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| Samsung Electronics' Galaxy Watch / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics |
By Baek Byung-yeul
New York -- Samsung Electronics revealed Galaxy Watch, its latest wearable device, Thursday.
While introducing the new Galaxy Note 9 smartphone at Barclays Center in New York, the tech giant also introduced the smartwatch.
Samsung rebranded its Galaxy Gear smartwatch as Galaxy Watch to unify its smart devices under the Galaxy brand.
"The new Galaxy Watch was designed for all lifestyles to help meet consumer needs, such as more efficient battery life to stay connected longer, and better wellness tracking to help users maintain their goals," said Koh Dong-jin, president of Samsung's IT & Mobile Communications division.
As Koh said in his introduction, the Galaxy Watch helps its users manage their everyday health. It tracks 39 kinds of exercises that allow users to manage their workout routines. With sensors such as a heart rate monitor sensor, the smart watch automatically detects high levels of stress and offers breathing exercises. It monitors users' sleeping habits as well.
The Galaxy Watch supports LTE connectivity in more than 15 countries so users can send messages, make calls, read maps and listen to music with the smartwatch.
The Galaxy Watch also has extended battery life. It comes with two versions _ one is 46 millimeters in diameter and has up to 168 hours of battery life and another is 42 millimeters in diameter and has up to 120 hours.
The 46-millimeter version that comes in a silver color has more than 80 hours of battery life in typical usage and up to 168 hours with low usage. It has a 472 mAh battery.
The 42-millimeter version, which comes in three different colors including black, rose and gold, has more than 45 hours of battery life in typical usage and up to 120 hours with low usage. It houses a 270 mAh battery.
Galaxy Watch users can customize their smartwatches with various kinds of straps including options from Switzerland-based leather goods manufacturer Braloba. Certified by U.S. military standards, it has an industry-leading water resistance to a depth of 50 meters.
The Galaxy Watch enables users to use SmartThings functionality so users can easily access and control Samsung devices.
Samsung said the Galaxy Watch will be available in Korea starting Aug. 31 and in the U.S. starting Aug. 24.
