Samsung Expands Wearable Tech Line with Gear Circle
The wearable market has been identified a the one to watch for big growth and Samsung is doing what it can to get in before such competitor as Apple make their inevitable big splash. The South Korean tech manufacturer launched a smartwatch this fall, is promoting its Gear VR virtual reality goggles this holiday—and now, it's quietly introducing Gear Circle this week, with a market launch in India.
The necklace-like wireless headset sits around the neck with the ear buds either worn in the ears or connecting in front to make a futuristic necklace.
Using Bluetooth 3.0, Circle connects to a phone or Gear S smartwatch. It alerts wearers to new calls if desired while also playing music—and represents the next step in Samsung's vision of the future of how consumers and technology physically interact.
Samsung's Gear Circle launch video, above, comes with the following pitch:
"Wear it anytime. The unique design of the Gear Circle keeps your music and calls conveniently around your neck. Use touch volume controls to adjust the high-quality wireless sound and the Gear Manager Mobile App for custom sound and device management. Intuitive music and call features, a light-weight, sweat-resistant design, and exceptional battery life make Gear Circle perfect for the long-distance runner to the music enthusiast on the go."
According to India's International Business Times, it's launching with a price tag of Rs. 5,599 ($89).
It also boasts a battery that can handle 300 hours of standby time, 11 hours of talk time, and nine hours of music play time, NDTV reports. This is a move away from the fitness-bands that have so far dominated the wearable market, Gizmodo notes.
According to a new survey from Forrester Research, wearable tech is quickly becoming a massive industry. As it is, 10 percent of Americans have wearable activity trackers, but 45 percent of those surveyed by Forrester say they are “intrigued by the prospect of getting a wearable device.” Meanwhile, 4 percent of Europeans already have fitness trackers and 32 percent are "interested."
In shoring up its wearable tech offering, Samsung is competing with other tech giants including Intel, which recently partnered with TAG Heuer and Italian eyewear behemoth Luxxotica to create stylish wearable tech with top-tier brands.
