Samsung Galaxy Gear 2 SmartWatch Coming In 2014 [REPORT]

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) may soon launch the second version of its Galaxy Gear smartwatch, says a report from CNET citing Korean news Site Digital. The South Korean major unveiled their first next-generation smartwatch just few weeks back.

Next version expected to be an improvement over the first

A Korean news site reveals that electronic major Samsung is in the process of developing a Galaxy Gear 2, which could be unveiled in early 2014, most probably at the International Consumer Electronics show in January, or the Mobile World Congress in February. The first model will be available to consumers from October.

Galaxy Gear 2 is believed to be a step ahead of its predecessor, with longer battery hours, GPS integration and support for more Android devices, compared to Gear 1, which is only compatible with the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 smartphone.

Why the second version so soon?

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) may succeed in identifying the popularity and demand of its watches by launching the first model and then the second one after two months. However, there are hardly any incidents when two versions of the same product are launched one after another so soon. Samsung should rationally like to have a deeper look into sales and user feedback on the first version before launching the second one.

First version from Samsung received mixed response

 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) unveiled its first smartwatch on September 4^th at the IFA show in Berlin, but did not receive very enthusiastic response from the viewers. Some who tested the watch complained about the battery lasting for only 25 hours, and its limited compatibility with only Galaxy Note 3 phablets and Galaxy Note 10.1 tablets.

Other observers concluded that Samsung has launched its smartwatch in a rush because there were rumors everywhere about a possible launch of Apple’s iWatch, fueled by the fact that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) registered its iWatch trademark in Japan, and last week explained a new “M7 processor” in its new top end 5S iPhone, which is expected to be used for monitor movement.

Ian Fogg, director for mobile and telecoms at research company IHS commented, at the time of the launch, that the Galaxy Gear was “a prototype masquerading as a commercial product—and because of that, it is unlikely to be successful in the market.” Furthermore, he said that there are various shortcomings in the watch, like a higher price tag, short battery life, its status as a companion device and restricted compatibility. According to Fogg, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. (LON:BC94) (KRX:005930) should come up with more refined product in order to strike enthusiasm in the market.