Q. When it comes to hardware, what is most notable about the Gear Fit2?

Chaekyu Choe: To improve performance as a sports band, we added a GPS, an application processor (AP) on the level of a smart watch and improved sensors.

With an embedded GPS, the Gear Fit2 allows users can go out and more accurately track their activities, like walking or running, without bringing along their smartphones.

By separating the LED and photodiode, both of which are needed to measure heart rate, we were able to use a bigger photodiode and enhance heart rate accuracy. Generally, many wearable devices have a combined module for the LED and the photodiode due to their small size. Also, the Gear Fit2’s barometer sensor, which is now about 10 times more precise, made it possible to measure elevation accurately enough to know how many stairs people climbed.

Putting all of the functions into such a slim design was difficult because the space was so limited, especially with the curved design. There are two buttons on the side of Gear Fit2, which restricts the space even more. In order to overcome these limitations, we considered how best to arrange components, how to minimize the space between chips, et cetera. We also had to reduce the number of components.

Q. How were you able to embed full GPS capabilities?

John Kim: The antenna has to receive the satellite signals, but getting it to perform well was a challenge. Antennas work better when they are further from the human body. However, as the Gear Fit2 is slim and has a detachable band, it was challenging to find an optimal spot.

So, a new method was devised: a hybrid antenna. In order to place the antenna as far as possible from the wrist, the antenna was embedded inside the display, and an assistant antenna was installed in another area, thus forming a dual antenna that enhanced performance.

Q. How did you improve battery efficiency?

Hyukbeom Kwon: During the development, we found that power consumption can be reduced by controlling how often the GPS is accessed according to signal intensity. In general, exercise that requires GPS data is normally done outdoors where GPS signals are usually strong. So, we decided to make it turn on and off the radio frequency blocking function.

Through this low-power GPS technology, we were able to reduce power consumption significantly, so it uses about one-fourth the power of a regular GPS device.

Q. How does the automatic workout recognition work? And were there any challenges in developing this feature?

Wonhee Lee: The accelerometer sensor is used to identify the user’s motion first, and then the gyroscope sensor detects the direction and type of movement. Based on the sensor data, the Gear Fit2 can detect five types of workout – walking, running, cycling, elliptical trainers and rowing machine – and automatically recognize when those activities have been done for at least 10 minutes.

As there wasn’t any systematized database telling us “this workout is such-and-such,” we had to understand the data and figure out how to use it to identify each type of activity ourselves. To identify the exact type of workout, we had to get data from as many people as possible – because even for the same workout, the speed and intensity differ greatly depending on one’s age, height, gender, and so on.

Even after we found patterns for each activity, it was difficult to set a standard. For instance, when cycling, the Gear Fit2 detected not only changes in speed and direction, but also minute vibrations similar to what’s experienced when riding a small automobile. So we needed to find out how to distinguish between a car and a bicycle. Regarding workout equipment, there are so many types on the market depending on the manufacturer. Whenever we found an elliptical machine in a park or fitness center, we tried to use it.

Q. What are some of the benefits of using the Tizen OS for developers and consumers?

Keunsang Han: Based on our experience developing the Gear S2, we learned a lot, such as data processing methods, communication technology between a wearble and a smartphone, and the sensor API.

From the user’s perspective, many partners are participating to develop watchfaces, and users can download and use it – that’s because Tizen OS-related SDKs are provided and there is an app store. You can also find various fitness-related apps and watchfaces on Galaxy Apps.

Q. Was there anything unusual or different about the product development process?

Hyukbeom Kwon: Since the Gear Fit2 is a sports band, we had to test the performance firsthand, combining continuous field data with results from the lab. Even a minor modification to the hardware or software required more live testing. We would go outside, regardless of the weather, to conduct those tests. We walked and walked in the park, and exercised a lot.

Yonghak Lee: We had to consider how to customize the daily activity record for each region. For instance, we developed the screen in consideration of how Arabic script reads from right to left, and the 24-hour activity tracker needed to be modified according to time differences when going overseas.

(From left to right) Senior Engineer Chaekyu Choe, Senior Engineer Keunsang Han, Principal Engineer John Kim, Senior Engineer Hyukbeom Kwon, Assistant Engineer Yonghak Lee and Senior Engineer Wonhee Lee

Fitness Gets Fun

To motivate users to be more active, S Health v.4.8 adds an element of competition to your fitness routine with Together.

First of all, the game-like concept of Steps challenges enables you to create a one-on-one match with your friend. Simply select a friend to challenge, select a step target, create a name for your challenge and send the invitation.

Compete to be the first to reach the set steps target, while monitoring your step count and your opponent’s along the way. Falling behind? S Health alerts you as to how many “steps” you need to take the lead. The Steps challenges allow you to gain a more immediate sense of accomplishment, not to mention bragging rights.

Of course, you can monitor the status of all your challenges with your new Gear Fit2 from your wrist.

But the fun doesn’t end there. With the Steps leaderboard function, you can also compare your own step counts with those of your friends, your age group or all S Health users around the world.

Once activated, the comprehensive Steps leaderboard provides data from the previous seven days, such as average step count, distance and calories burned in comparison to other users. Here you can check your rank and your competitors’ step counts.

With the new S Health, you also have access to more comprehensive step count information. In addition to being able to monitor step count and distance walked data from each individual source—like your smartphone or wearable device—you can also estimate your total step count with the All steps option. Should you enable All steps, your total number of steps across all devices and select third-party apps will be displayed in the Steps Tracker and the S Health widget.

Ultimate Organization

The S Health update also features a faster and simpler way to record various activity data. Now, with the Detect Workouts function, the app can automatically detect and log your running, cycling, walking and hiking sessions that occur for at least 10 minutes. Turning on the Auto Pause setting will also improve tracking accuracy, as it will recognize when you stop your exercise session.

Customizing the S Health dashboard has never been easier with the more organized Trackers management list, which is now arranged in two different sections.

Exercises are now listed separately from general health measurements such as weight and caffeine intake. From the Exercises list, you can select from more than 40 types of exercise that you’d like to manage, ranging from Hula-hooping to Push-ups to Yoga. With these added exercise options, you can customize the Trackers on the S Health dashboard based on your fitness preferences, and record individual workouts more accurately.

For a more generalized overview, the updated My page keeps track of your weekly activities by displaying a detailed weekly summary, rewards received, program history and a compilation of personal bests. Using this accumulated data, the app will suggest goals and targets to work towards in the future.

Quick and Accurate Heart Rate Monitoring

You can now also measure your heart rate quickly, wherever, whenever, without having to launch S Health. After activating the Quick Measure** feature, simply place a finger on the heart rate sensor and set the device facedown to complete the reading.

Heart rate information, along with other data such as blood pressure measurements and glucose levels can be exported as HTML, XLS and PDF files with a simple tap.

Not only can you track more types of exercise, and have fun while doing it, but the enhanced layout of the app also makes it easier to personalize and navigate the S Health dashboard. The pinch-zoom function can adjust the screen grid according to your preference, improving the overall user experience.

S Health can be downloaded from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Apps. The app is compatible with all Samsung smartphones since Galaxy S3, as well as select non-Samsung Android devices.***

* Gear Fit2 pairs with smartphones running on Android OS 4.4 and higher with over 1.5GB RAM.

** Quick Measure operates with Android 6.0 when activated. Not compatible with Galaxy S5 and Alpha.

*** The latest update of S Health is compatible with the Galaxy S6, Note5 and S7.

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.

Designers and mechanical R&D engineers at the Mobile Communications Business explain how the design of the Gear Fit2 originated, and how it was realized.

Q. What is the design concept of the Gear Fit2?

Jeff Jones: The original Gear Fit, with its thin, sleek look, was designed as a sports band. Then, with the Gear S2, we learned how to create a more premium wearable fit for everyday life.

We took the knowledge that we gained during these development processes and utilized it to create the product design of the Gear Fit2, merging the rectangular screen of the Gear Fit with the materials and design characteristics of the Gear S2. The final concept aimed to make the Gear Fit2 a device that is at once sporty and luxurious, and to fit naturally into Samsung’s wearable portfolio.

Q. What were the defining moments of the design process of the Gear Fit2?

Howard Nuk: There were many areas of focus during the design process because there were so many factors to consider.

First, we wanted the device to fit just about everyone, so we focused on the differences in people’s wrists, such as size variations, as well as their comfort level and desired point of contact when wearing something. As such, we spent a considerable amount of time determining the optimal curvature and size for the device.

We also wanted it to work with a vertical based UX. And we wanted to provide two side-by-side touch zones for usability. So we experimented with many different screen sizes and ratios until we found the ideal combination to meet our requirements. For example, we employed a 1:2 display aspect ratio on the Gear Fit2 so that its music player can display the skip forward and backward buttons in a horizontal line.

Q. Tell us a bit about how you selected the color, materials and finish (CMF) of the Gear Fit2.

Seounghyun Son: We selected colors—black, pink and blue—that are more “lifestyle” (as opposed to high-tech) so that the device could be worn in both fitness environments and everyday life. Overall, the colors are more subtle than bright, thus increasing the likelihood that someone would wear it all day. Additionally, we wanted to increase the appeal of the band by making it softer than the original Gear Fit and by using a 3-dimensional pattern rather than the 2-dimensional pattern of the Gear Fit.

Q. What are the main differences between the Gear Fit2 and the previous model in terms of mechanical features?

Hyunjun Kim: The Gear Fit2 differentiates itself with a premium, more refined design. We accomplished this by applying aluminum materials rather than plastic ones. To avoid discomfort, we worked hard to make it lightweight. Needless to say, applying metal to a wearable was no easy feat, even though Samsung has been incorporating it into its products, including its smartphone models, since last year.

We also included an improved clasp that uses a secure loop to prevent the device from falling off, and created both large and small variants to ensure that it will fit a wide variety of wrist sizes.

Youjung Song: As a sports band, waterproofness is one of the most fundamental features of the Gear Fit2. Since the device boasts a curved display and very thin bezels, we couldn’t use the materials and structures that are typically utilized to ensure waterproofness. So, we employed a special waterproofing material different from the one we used with the Gear Fit, to ensure IP68-level water and dust resistance. In fact, the material is the same one we used in the Galaxy S7 edge.

Q. What was your biggest focus in developing the main body of the Gear Fit2?

Hyunjun Kim: Because the Gear Fit2 is a wearable device, there was no right method for developing the body, since comfort is different for everyone. It was really challenging to create a design that the majority of people would feel comfortable wearing. So we focused on improving the quality of experience (QoE)—which is inevitably subjective—while being faithful to the basics to develop the product and maintain the design concept at the same time.

Youjung Song: To realize the refined design and useful features of the Gear Fit2, we used a wide variety of materials including curved glass, metal, plastic, silicon and urethane compound. Instead of carving the metallic part to create a curve, we applied the appropriate amount of pressure to bend it in the same curvature as the curved glass. This perfectly interlocked it with the main body and band, making the parts appear as a single object.

The fact that each material required different engineering processes made this a challenge.
Furthermore, we also had to find a way to ensure cost-efficient production to make the Gear Fit2 more affordable.

Q. What was the most difficult part of developing the main body of the Gear Fit2?

Youjung Song: Due to its shape, and the device’s small size, there wasn’t enough room to fit all the components inside. So, to make the most of the curved internal space, we applied some changes in its structure, such as splitting the mainboard into three parts. We even had to develop a tool called a “zig” to apply the right amount pressure on a curved surface—a technique we had never tried. We also produced some super-small components exclusively for the Gear Fit2. In particular, ensuring waterproofness required us to tap into different technologies and materials.

Hyunjun Kim: For me, the hardest part of developing the Gear Fit2 was creating its band. We had to find a way to satisfy people with wrists of all sizes and also consider numerous factors including how the ends of the band would be clasped together, whether the band needed an extra clasp to prevent it from falling off, ease of use and consumer feedback. Seeing as the Gear Fit2 is the first wristband design with a clasp, there was a mixed reaction to it.

Q. What makes the Gear Fit2 band so special?

Hyunjun Kim: The Gear Fit2 comes with softer band materials to provide a more comfortable fit than its predecessor and the Gear S2. The joint is certainly one of a kind, as it’s made from a special material with excellent durability to remain unchanged, even after thousands of rounds of clasps. Furthermore, clasping is easier. We also made improvements in the top color coating materials to provide an even better fit.

Seounghyun Son: We applied different patterns on the two sides of the band. On the outer side, we used a 3D pattern to add a touch of luxury, even though it doesn’t affect the usability of the device. We made the inner side of the band fast-drying so that it stays wearable, even when the device is exposed to water.

Q. What was your focus when designing the charging dock of the Gear Fit2?

Hyunjun Kim: There are actually two POGO pins on the charging dock so that the Gear Fit2 can charge upside down or right-side up. In addition, the dock has the same curvature as the Gear Fit2, and is equipped with magnets (which are also embedded in the Gear Fit2’s main body) to make charging an effortless task. Lastly, we continued to make micro adjustments on the dock to prevent corrosion in the case that your device is wet.

From left to right: Engineer Youjung Song, Senior Designer Seounghyun Son and Senior Engineer Hyunjun Kim

Note: Howard Nuk, VP of Samsung Design America, and Jeff Jones, Designer of Samsung Design America, contributed their opinions via email.

In 2014, Samsung Electronics introduced the Gear Fit, the industry’s first wearable device with a Flexible AMOLED display. Yet, with the release of the Gear Fit2, the company has brought some improvements to its display to better fit your wrist—and your workout experience.

Above the Curve

One of the improvements of the new device is its design. The curvature of the Curved Super AMOLED display applied on the Gear Fit2 is 47.65R, while that of the previous model was 57.45R. The “R” is the measure of how curved a curve really is; a smaller number indicates a bigger curve.

By decreasing the curvature on the Gear Fit2, Samsung was able to realize a more compact and slim design for comfortable everyday use.

“Production processes, such as the lamination of the panel and window, become more complex when the curvature of a flexible display is smaller,” explained Gyubong Jung, Principal Engineer of Samsung Display. “But we were able to overcome this challenge through continuous research and development in flexible display technology.”

Crisp and Clear

The Curved Super AMOLED display of the Gear Fit2 also boasts a screen that is clear and sharp, indoors and out.

The size of the screen of the Gear Fit2 was reduced to 1.5 inches from the previous 1.8 inches, but the resolution was enhanced to 216 × 432 pixels from 128 × 432 pixels. A clearer image quality was attained by improving the pixels per inch (ppi)—a number that indicates the density of display pixels—to 311ppi from 245ppi. Furthermore, the maximum luminance of display, a factor that strongly influences the level of display visibility under bright natural light, has been enhanced by 50 percent from 400nit to 600nit.

These enhancements were achieved by applying the same organic material used in the latest Samsung flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge, to the display of the Gear Fit2. As a result, fitness-related information such as heart rate, workout time and calories burned can be quickly and conveniently checked while exercising in the sun.

Thinner and Lighter

It’s no question that AMOLED display is the most suitable display for both smartphones and wearables. Because it does not require color filters or a backlight to illuminate the screen, the devices that utilize this technology can be thinner and lighter.

Flexible AMOLED displays in particular, like the one utilized by the Gear Fit2, can achieve pixels on a polyimide (PI) board made of a plastic material similar to thin cellophane. Thus, they can significantly reduce the weight and thickness of the product compared to ordinary AMOLED displays that use glass boards.

The Gear Fit2 Curved Super AMOLED panel itself is only 0.12mm thick. Even when assembled with the device’s other components, such as its Polaroid film, driver integrated circuit(IC) and window, it is still only 1.6mm thick and weighs 3.4g—a weight even lighter than a sheet of A4 paper.

The Gear Fit2 automatically and accurately tracks your everyday activities, from walking to squatting to yoga, to encourage a healthier lifestyle. It also comes equipped with a slew of features optimized for fitness enthusiasts and casual exercisers alike, such as a standalone music player and increased memory storage, as well as a comfortable and stylish design.

Functions That Blend Fitness and Fun

The Gear Fit2’s features make all-day fitness tracking more accurate and workouts more enjoyable. Utilizing a combination of sensors including a standalone GPS and heart rate monitor, the device lets you accurately gauge your fitness activities, including distance, pace, route and calories burned, as well as your heart rate.

Whether you’re walking, running, cycling, or even using an elliptical trainer or rowing machine, the Gear Fit2 can automatically detect the type of activity you’re engaging in and accurately track your progress toward your target goals. You can track and monitor 15 different activities including Exercise bike, Step machine, Treadmill, Pilates, Yoga, Lunges, Crunches and Squats, among others.

Depending on the activity, the Gear Fit2 displays animations to illustrate proper exercise techniques for more accurate tracking, and can also provide feedback at set intervals during your workout.

You can also check your fitness performance and trends with your Gear Fit2 or your smartphone through S Health, which easily syncs with the GPS sports band. Or, for an added boost of motivation, you can share your activity data on Facebook, as well as compete in a Steps Challenges with a friend.

Meanwhile, the easy-to-use interface lets you maneuver through information screens with just a few simple swipes.

Stay Fit with Better Style

The Gear Fit2 offers a simple, lightweight design that complements everyday wear.

With its ergonomic curve, the GPS sports band allows for a comfortable fit throughout the day. Likewise, the strap’s secure fastener and size—available in small and large—ensures that the device stays on even during the most vigorous workouts.

Featuring a stylishly slim and classically chic design, the Gear Fit2 is available in three fashion-forward colors (black, blue and pink) and boasts a variety of watch faces so you can choose the best look to complement your own personal style.

The Gear Fit2’s 1.5-inch Super AMOLED curved display, high resolution and color touchscreen let you easily monitor your progress, check the time or show off your impressive fitness stats, even in bright sunlight. And should it start raining, the GPS sports band’s IP68 rating—the premium standard of protection against water and dust—ensures that your workout won’t be interrupted.

Move to the Beat and Stay Connected

To enhance your workout even more, the Gear Fit2 offers Bluetooth connectivity for a seamless experience, providing a motivational soundtrack to keep you moving.

Or, if you don’t feel like carrying around multiple devices or getting tangled up in cords, the GPS sports band also features a standalone music player with internal storage. For ultimate convenience, the device can transfer music between the Gear Fit2 and your smartphone with the Samsung Gear application.

Understanding that most wearable device users are constantly on the go, Samsung designed the Gear Fit2 to be a device that can keep up with your fast-paced lifestyle. Check notifications at a glance from a single screen, and stay connected with family and friends by easily replying to text messages, emails and messaging apps—straight from your wrist.

* 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.