone, power buttons that appear weak and camera sensor embossed on the wrist. Also note that regardless of your choice of color, this watch will never be discreet. It is disabling because it easily attracts the eye and this can be problematic.
Another thing we do not know if it is a minimum resistance to water or (at least) splashing. I have not tried it, but it seems normal that a watch can withstand a few splashes, if you have more answers to give me about this ability, do not hesitate.
microphone was placed on the upper left side of the dial screen, where the speaker is on the metal buckle. Therefore, if I raise my hand to the ear, the watch is able to automatically answer a call and vice versa because of the gyroscope and accelerometer integrated.
What she can do
Once synchronized, it will then be possible to interact with its functionality swipant (receive and make calls while viewing the contacts list), check SMS, view your mails, check the weather and notifications, capture photos and make short videos, direct audio player, access voice memos text and even use ChatOn (instant messaging).
Samsung Galaxy Gear is also intended for athletes with applications such as MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, TripIt, but also other applications such as Banjo to view news social networks, Evernote to capture important moments and view its list of things to do, Find My Phone for her smartphone, Auto Lock to lock and unlock your smartphone remotely and even S Voice … this works thanks to the integrated pedometer.
Samsung Galaxy Gear is packed with pre-installed features. Among the most important include:
- Give the time, date, weather, and his next appointment
- Alarm: Able to be used as an alarm, it vibrates and can radiate sound
- Camera: able to film and take photos
- Telephone: receive incoming calls but make calls, with access to the directory
- Sport: a single function pedometer (steps, distance, energy consumption)
- Notifications: Displays SMS notifications, emails, etc.
- SMS: SMS display, with an opportunity to respond with answers pre-configured
- Voice Memos: Take voice notes with S Note
- Voice Assistant: S Voice can give orders by
- Loss: Find My Device function allows the phone to ring
- Multimedia: Media Controller allows you to manage music on your Android device with simple controls (pause, stop, next, previous, etc..)
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Voice
Regarding the third software package … it is limited in quantity and quality. You will find, for example, eBay, Path, Evernote and RunKeeper, however these are very limited applications that provide access to certain features.
Update: The software package evolves slowly … but it is still far from sufficient
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available applications are not many, it is not found substantially as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Deezer, Spotify or Gmail. In addition, Samsung does not publicly provide the tools to develop its application on Galaxy Gear must – a priori -. Skip an agreement with the Korean giant
applications are available through the Galaxy Gear Manager. Samsung channel and a single owner to distribute these apps. Probably preferred a more “open” approach. For example, a Sony competitor has chosen to fully open ecosystem by allowing any developer to start developing mini apps, and choosing the Google Play to distribute these mini apps.
Another thing, if you want to buy a Galaxy Gear, you will automatically have a smartphone the Samsung Galaxy range Android 4.3 with TouchWiz. It seems that Samsung does not have great ambitions for its shows connected …
feature that I was most blown away rest S-Voice. This voice assistant, although far from the most reliable, can send SMS, take pictures, launch applications … with the voice. Almost like we would have Google Glass, almost.
ATN Manager allows you to configure its notification, it is possible you will be alerted to receive e-mail on Gmail or tweet. However, you can not then access the content via the watch, you will get your Android smartphone. Fault, again, a lack of third-party applications.
Update: Since the last update of the Gear (I did not test for lack of product), it would be able to configure third-party notifications such as Gmail or Twitter.
and her camera sensor?
At first glance, everything suggests that the Galaxy Gear is a watch made for spies with this mini hidden camera above the screen and the plastic melted and the color of the bracelet.
Clearly, this mini camera 1.9 Megapixel go completely unnoticed on a black bracelet, knowing that all components are of the same color. To continue on the technical aspect of this software and BSI Sensor camera, a very simple application lets you capture crisp, clear photos with autofocus, but also videos in high-definition (720p) about 10 seconds .
Take pictures with the Gear … it’s a frustrating experience. Because the camera angle is almost parallel to the screen, you end up lowering your wrist and twisting your neck to see the viewfinder correctly and activate the trigger (anywhere on the screen). If you are not super picky about the composition that you can take, the pictures are quite acceptable.
photos produced are 4:3 (1280 x 960) or 1:1 (1392 x 1392) and videos in 720p format (limited to 10 seconds maximum). The format of the product pictures is rather … unusual. Note that you can configure the watch to automatically transfer photos to your Galaxy smartphone.
Hack!
Galaxy Gear is a technological feat … Moreover, hackers are fun. It is possible to “rooter” and modify the software part to install full Android.
touch screen Gear is surprisingly sensitive. While Candy Crush certainly pushes the touch screen to its limits, with a little practice, it is very controllable.
course, the screen size limits the use, however it works. Live the adventure, if you are a talented and siphoned minimum, at least.
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