Starting today, Galaxy Watch4 users will also be able to download Google Assistant² on their devices, gaining access to fast, more natural voice interactions, quick answers to questions and on-the-go help. With access to both Bixby and Google Assistant, consumers will have more advanced voice assistant functionality right from their wrists.

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​¹ Availability of the services may vary by market.

² Google Assistant will be available in 10 markets, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, The UK and USA. It will, also, support 12 languages, which include Danish, English (American, Canadian, United Kingdom, Australian, Irish), Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French (Canadian, France) and Taiwanese.

As part of this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), Samsung Electronics is hosting a virtual Samsung Galaxy session on June 28. At the event, Samsung will be showcasing how the Galaxy ecosystem of connected devices is set to provide people with even greater possibilities for enriching their lifestyles.

Samsung will also be unveiling its vision for the future of smartwatches at the event with new opportunities for both developers and users designed to deliver a new era of smartwatch experiences. Furthermore, understanding how device security has never been more important than it is nowadays, the company will be sharing its latest security enhancements and innovations designed to give users protection and peace of mind in an open and connected world.

The Event will be available at Samsung Newsroom, Samsung YouTube at 7:15 pm CET.

Packed with enhancements that augment the device’s utility and streamline users’ access to the information they rely on, the update transforms the Gear S3 into a controller, a tracker, a communicator and, of course, a watch – all in one device.

Workouts, Your Way

Exercising with the Gear S3 has been completely transformed, thanks to new features designed to make activity tracking more intuitive.*

Advanced, real-time heart rate monitoring with improved accuracy and detailed feedback lets users continuously monitor their heart rate activity – whether they’re enjoying a relaxing yoga session or an exhilarating kickboxing class. They can also control their weight more efficiently via the nutrition management feature, where they can easily add calories consumed, check their calorie balance and compare it to their daily target.

Fitness buffs looking to take their workout routine to the next level will appreciate the Samsung Health Fitness Program feature, which lets them watch exercise programs from their synced smartphone on a TV. Once connected, they can use their Gear S3 to control the displayed content, display their heart rates on the TV.

Centralized Communications, Right from Your Wrist

Despite its productivity and fitness features, the Gear S3 is not just a lifestyle device. In fact, it’s a communicator that makes getting in touch and staying on task easy and efficient.

In addition to searching contacts via the device, users can also now create new contacts right from the screen of the Gear S3. They can also create events along with related information such as date and time, reminder alerts, and location (text only) with a few simple taps and twists of the bezel.

Furthermore, rather than just checking reminders created on the Gear S3, users can also now view and edit checklist, video and web reminders created on their synced smartphone on the smartwatch. For instance, they can create a grocery list on their mobile device and tick items off right from their wrist as they add them to their shopping cart.**

A UX Optimized for the Way You Use Your Device

The Gear S3 sets users free from their phone; a turn of the device’s signature rotating bezel is all it takes to respond to calls, read messages or access an app. But with the latest updates, the device’s UX is even more seamless and user-friendly.

Widgets, for example, have been optimized to fit the newly enhanced circular display of the Gear S3 so that more information can be viewed at a glance. A band has been added around the perimeter of the screen along with widget-specific text such as contact names, detailed weather information and the remaining time before an alarm is set to go off.

By rotating the bezel at a faster or slower rate, users can view more or less information, respectively. For instance, if a user wants to change their device’s watch face, they can see more design options on the screen at once by turning the bezel at a faster speed.

Users can also use the bezel to naturally move from a text message notification to the reply input. Should they not have enough time to send a detailed reply, they can make use of even more default quick replies to express themselves in a snap. They can also create and edit their own quick replies directly on the smartwatch.

Gear S3 owners also now have the option to sort apps in the order in which they were most recently used in addition to being able to customize their location. The Moment Bar, which allows users to adjust the volume, check the battery level and more, is easily accessed with a swipe up or down from any screen.

To top things off, Samsung Gear, the app that Gear S3 owners use to sync their smartwatch with their smartphone, has been enhanced with a modern, image-focused design to better harmonize with the classic aesthetic of the device.

Enhanced Control for Ultimate Connectivity

With a focus on connectivity, Samsung’s ever-growing connected ecosystem brings about the need for more control. With its large touchscreen and rotating bezel, the Gear S3 is the perfect tool for controlling one’s devices, and is only enhanced with the new value pack update.

Users can now manage their compatible Samsung IoT-enabled devices right from their Gear S3 with Samsung Connect. The smartwatch also functions as a remote control for PowerPoint presentations and Samsung Gear VR, adding an element of convenience to both work and play.

The Gear S3 value pack update is now available for download via the Samsung Gear app.

* To activate these new features, the Samsung Health app must first be updated on the smartphone synced to the Gear S3.

** The Reminder function only works with the Gear S3 if the Reminder app is downloaded on the synced smartphone, which is limited to the Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+ and Galaxy Note8.

Here, two of the minds behind the Gear Sport’s design, Product Planner Sungjin Kim and UX Designer Hayeong Jeong, discuss Samsung’s efforts to design a sports watch that’s in a league of its own.

Q. Who was the Gear Sport designed for?

Kim: Our chief priority when designing the Gear Sport was to introduce a smartwatch that featured new, easy-to-use functions that allowed users to go ‘beyond fitness’.

Conventional sports watches tend to be huge and heavy, and designed mainly for those who are interested in pushing their bodies to the limit to reach peak condition. We’ve tailored the Gear Sport to those who want to work out and stay in shape, but aren’t necessarily interested in becoming a pro athlete.

The result is a smartwatch that’s sleek, comfortable and great for everyday wear, and packed with features that empower users to get the most out of a workout whenever they wish. We set out to design a device that struck a fine balance between stylish design and powerful, fitness-focused function, and we’ve been delighted to hear that the result of our efforts has gotten great feedback from users.

Q. What are some of the ways that the Gear Sport streamlines exercise?

Kim: The Gear Sport features built-in GPS and an advanced, continuous heart-rate sensor, and is one of the first Samsung wearables (along with the Gear Fit2 Pro) to boast 5 ATM (50-meter) water resistance.

This level of water resistance means that the smartwatch is built to not only stand up to rain and the odd splash, but also dips in the pool. In fact, the Gear Sport’s support for swim-tracking app Speedo On makes it the ideal companion for any swim.

The device is packed with powerful fitness-tracking software, including a built-in “pace-setter” feature that makes it excellent for managing runs, as well as automatic activity detection. And by seamlessly syncing with Samsung Health, and allowing users to easily log their calorie intake directly into their smartwatch, the Gear Sport also offers tools to help users keep better track of their eating habits and ultimately achieve their weight goals.

The smartwatch is also great for home training. Its Samsung Health integration allows you to easily access an expanded collection of fun fitness classes from third-party content providers that may be streamed to your Samsung TV using your Samsung smartphone’s Smart View function, while its continuous heart-rate tracking allows you to monitor your performance on your screen in real-time during your workout.

Q. The Gear Sport also introduces a new, square form to the Samsung smartwatch lineup. What inspired this adjustment?

Kim: We chose to equip the Gear Sport with a case that combines the Gear line’s signature bezel with a slightly square body not only because it created a unique way to differentiate the device from our other offerings, but also because it allowed us to incorporate a large, 300 mAh battery.

The contours of the case make the Gear Sport quite comfortable to wear, and add a nice, elegant touch to the device’s overall aesthetic.

Q. How have you enhanced the Gear Sport’s familiar, circular UX?

Jeong: Our wearables’ signature UX makes accessing their functions simple and intuitive. When we set about designing the Gear Sport, we prioritized finding useful ways to enhance the circular UX, and make best use of the versatile bezel.

For example, sending a completed text with the interface used to require a tap of the screen. Now, a slight twist of the bezel will automatically pull up a prompt to send your text. We’ve also optimized the bezel to make tasks like changing a watch face more seamless and convenient. So if you rotate the Gear Sport’s bezel quickly after pulling up the watch face selection screen, now, you’ll be able to instantly view more options.

The Gear Sport’s UX enhancements make it easy for users to view more watch faces at a glance (top row), and allow more apps and information to be presented clearly on the device’s circular display (bottom row).

Other adjustments include the new app shortcut widget, which displays your most recently accessed apps, and the streamlined Quick Panel, which may now be accessed from any screen, rather than solely via the watch face. The optimizations we’ve made are the results of incorporating user feedback, and make it easy for users to access key functions and find the information they need at a glance.

We’re constantly looking for new, innovative ways to optimize UX – not only for the Gear Sport, but for each of our wearable devices.

Q. The Gear Sport’s highly customizable design adds another fun layer of versatility. Is this something that was prioritized from an early stage?

Jeong: Absolutely. Our aim with the Gear Sport was to present a sports watch with a truly versatile design.

The watch comes in two colors, black and blue, and features 13 preinstalled watch faces. The colors of those watch faces may be customized to create a wide array of unique designs, which may also be paired with 23 available straps, yielding a total of more than 3,600 distinct variations.

On top of that, there are tens of thousands more watch faces available to download in the Galaxy Apps store, and we also offer a Gear Watch Designer tool, which makes it easy for users to create and share high-quality watch faces of their own design.

Q. Were there any other fun features that you were able to incorporate into the Gear Sport’s design?

Kim: Because smartwatch users tend to be tech savvy, and IoT-interactions are becoming more ubiquitous in our lives, when designing the Gear Sport, we prioritized optimizing the device for inter-device connectivity.

This ultimately led us to develop cool functions that allow users to use the Gear Sport to streamline how they do things like manage PowerPoint presentations, navigate VR interfaces,* and pay for goods on the go.

*Using Samsung’s Gear VR headset

The Speedo On tracking app measures key swim metrics including lap count, lap time and stroke type to easily track and incorporate swim achievements into personal fitness goals. Paired with the two new devices, consumers have options for what works best to complement their activity needs in the water; Gear Sport is a sleek and stylish smartwatch with premium features while the Gear Fit2 Pro is an all-new ergonomic fitness band with continuous heart rate monitoring and GPS tracking. The data from Speedo On is also compatible with Samsung Health, Samsung’s comprehensive fitness tracking platform, to deliver a broader picture of health and wellness information.

The new Samsung Gear Fit2 Pro features the Speedo On swim tracking app pre-installed, which is powered by Speedo’s expertly developed algorithm for optimum accuracy and seamless data transfer into the Speedo On web-based platform. Developed for data-driven fitness swimmers, the interactive swim tracking platform acts as a comprehensive training partner. It offers analysis of your swims and tracks your progress against your fitness goals, along with additional training programs, tips and advice tailored to you – developed by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes. Speedo On, also gives swimming a social dimension, allowing you to follow other swimmers, take part in challenges and share achievements. On both the Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro the Speedo On app enables swimmers to complete time trials and get their SWOLF score (a swim efficiency measure).

“Our Gear customers have been looking for more water-resistant products, and now with the Speedo partnership and the Gear Sport and Gear Fit2 Pro, we are delivering the best experience to meet their demands,” said Kiseon Kim, Vice President of Wearable Product Strategy Team at Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “As we look to meet the changing needs of consumers and their desire to track a range of activities and wellness factors – we are excited to bring these unique capabilities to consumers who love being in the water.”

“Speedo is committed to inspiring more people to get into the pool to achieve their fitness goals. Our collaboration with Samsung is the first of its kind and brings the very best of Samsung’s technological innovation together with Speedo’s swim expertise to provide fitness-focused swimmers with a completely new level of tracking,” said Rob Hicking, Brand Director at Speedo International. “We look forward to seeing what we can achieve together in the pool.”

About Speedo®

The world’s leading swimwear brand, Speedo is passionate about life in and around the water, creating revolutionary new technologies, designs and innovations and supporting swimming from grass-roots through to elite level.  In the 1920s Speedo made history with the Racerback: the world’s first non-wool suit. In 2008 Speedo redefined swimwear again with Fastskin LZR RACER – the fastest and most technologically advanced swimsuit ever created. In 2015, Speedo launched the Fastskin LZR Racer X, the first suit engineered to help swimmers feel their fastest. Its development was made possible through analyses of the physical and psychological aspects of competitive swimming with over 330 elite swimmers.  Speedo is owned by Speedo Holdings B.V and distributed in over 170 countries around the world; to find out more visit: www.speedo.com. SPEEDO, the ARROW device, FASTSKIN, AQUALAB, RACING SYSTEM, BIOFUSE, SPEEDO ENDURANCE, SCULPTURE and LZR RACER are registered trademarks of Speedo Holdings B.V. The LZR RACER suit has worldwide design rights and patents. The FASTSKIN³ cap, goggle and suit have worldwide design rights and patents pending. Speedo On is available on Android, iOS and web https://on.speedo.com.

About Speedo On

Speedo On is the new swim training platform from Speedo. Designed to improve the swimming experience and get more people swimming, more often. Users will be able to enjoy personalized recommendations to keep them on track towards their goals, motivated to carry on, and focusing on the best ways for them, personally, to be at their best.

Users will be able to:

• Set personal goals
• Share achievements with other swimmers
• Track their swims
• Analyze their swim fitness metrics
• Access workouts and training plans created by some of the world’s best coaches and athletes
• Consume content relevant to their personal goals and swimming performance
• Take part in challenges

The response, quite simply, was overwhelming.

The panel of judges – which included world-renowned watch designer Yvan Arpa, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams and Ariel Vardi, Co-founder of Little Labs, the team behind Facer – combed through over 2,000 submissions that encompassed a wide range of aesthetics, from more traditional designs to incredibly creative and even outlandish entries.

Each was evaluated based on its quality, creativity and innovative use of the smartwatch platform. After much deliberation, the judges narrowed the list down to these five finalists:

• MbM-Aileron 2 Gold by John Morga
• Muro by JC Dalisay
• Green Army by Jimmy Cheung
• Black Revolutions by HarpoCrate
• HUD by TIKTOK

And now, Samsung is pleased to announce that the Gear S3 watchface design contest’s grand prize-winning entry is: MbM–Aileron 2 Gold, by John Morga! John’s aviation-inspired entry garnered the most votes in the final round, and was also the only design to be universally nominated by each of the judges in the contest’s early stages.

For winning, John Morga will receive cash rewards, as well as the array of prizes awarded to each finalist. These include:

• A Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch
• Design featured on aBlogtoWatch.com, as well as on the Facer platform and Samsung’s social media channels
• Design turned into a functional watchface, available to hundreds of thousands of smartwatch users on the Facer platform
• Enrollment in Facer’s Premium Designer Program, which includes royalties on revenue generated by their designs

Samsung would like to thank all those who participated in the contest and congratulate each of the finalists. Winning designs will be available to download soon via the Galaxy Apps store.

New custom watch straps, additional color variations of Gear S3, and exciting concept designs will be on display, in addition to the Gear smartwatch line with a focus on Samsung’s recently launched Gear S3. Inspired by the art of watchmaking, the Gear S3 combines the meticulous details and premium design elements found on a traditional watch with the smart technology innovations demanded in a smartwatch. The user benefits match the quality design – from water resistance and military-level durability, to a built-in speaker for calls, voice messaging and music streaming and standalone GPS to track fitness activities. The Gear S3 is designed to complement any watch collection and draws from the luxury timepieces on display at Baselworld.

“We understand that a watch is more than just a time keeper, it caters to personal style and interests. The Gear S3 takes convenience, style and innovation to the next level, while retaining a commitment to quality craftsmanship,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “The Gear S3 is more than just a smartwatch, it is a beautifully designed watch that puts a timeless spin on the smartwatch category, crafted for both watch aficionados and tech enthusiasts.”

Switzerland-based luxury watch designer, Yvan Arpa, will join Samsung at Baselworld to showcase three concept watches based on the Gear S3. The three concepts include a watch which may look like the Gear S3 at first glance, but is a traditional watch with Swiss-made movement and detail; an updated take on the Gear S3, taking premium finishes up a notch; and finally, a hybrid pocket concept watch version of the Gear S3. The partnership is a testament to Samsung’s ongoing focus to push traditional boundaries and deliver meaningful innovations.

“Samsung’s presence at Baselworld demonstrates the evolving world of technology and horology,” said watch designer, Yvan Arpa who was involved in the original design process of the Samsung Gear S3. “Samsung is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship in all of its products to reflect the heritage and evolution of the watch industry.”

In connection with Samsung’s presence at Baselworld, the company will also start rolling out a Value Pack during Baselworld 2017 for Gear S2 and Gear S3 customers. The update delivers even more content and lets users get more done with partner apps from top brands including Spotify and NEST. In addition, the update improves features like the Alti/Barometer, Reminder capabilities, and S Health.

Since Samsung premiered its first wearable device with the Galaxy Gear smartwatch in 2013, it has upheld its leadership position in the wearable space and continues to push boundaries by expanding its portfolio of diverse and innovative solutions that bring technology, services and convenience together. Samsung also offers various watch faces and straps for the Gear S2 and Gear S3, providing users with easy and stylish ways to customize their smartwatches for any lifestyle or daily activities.

As the world of technology and watches continues to evolve, Samsung will hold a press conference on March, 23, 2017. Located at the Samsung booth, it will feature Samsung Mobile’s Executive Vice President Younghee Lee, along with industrial designer Arik Levy and acclaimed watch designer and Gear S3 collaborator, Yvan Arpa.

Samsung with renowned watch designer, Yvan Arpa, displayed three concept watches based on the Gear S3 at Baselword 2017.

This concept has the aesthetic of the Gear S3, but features a Swiss-made movement and detail.

This concept is an updated approach to the Gear S3, with the same innovative technology and a fresh take on the design of the bezel and shape.

This concept, a hybrid pocket watch, really blends the world of traditional timepieces with today’s leading smartwatch technology.

(From left) A hybrid pocket watch, a watch that resembles the Gear S3 but features a Swiss-made movement, updated takes on the Gear S3 with new designs and finishes, and another Gear S3 featuring a Swiss-made movement.

New color variations of the smartwatch that also showcase new materials and finishes.

Built for the Great Outdoors

While well-fitting boots, goggles and a stylish jacket are all important components of slope wear, the Gear S3 is the ideal addition to one’s gear.

The Gear S3 Frontier, in particular, was made for the outdoors and adds a touch of sophistication to an otherwise sporty look.  But it doesn’t just look good. With military-level durability and IP68 water and dust resistance, it is also able to stand up to low temperatures, strong winds and even snow, should you happen to take a few spills.

Ultimate Functionality, Right from Your Wrist

The Gear S3 makes it easy to check the weather, even before walking outside. Detailed weather information including the current conditions and temperature, daily highs and lows, rainfall probability and UV index are available at a glance, right from your wrist.

Once on the slopes, you don’t even have to take off your gloves to check the altitude and air pressure. Simply rotate the bezel to navigate between widgets.

Thanks to its embedded sensors, the Gear S3 can accurately measure these conditions, and track changes over the previous six hours. This information is especially useful in the case that the weather becomes inclement, and can help you adjust your plans as needed.

As exhilarating and exciting as skiing can be, it’s sometimes necessary to stay connected. Fortunately, with the Gear S3, you can take calls, check messages and send quick replies with a twist of the bezel, without ever taking your smartphone out of your pocket. The Gear S3 LTE model, meanwhile, will allow you to connect even without your smartphone, so you can leave it back at the ski lodge.

Safety Features You Can Count On

Getting caught in bad weather is a big concern for winter sportsmen and women. The Gear S3 is equipped with an SOS feature that can be used in the case of a snowstorm or other emergency.

All it takes to activate the feature is a triple push of the button on the bottom right corner of the smartwatch. Once an SOS is triggered, the Gear S3 sends a call to your pre-programmed contact. Location tracking functionality then lets responders pinpoint your position in real time.

Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding or just along for the ride, enjoy winter sports with the Gear S3!

Samsung has launched several digital campaigns to showcase the unique experiences of Gear S3 users around the world, demonstrating the smartwatch’s innovative design and technology in both everyday settings and life-changing terrains.

Watch the videos below to see the exciting places and moments people have experienced with the Gear S3.

Extreme Unboxing in the Andes

As part of its Extreme Unboxing campaign for the Gear S3, Samsung Brazil followed Brazilian journalist Pedro Andrade and actress Mel Fronckowiak on a three-day journey to Macchu Picchu, Peru. Set against a background of magnificent mountains towering 4,600 meters high, the film shows how the Gear S3 endures through challenging terrains while guiding the adventurers with its resourceful features such as its alti-barometer, GPS and heart rate sensor. It’s easy to see why the Gear S3 is the perfect partner for explorers.

Combining Style with Technology

In France, Samsung introduced the many ways the Gear S3 can be customized for your own individual style with a video that shows more than 30 styles in less than a minute. With a wide range of interchangeable wristband options and faces, coordinating your smartwatch with any type of look is effortless. Whether wearing a suit, streetwear or even ski wear, you can match your Gear S3 to any outfit and still have access to its incredible features.

Free to Do What You Want

For a more personal perspective, British actor and singer Raleigh Ritchie illustrates where a day with the Gear S3 can lead you. Raleigh shows how Samsung’s latest smartwatch enhances all aspects of one’s life—fitness, career, and social interactions—to keep users on track and in style. See how the Gear S3’s S Health features, standalone music player and messaging functions enable you to be free to do and get what you want.

From Macchu Picchu right to the comfort of your own home, the Gear S3 goes wherever you go, demonstrating its true versatility. It’s functional for both everyday activities and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, but sleek and modern enough for even style enthusiasts to enjoy.

* The videos included in this article were created for marketing purposes.

While wearable payments are just beginning to gain recognition among the masses, many industry experts believe that wearables will match smartphones as a strong payment modality within the next few years, thanks to their convenience in on-the-go situations.

Samsung has been at the forefront of this trend and has now made making mobile payments by wearable even more convenient through its inclusion, in select countries, of Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 smartwatch. Thanks to the Gear S3’s Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) support, consumers may now utilize Samsung Pay, the company’s simple and secure service that can be used virtually anywhere, to make purchases without a smartphone.

Tapping Into Solutions

While making a Samsung Pay transaction is fast and easy, developing the technology to make it work was not.

To incorporate MST technology on a wearable for the first time, developers had to find a way to embed both MST and NFC antennas in the Gear S3’s small body, which proved to be a challenge on early prototypes. Furthermore, developers also had to ensure that the smartwatch’s battery was powerful enough to drive the service. After much trial and error, they finally found the optimal design.

In regards to usability, the hardware team wanted to ensure that Samsung Pay could be used intuitively on the Gear S3. But the sheer number of existing POS styles, combined with fact that each user has a different way of positioning the smartwatch on the terminal, made arranging the internal hardware components a big challenge.

After spending countless hours collecting data at various shops, the team was eventually able to create a design that enabled the Gear S3 to connect to the terminal regardless of the angle in which the user positions the smartwatch. Nevertheless, some sales clerks are still surprised to see the technology in use.

“I was recently purchasing a soft drink at LAX,” Shankar Narayan, Senior Manager, Samsung Electronics’ Payment Biz Group, begins his story. “After the cashier told me the price, I activated Samsung Pay on my Gear S3 and tapped it on the credit card terminal.”

“‘What are you doing!?’ the cashier enquired surprisingly. By the time he finished his sentence, the receipt was already printing.”

Simple and Easy to Use

To start using the service, users must first download Samsung Pay, which is accessible via the Gear Manager app, onto their Gear S3 and set up the companion app on their mobile device. Once a user registers their cards on their Gear S3, they will no longer require their smartphone to make payments. The user simply needs to long press the side button, enter their PIN, select the card they wish to use and tap the device on any point-of-sale (POS) terminal.

“Samsung Pay is known for being easy to use on a smartphone because of its swipe feature,” notes Jungyouel Bang, Senior Engineer, Samsung Electronics’ Wearable H/W R&D Group. “We wanted to replicate that simplicity on the Gear S3, so we added a button specifically for the pay service.”

Another benefit of Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 is that the service is compatible not only with Samsung devices, but other Android-running smartphones as well*.

Safe and Secure

One of the biggest concerns consumers have when it comes to making mobile payments is security. Just like Samsung Pay on mobile devices, Samsung Pay on Gear S3 uses the same trusted Samsung Knox security to protect personal payment information.

To enhance usability and convenience, developers made it so that a user only has to enter their PIN once to activate Samsung Pay. However, the service is locked when sensors embedded in the Gear S3 detect that the device has been removed from the wrist. As a result, the user must reenter their PIN each time the smartwatch is removed. This ensures that a user’s card information is protected in case the device is lost. Furthermore, Samsung Pay information can easily be deleted via the Find My Mobile website.

Additionally, Samsung Pay works on the Gear S3 in the same way it works on a smartphone—each service transaction uses an encrypted digital token to replace a user’s payment information. For added security, a transaction can only be made by long pressing the dedicated button on the side of the Gear S3. Because a transaction cannot be simulated by software alone, digital pickpockets cannot hack one’s information by way of RFID skimming.

“Nowadays, people are increasingly concerned about security, especially when it comes to mobile payments,” explains Sochang Sohn, Senior Engineer of Samsung Electronics’ Tizen R&D Team. “But when we describe our security architecture to someone who asks about it, their concerns are generally alleviated pretty quickly.”

Going Forward

As noted by Youngjin Choi, Senior Engineer, Samsung Electronics’ Payment Service Group, Samsung remains committed to developing intuitive innovations like the Gear S3 and Samsung Pay, which have the potential to add new facets of convenience to users’ daily lives.

“Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 is ideal for those small, on-the-go payments, when it’s inconvenient to carry a phone or wallet, as a smartwatch is something you can wear every day,” says Choi. “We feel that this is what sets our service apart, and we’re optimistic about its growing adoption and acceptance in the years ahead.”

* Compatible with select devices using Android 4.4 and later in select markets.

Exploring Collection: Gear S3 frontier and Gear S3 classic

Outdoors or in a board room, the Gear S3 frontier performs in any environment. Nevertheless, it looks and acts the way it should—as a workhorse that is equally elegant in a three piece as it is rugged in the great wilderness of nature.

The Gear S3 classic is aimed at stylish 20-30 somethings who value function and practicality. A hipper, younger design with no frills was the approach for this version of the device. Added to that is the diverse range of wristbands that let trendsetters express themselves in their own unique way.

Exploring Details: From Size and Materials to an Always On Display

Recently, consumers are seeing smartwatches not as smart devices but as multi-purpose timepieces. As such, refinement was the key concept for the design of the Gear S3. The company undertook an exhaustive study of timepieces, surveyed a wide range of users and attempted to define the size and form factor of a watch that makes it just that, a watch.

Stainless steel 316L, the most commonly used material for watches, was selected for the Gear S3. Adding to its durable surface are simple modification molding and tempering finishes that enable for a device that is not only sophisticated but sturdy and reliable.

The circular UX, first introduced in the Gear S2, was once again applied to the Gear S3, showcasing a new direction in wearable UX design.

Like a master watchmaker carefully placing the hour and minute hands in place, the watch face of the Samsung Gear S3 has been carefully set in place. The near microscopic details of a watch piece have been painstakingly recreated digitally in the Gear S3 with added function that can only be realized in a digital environment such as weather updates, schedule reminders and a heart rate monitor.

The new Samsung Gear S3 is not just a new smart device but a wearable one that complements your way of life. That’s why the Always On Display has been improved upon. With a newly structured low energy setting, the watch face is always on, with more vibrant color and detail, like its active second hand.

Going beyond the basic functions of a smart device by innovating your way of life, the Samsung Gear S3 begins your journey of Meaningful Innovation as a new vision in wearable technology.

Samsung Gear S3 is a product that takes after the heart of artisan watchmakers and their highly detailed craft while expanding further with the latest in digital technology. It is a watch that is cutting edge, yet traditional all the same. A device that was refined with the user in mind to not only feel right on the wrist, but also to add convenience to one’s daily life.

To create such a smartwatch experience, Samsung put a great deal of effort into making the Gear S3 as close to a real watch as possible, down to the tiniest details. The company sought the advice of some of the world’s greatest watchmakers, including Yvan Arpa, one of the most audacious and avant–garde watch creators of today. In doing so, the company was able to gather valuable insight into their skills and the age-old craft of assembling a classic timepiece.

Swiss watch designer, Yvan Arpa

“With every great iconic watch design, it’s all about three factors: proportion, tactile experience and choice,” Arpa noted. “These three things are what we focused on to create a smartwatch that looks and feels like a real watch.”

With Arpa’s help, Samsung was able to create a device that marries traditional professionalism and digital innovation. This rings true for both versions of the new smartwatch: the Gear S3 frontier, a rugged wearable that can withstand nature’s elements, and the Gear S3 classic, a luxurious digital timepiece.

Gear S3 frontier — A Smartwatch for Any Environment

The Gear S3 frontier was developed to fit into any environment, be it the wilderness or the boardroom. Its large bezel, hefty body and accentuated buttons convey both refinement and sturdiness. Small elevations around the face, and the screen’s slope and depression, for example, protect it from exterior shock.

Samsung also took care to ensure that each function of the new version could be easily accessed. Specially designed bezel knurlings and buttons make it easy to use, even when wearing ski gloves. Furthermore, in place of time markers, numerals were used to create a sportier aesthetic.

To resist the dust, mud and perspiration that often come along with outdoor activities, Samsung designers adopted a soft, lightweight strap that provides durability but also comfort.

Gear S3 classic—Enhanced Luxury

The Gear S3 classic boasts a more luxurious aesthetic, raising the bar in terms of detail and quality.

Taking a no-frills approach, Samsung designers paid great attention to the smallest of details, from the laser-marking techniques for the indices, to the watch crown to the minimalistic design of the in-body strap.

Many renditions, and numerous shapes and sizes were considered to achieve the perfect balance and proportion of a well-crafted watch. Samsung hid the stitches and selected more natural colors—olive green and navy blue—to make the device more gender neutral. Finally, the leather was tempered to look sophisticated yet reliable; the material is one that makes a statement without being ostentatious.

All-Around Refined Design and Craftsmanship

Refinement was a key concept for the designs of both versions of the Gear S3. Most prominent in its enhancements are the physical dimensions of the device itself—ones that were crafted to ensure that the product actually looked like a real watch.

After completing a survey of a wide range of users to whittle down the ideal proportions of a wristwatch, Samsung incorporated a larger watch face to better fit the wrists and preferences of users.

The Gear S3’s bezel interface was inspired by outdoor and dive watches. Adding a tactical experience to what is primarily a digital function, the new bezel has 24 steps that cover the spectrum of the Gear S3’s functions.

The rounded sharp edges of the case, the sunray brush finish on the bezel and the intricacies of the watch’s crown further demonstrate Samsung’s commitment to quality.

To better accommodate the circular face of the smartwatch, the interface was totally redesigned for the Gear S3. Added to this was the revision of the app sync engine to provide a more seamless integration of applications to the device.

The material of the device, a component that Arpa believes greatly contributes to the overall tactile experience, was also carefully considered. “In this specific case, I’m very proud to say we used 316L stainless steel, which is the same material used for the finest luxury watches in Switzerland,” he stated.

New materials, along with simple modification molding and tempering finishes, result in a design that is not only classic, but also reliable.

A Well-“Rounded” UX

The circular UX, which was well received by the masses when it was first introduced with the Gear S2, has undoubtedly become the distinguishing identity of the Gear series, redefining the user experience.

The new Gear S3 builds upon this foundation and takes advantage of its circular display and rotating bezel to provide advanced usability. Content on the Gear S3 scrolls around the periphery of the circular display while transitions between screens are smoother and more natural than before.

Also, the nearly microscopic details of an analog timepiece have been recreated and applied to the Gear S3’s watch face, along with added digital functions that offer unsurpassed convenience. Depth has been added to improve aesthetics, while widgets on both sides of the face connect seamlessly with the watch face itself. A wide variety of watch face options also enables ultimate personalization.

But the new Gear S3 isn’t just a smart device. It’s a wearable that complements a user’s lifestyle. After all, Arpa noted, “More important than any design or project is the human being that will interact with it.”

That’s why the device’s Always On Display has been improved upon. With a low energy setting, the smartwatch can now be on at all times, with more vibrancy and detail. Thanks to this new added function, a vast array of Always On Display designs are available so users can make their device truly their own.

The new Gear S3 is a device with a design that speaks to the user, and a watch that looks and fits as it’s supposed to. It’s a timepiece that merges the perfected craftsmanship of the past with Samsung’s meaningful innovation for a future of possibilities.

The design of the Gear S3 is a result of the collaborative efforts of Swiss watch designer Yvan Arpa and Samsung designers. (Pictured from left to right: Principal Designer Yongseok Bang, Designer Yvan Arpa, Vice President Jinsoo Kim and Senior Designer Tommy Choi)

Samsung introduced two new additions to its widely acclaimed smartwatch line at the Gear S3 Launch Event on August 31 at Berlin’s Tempodrom just ahead of IFA 2016.

The rugged Gear S3 frontier and the luxurious yet minimal Gear S3 classic redefine the smartwatch experience by injecting “real watch” value, both through designs firmly grounded in timeless watch aesthetics as well as new features powered by Samsung’s latest technological innovations.

The Samsung Gear S3 Launch Event was more experience-focused than ever before. It featured a new presentation format which saw some of the watch industry’s most distinguished experts engage in an interactive discussion to illustrate the new device, and the lengths Samsung went to combine cutting-edge technology with the looks, durability and functionality of a premium watch.

The conversation was kicked off by Younghee Lee, Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business, who emphasized the company’s drive to add new value to the smartwatch experience by creating pieces that are watches, first and foremost. Her speech was followed by a stellar holographic sequence in which beams of light painted a galaxy of stars above the circular stage that shifted and danced before coalescing to form a textured depiction of Samsung’s new flagship smartwatch.

The industry-spanning partnerships that yielded the Gear S3’s design were a major focus of the showcase, as explained by the event’s facilitator, Ariel Adams, editor-in-chief of aBlogtoWatch, the world’s leading luxury watch blog.

Adams introduced famed Swiss watch designer Yvan Arpa, who collaborated closely with Samsung to create the new pieces and elaborated on some of the refinements that were introduced. Prominent artist and industrial designer Arik Levy, who contributed watch face and band designs for the device, also appeared on stage, where he summed up the Gear S3 as a form of highly functional art.

Mark Notton, Head of Product Management of Samsung Electronics Europe, discussed some of the technological innovations introduced in the Gear S3, including an Always On Display, which greatly adds to the device’s “real watch” aesthetic. Other functions he touched on were its enhanced Samsung Pay functionality, standalone GPS and sensors that allow for improved usability, and expanded ecosystem of compatible apps. Also mentioned were the Gear S3’s bigger, longer-lasting battery which can provide three to four days of use on a single charge.

Upon the conclusion of the event, guests were invited to try on the new watches for themselves in the Experience Zone.

In case you missed it, here’s a photo recap of the Gear S3’s launch.

Samsung’s Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business, Younghee Lee, opens the event with a speech outlining Samsung’s goal for the Gear S3—to redefine the smartwatch experience by adding traditional, real-watch value. With the Gear S3, she noted, Samsung was able to “complete and perfect the Gear S series even further.”

The Gear S3’s gala evening was emceed by Ariel Adams, owner and editor-in-chief of aBlogtoWatch, the world’s leading luxury watch blog.

Adam Fors, Head of Marketing Samsung Electronics Nordic AB, discusses the company’s desire to design the Gear S3 not as a gadget, but as a “true watch.”

World-renowned watch designer Yvan Arpa (right), who collaborated with Samsung to craft the Gear S3, speaks on the traditional-watch cues informing its aesthetic, calling it “the first smartwatch to look like a nice, premium watch.”

As Head of Product Management, Samsung Electronics Europe, Mark Notton discusses the new technical marvels of the Gear S3, such as its Always On Display, long-lasting battery and standalone connectivity.

Mark Notton explains how Samsung’s broad range of watch faces—which was displayed as an eye-catching hologram around the stage—lets users express their own personal style.

Prominent artist and industrial designer Arik Levy explains how he applied the motives of his renowned artworks to his watch face and strap designs for the Gear S3.

Product experts make a grand entrance to open the Experience Zone.

Event attendees get hands-on with the Gear S3 in the Experience Zone.

Event attendees get hands-on with the Gear S3 in the Experience Zone.

Event attendees get hands-on with the Gear S3 in the Experience Zone.

Event attendees get hands-on with the Gear S3 in the Experience Zone.

Event attendees gather in the Experience Zone to get a closer look at the brand new Gear S3.

Samsung Electronics today unveiled the Gear S3, a striking and innovative smartwatch that further solidifies Samsung’s leadership in the wearables category. Inspired by traditional timepieces and the art of watchmaking, the Gear S3 combines timeless design with the latest in mobile technology, including IP68 water resistance, mobile payments*, LTE connectivity* and built-in GPS, making it the ideal addition to any watch collection.

Samsung Gear S3 is available in two bold designs to suit different users’ lifestyles: frontier and classic. Inspired by the active explorer, the Gear S3 frontier evokes a rugged outdoor look with an enduring style that blends form and function. The frontier was designed to perform in any setting or environment – whether business or leisure. The Gear S3 classic pays homage to the minimalist, elegant style found in the most iconic timepieces. The classic was designed with meticulous attention to detail – with its size and shape chosen to attain the same consistency and balance of a well-crafted luxury watch.

“With the Gear S3, we continue to build on our wearables heritage of offering diverse choices to enhance consumers’ unique lifestyles,” said Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics. “Samsung Gear S2 achieved meaningful progress in the smartwatch category with a personalized watch face and a versatile rotating bezel that provided an intuitive smartwatch experience. Now with the new Gear S3, we expand our Gear collection and introduce not only a great smartwatch, but a great watch. With smart capabilities and sophisticated, elegant design, the Gear S3 marks a significant addition to our smartwatch portfolio.”

Speaking from the Gear S3 Showcase at IFA in Berlin, Ariel Adams, of ‘aBlogtoWatch’ commented: “I’ve always had a fascination with the intricate details found on luxury watches. With the Gear S3, Samsung is honing in on the level of craftsmanship that helps define fine watches – from the intuitive rotating bezel to the contrast surface finishing. The Gear S3 is a smartwatch that gives watch lovers a compelling reason to consider a device that marries traditional design and digital technology.”

In a quest to uncover what truly defines a watch, Samsung drew inspiration from manufacturers around the globe, paying particular attention to the skills and craft of assembling a delicate, yet highly complex timepiece. Influenced by the craftsmanship of traditional watches, the Gear S3 was created based on intensive research and surveys from consumers, industry leaders and watch experts all around the world. Every feature, from the circular bezel to the premium finishing and buckles, has been reimagined to elicit the look of a classic timepiece. In addition, the Gear S3 is compatible with 22mm watch bands so consumers can easily personalize their watch to match any outfit or special occasion.

“With the Gear S3, we sought to integrate tradition and technology, bringing to the forefront an immensely intelligent smartwatch. The large watch face was inspired by styles emerging from the world’s most premium watch brands. A classic timepiece combined with the latest innovations in technology, the Gear S3 is bound to withstand the test of time,” said Yvan Arpa, the Switzerland-based luxury watch designer, who was involved in the Gear S3 design process.

In addition to its sleek look, the Gear S3 meets IP68 standards for water resistance so consumers can get through their day, regardless of weather conditions. For the first time on the Gear series, the Gear S3 features Corning® Gorilla® Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher, more scratch resistant and crisp display.

The 16 million colors full-color Always On Watch and Super AMOLED technology further differentiates the Gear S3 from other smartwatches. The AOD always shows the time rather than automatically fading to black, embodying a sophisticated watch face that mimics the look and feel of luxury analog watch.

The Gear S3’s signature rotating bezel has been enhanced with new features. Without touching the screen, users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. In addition, by writing or drawing on the display, messages will automatically convert to texts and emojis. Users can also create short reminders and to-do lists to manage even the most hectic schedules with the Reminders application.

The Gear S3 puts convenience at the flick of the wrist, allowing users to leave their smartphone behind when they don’t need it on-hand. The built-in GPS functionality enables users to accurately monitor their daily fitness activities while the Alti/barometer and Speedometer allow users to track everything from altitude and atmospheric pressure to sudden changes in weather, distance traveled and speed.

Never miss another phone call with LTE connection* making its smartwatch debut on the Gear S3 frontier. Additionally, with the built-in speaker, users can activate voice messaging and listen to their favorite tunes. With a battery that lasts up to four days on a single charge, users can enjoy their music, make calls and show off their stylish smartwatch longer.

Now Gear S3 users in select markets can use their smartwatch to make a purchase almost anywhere they can swipe or tap a card with Samsung Pay for Gear S3.* Samsung Pay, with Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) support, means users can easily register a credit or debit card and use it to make mobile payments. Samsung Pay slims down users’ wallets and makes payments accessible on their wrist.

The Gear S3 was designed with consumers’ safety in mind. In case of an emergency, users can activate the SOS and location tracking capabilities to alert family, friends and emergency professionals about crisis situations, even when their phone isn’t in-hand.

Consumers can access a diverse range of apps, including fitness, music, news, sports and travel apps – all optimized for the Gear lineup of devices including the Gear S2 and the Gear S3. With a variety of customizable watch faces available for download, users can personalize the circular UI to fit their lifestyle. Select apps and watch faces will be available for download directly from the Gear S3 without the need to first download on a smartphone. Through an open collaboration with developers and partners, Samsung continues to enrich its wearables ecosystem and provide users with a unique smartwatch experience.

Thanks to a special partnership with Arik Levy, renowned artist and industrial designer, Samsung will introduce artistic watch faces and strap designs. Arik Levy is best known for his sculptures – such as his signature Rock pieces, unique installations and limited-edition designs, all of which are rooted in his belief that “the world is about people, not objects.”

Arik Levy commented: “It was interesting and fun to collaborate with Samsung on creating unique and evolving watch face concepts and watch bands for the Gear S3. Inspired by my artwork, installations and sculptures, we created features that not only technology-savvy consumers will love but also those who place a high value on art, design, freedom of the mind and aesthetics.”

The modern watch faces and bands designed by Arik Levy will be introduced later this year through select channels.

Adding to the Tizen ecosystem, Samsung introduces the integration of BMW’s personal mobility companion with the new Gear S3 – helping users stay on time, in touch, and in control while further enhancing the connected automobile experience. With the BMW Connected app, users can get alerts when it’s time to leave for their next trip, check their fuel level, unlock their BMW and more – all directly from the Gear S3 watch face.

For the first time ever on a smartwatch, the Samsung Knox Tizen Wearable SDK will be available to third-parties, enabling management capabilities and the development of customized applications for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem. With the Samsung Knox security platform, the Gear S3 will enable broader enterprise business opportunities.

Furthermore, with the launch of the Gear S3, Samsung will continue to roll out software updates and support to provide Gear S2 customers with access to select Gear S3 features.*

Gear S3 Product Specification

For additional product information, please visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com.

*Service availability and scope may vary by each region and market condition.

**All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice or obligation.

What are some extremely hot items people are buying for Christmas gifts this year? One-in-three consumers say they plan on buying emerging tech, such as smart home devices, smartwatches and drones. That’s a huge change in shopping habits considering just a few years ago it was too small a category to track, according to the 22nd Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study, a survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults conducted by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA).

Smart Homes and Smart Wearables Lead the Way

Leading those emerging technology gift ideas are smart home devices that give users 24/7 access to their homes with 15 percent of shoppers saying they intend to buy that type of device. This projection reflects the growing popularity of smart home services that have recently evolved from button-press security systems to ones that allow users to control and observe their homes from anywhere in the world. One such example is Samsung SmartThings line-up—an intelligent system in which sensors and smart devices connected via a SmartThings Hub can be monitored and controlled through a single streamlined app.

The next quite popular purchases are wearable fitness activity trackers and smartwatches, each with 12 percent. Those numbers have doubled since 2013, indicating the possibility that such products could be following a similar path to mainstream popularity as core technologies like tablets and smartphones did in the past.

The CTA study also found that consumers are primarily purchasing wearables to set personal fitness and health goals and to track their progress toward them. As such, wearables that feature health and fitness monitoring sensors, like those embedded in Samsung’s Gear S2, have been ranked by consumers as the much desirable. The Gear S2 also comes preloaded with the popular S Health app. Together, S Health and the Gear S2 are capable of fitness, diet and health monitoring by allowing the user to log fitness activities, track their heart rate and water consumption, and measure their overall activity over the course of the day.

Action cameras, too, are emerging as a popular gift, with 12 percent of shoppers saying they plan on buying them. And drones, at 7 percent—more than double than last year’s figure—are no longer just for commercial use. CTA forecasts that 400,000 consumer drones will be sold this holiday season.

Top Tech to Put Under the Tree

The CTA survey indicated that a whopping 160 million U.S. holiday shoppers intend to purchase consumer technology this year, spending a total of $34 billion—and that translates into a lot of happy children and loved ones over this holiday season. The most popular tech gifts being given in 2015 are headphones and earbuds (28 percent and 27 percent, respectively), tablets (26 percent), portable Bluetooth speakers (25 percent), notebook/laptop computers (25 percent) and smartphones (24 percent).

Correspondingly, the survey also found that the tech products that U.S. consumers most want to receive this holiday season are TVs. After TV, the top products people are hoping for are tablets, smartphones, notebook/laptop computers and videogame consoles.

Whatever gifts you give and receive, spending time together with your family and loved ones is what truly makes the holiday season. But picking the hottest gifts can help make the holidays a little more festive. The new interest in emerging tech shows how tastes are once again changing, just like with the rise of smartphones and tablets a few years ago. Whether you get a smart home device, a wearable activity tracker or a smartwatch, it’s good to know that these gifts will put you ahead of the tech curve this holiday season.

Samsung’s Gear S2, launched in October has been a welcomed surprise in the world of wearable technology. Introducing a circular design with an innovative rotating bezel UX, the Gear S2 makes navigating applications and checking the notifications smooth, easy and intuitive.

This upbeat video emphasizes the Gear S2’s rotating bezel and its circular UX, navigating through the music, S Health and notification features, which are represented by a group of core performers. A mix of choreography, projections and unexpected props makes every scene of this video unique.

The “Human Kaleidoscope” production features a diverse cast of over 150 performers that includes musicians, athletes and dancers who enact a variety of common actions. They are all choreographed together for one epic performance, captured live on camera. This represents Samsung’s playful, fun side, showing the human personification of the Gear S2, put to energetic music.

Shot in large from an aerial perspective, the performers truly encapsulate the power of the circle, a symbol of unity, wholeness and timelessness. By setting up a projector and camera to hover 70 inches above the ground, the full scale of the production could be captured.

The innovative design and functionality of the newest Samsung smartwatch, along with Samsung’s extensive list of partners and apps for the Gear S2, make it perfect for organization and productivity. But the Gear S2 is not just for discreetly checking notifications and responding to messages during meetings. The Gear S2 is perfect for music lovers, fitness enthusiasts, social networkers and anyone with a creative and active lifestyle.

Samsung Electronics announced the public release of its Tizen Software Development Kit (SDK) for the recently unveiled Samsung Gear S2 wearable device. The SDK is now available for download at Samsung’s Developer websites: http://developer.samsung.com/wearable.

Thanks to the early access program announced back in April, over a thousand applications for the Samsung Gear S2 are expected to be available to users at launch. This is in addition to the five thousand apps already available to Samsung Gear users.

In advance of this launch, a Gear S2 seller site was also opened on August 18th for developers and partners to start registering their Gear S2 applications.

The Samsung Gear S2 SDK offers the following advantages:

• Enhanced Standalone Features: Developers can create enhanced standalone Samsung Gear S2 apps with network, call and location-based APIs with the freedom to connect to 3G networks without a smartphone.
• Web and Native Apps: Developers can also build both Web and Native apps with the new SDK. Tizen Native APIs enable them to build fast, light-weight and beautiful apps with EFL (Enlightenment Foundation Libraries).
• Support for Android: Connect to Android phones*, including but not limited to Samsung models. Wider device coverage will help to reach more users. A list of supported devices can be found here.

The following applications will be ready for the Samsung Gear S2:

• Keep up-to-date with the news: Switch between your favorite sports teams by turning the interactive bezel or flicking the screen to get upcoming, live and final game updates on the ESPN app for the Gear S2 or get immediate access to scores with the ESPN Watch Face app. Read the latest news from 10 different sections, stories, push alerts and photos with CNN’s app for the Gear S2. Stay on top of your regional market indexes and see the day gain of the companies at-a glance with the Bloomberg Business Watch Face app, and Bloomberg Business Gear S2 app for more market indexes and details and the latest business news. Select the Twitter Trends Watch Face on your Gear S2 to see top local trends.

• Stay ahead while on-the-go: Request an Uber driver and get picked up in minutes without having to take out your mobile phone. Search, call and get directions to nearby restaurants, shops and services – all from your wrist with the Yelp for Gear app. Access your most relevant, time-sensitive trip information – including real-time flight alerts – at a quick glance of your Gear S2 with the TripCase

• Easy access to your mobile utilities: The convenience of having your Gear S2 smartwatch means you no longer have to fumble with metal keys, with Yale Digital Keys for your Yale Real Living Lock, you can easily access your home or share keys with friends or family members. Control your smart locks powered by Unikey with touch-to-open simplicity – now you can lock and unlock your home, business or hotel door through the convenience of your Gear S2 smartwatch.

• Stay in touch more easily than ever: Access at-a-glance message alerts through Voxer’s messaging app. It is the easiest way to communicate – like a walkie talkie on your wrist.

• Convenient access to shopping and e-commerce: The Gear S2 gives you instant access to the best features for everyday shopping. With FidMe, all of your loyalty cards, coupons and in-store notifications get sent straight to your smartwatch. Discover and browse more great nearby deals from local businesses with Groupon’s Gear S2 app. In addition, through the payment bar code system of Alipay, users can conveniently and promptly complete transactions and enjoy services at various offline supermarkets and restaurants, without having the need to carry any cellphone or cash.

• Track your fitness: The Nike+ Running app for the Gear S2 allows runners to track their distance, pace and time and view their in-run metrics with a simple glance. Individuals with Bluetooth-enabled headphones also have the ability to play music directly from the smartwatch.

For more information about Samsung Gear S2, please visit http://www.samsungmobilepress.com/.

* Compatible with smartphones running Android 4.4 or above and 1.5GB RAM above.

** The services listed above may not be available in all regions and features may vary by region, and service provider may change the name and/or value of its application at any time. Restrictions may also apply.