Samsung launches Gear 2 and Gear Neo 2: Android out, Tizen OS in

New Delhi: Samsung has launched its brand new Gear smartwatches: the Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo, just ahead of its Unpacked event at the Mobile World Congress where it is expected to announce its flagship phone, the Galaxy S5.Interestingly, these new wearable gadgets do not run Android, and they powered by Tizen, the Linux based operating system developed under the leadership of Samsung and Intel. The Gear 2 is one of the first commercially available Tizen devices. Further, the two smartwatches no longer carry the Galaxy name, although Samsung maintains these new smartwatches will support over a dozen Galaxy handsets at launch. “The Galaxy Gear 2 and Galaxy Gear 2 Neo are essential companion devices, allowing you to accept or ignore incoming calls and messages, and providing notification options based on your activity and habits. Both act as an extension of your daily life, giving you more control with a range of standalone features. For example, you can control the other electronic products in your home, such as your TV and set-top box, through a WatchON Remote application with an embedded IrLED sensor. Plus, the addition of a standalone music player with Bluetooth headset means that even if you leave your smartphone at home, you can still enjoy your music when you are out and about,” Samsung said in a press note. The overall design and finish of these smartwatches comes with slight modifications and are now slimmer than their predecessor. The camera has been moved, however, and now sits just above the display (previously, it was on the strap). Both feature standalone music players and support for Bluetooth 4.0, but only the Gear 2 has a camera.The smartwatches have most of what made the Galaxy Gear good. In addition, Samsung has added in things like a heart rate monitor and tons of exercise modes. Both smartwatches let you answer calls, read messages and check notifications from certain applications.Just like the Galaxy Gear, the Gear 2 also sports a 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display(320 X 320p), and is powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor and 512MB RAM. It comes with 4GB of internal storage and features Accelerometer, Gyroscope and heart rate sensors. The Galaxy Gear did not have a heart rate sensor. It also features an IrLED port allowing it to be used as a universal remote control. While the Gear 2 offers a 2MP camera, the Gear 2 Neo does not come with a camera. The Gear 2 Neo is made of plastic while the Gear 2 has a metal face.Both of the variants of the Gear 2 are IP67 certified water and dust resistant.The Gear 2 will be available in Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange colours while the Gear 2 Neo will be available in Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange colours. The Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will be available worldwide from April. Samsung has yet to confirm prices, however, although the Gear 2 Neo is expected to retail for quite a bit less than the Gear 2.Complete Specifications:Display1.63” Super AMOLED (320 x 320)AP 1.0 GHz Dual Core ProcessorOSTizen based wearable platformCameraGear 2 : 2.0 Megapixel Auto Focus (1920x1080, 1080x1080, 1280x960)Gear 2 Neo : N/AVideoCodec: H.264, H.263Format: 3GP, MP4HD(720p, @30fps) Playback & RecordingAudioCodec: MP3/AAC/AMR/VorbisFormat: MP3, M4A, AAC, OGGCameraAuto Focus Camera, Sound & Shot, Location Tags, Signature Additional features1. Heart Rate sensor2. Pedometer3. ExerciseStandalone Modes: Running, Walking Companion Modes: Cycling, Hiking4. Sleep & Stress (Downloadable)Music Player with Bluetooth® Headset and SpeakerWatchON Remote: Remote Controller via IrLED SensorBasic Features:- Bluetooth Call, Camera, Notification(SMS, E-mail, Apps)Media Controller, Schedule, Smart Relay, S Voice, Stopwatch, Timer, WeatherMore Features(Downloadable):- Calculator, ChatON, Flashlight, Quick Settings, Voice MemoChangeable StrapColour Options:- Gear 2 : Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange- Gear 2 Neo : Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild OrangeIP67 Certified Dust and Water Resistant, Noise CancellationFeatured AppBanjo, BMW, CNN , Conde Nast, Expedia, eBay, Evernote, Feedly, GARMIN, Glympse,GM (Onstar 4GLTE), iControl, Line, Path, Paypal, RUNTASTIC, Volkswagen, Weather Channel, Under Armour(Map my fitness)Samsung ServicesSamsung AppsConnectivityBluetooth® v4.0 LE, IrLEDSensorAccelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart RateMemory*RAM: 512MBStorage: 4GB Internal Memory* Memory options may be varied by product model or available regionsDimensionGear 2 : 36.9 x 58.4x 10.0 mm, 68gGear 2 Neo : 37.9 x 58.8 x 10.0mm, 55gBatteryStandard Battery, Li-ion 300mAhTypical Usage 2~3 days, Low Usage up to 6 days