Every Friday on Current.com.au, the team chooses the most impressive new product from the preceding week to be named our Product of the Week. The main criteria for this award are that the product is saleable and can inject value back into the industry.
Samsung Galaxy Gear.
Can’t be bothered reaching into your pocket or handbag to check your Galaxy smartphone? Why bother? Samsung has brought the best features of a smartphone to the wrist with the Galaxy Gear — a swartwatch that allows users to check messages and emails, make calls and take photos all from the comfort of their own arm.
It’s available in six colours — Rose Gold, Lime Green, Mocha Grey, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige and Jet Black — and is designed to pair with the new Galaxy Note 3 via Bluetooth (other Galaxy devices will gain compatibility in the lead up to Christmas thanks to a firmware update).
Although perhaps a bit chunky for those with small wrists (it’s certainly a bulky step up from this writer’s small analogue watch), it’s still incredibly fun to play with. Swipe across to quickly read messages or take a call, use the phone locating feature to find the companion smartphone or make like a spy and take quick snaps on the 1.9-megapixel camera before pushing them to your phone.
Next, we expect Samsung to come up with the Galaxy Shoe — a convincing Shoe Phone that would make Maxwell Smart proud.
The Galaxy Gear is available now through Samsung’s Experience Stores in Sydney and Melbourne, and will go on general sale for RRP $369 on 3 October.
Editorial responsibility for Product of the Week is taken by Current.com.au editor Patrick Avenell.