Official: Samsung announces the Gear S3 classic and Gear S3 frontier
Samsung today officially announced their Gear S3 smartwatch. In fact, we’re getting two devices here: the Samsung Gear S3 frontier is the sportier default option that’s akin to yesteryear’s base Gear S2 model, while the Gear S3 classic looks to provide a more elegant look.
No matter which you go for, both watches will offer the same features and user experience, including the fitness sensors (Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer, HRM, Ambient light) that will help support an active lifestyle. Those going for the Frontier model will also have the option of getting a 4G-equipped model for tracking workouts without your phone.
Here’s the rundown on all they’ll offer:
Gear S3 frontier and Gear S3 classic—Timeless Design: The Gear S3 draws inspiration from the world’s great watchmakers and evokes the contours of traditional timepieces, from buckle to bezel. It is available in two brilliantly bold designs to suit any lifestyle: frontier and classic. The Gear S3 frontier evokes an active, sporty look with an enduring style that blends form and function – perfect for business or leisure. The Gear S3 classic features the minimal, elegant style of many iconic timepieces. The classic model was designed meticulously to attain the same consistency and balance of a well-crafted luxury watch. Both Gear S3 wearables fuse design with cutting-edge technology. With a full-color, Always On Display, the Gear S3 tells time at a glance just like a traditional watch. With both Gear S3 frontier and classic, users can customize the Always On circular UX to complement their personal style. The Gear S3 is compatible with standard 22mm watchbands, so consumers can easily make a switch to match any outfit or special occasion. Samsung will also introduce unique and artistic watch faces and band designs through a special partnership with renowned artist and industrial designer Arik Levy.
Unprecedented Standalone Connectivity: The Gear S3 frontier with LTE further establishes Samsung’s leadership in connected smartwatches. Untethered from their smartphones, users can receive and answer calls in HD, send messages, and use connected apps on the go1 . With built-in GPS functionality on both the frontier and classic, users can accurately monitor their daily fitness activities, while the Alti/barometer and Speedometer allow users to track everything from distance traveled to sudden changes in weather. The Gear S3’s built-in speaker activates voice messaging and the ability listen to music on the go.
Enhanced User Experience: With the Gear S3, Samsung continues the UI innovation that defines its wearables portfolio. With just one rotation of the bezel, Gear S3 users can answer or reject calls and access other key functions. By writing or drawing on the display, messages 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.
Everyday Ready—And Everywhere Ready: The Gear S3 combines the stylish design of a luxury watch with rugged construction. In addition to its sleek look, the Gear S3 meets IP68 standards for water and dust resistance2 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 tough, scratch resistant and crisp display.
Smart and Secure Payments from Your Wrist: Gear S3 delivers unprecedented mobile payment integration. Users will be able to make a purchase almost anywhere they can swipe or tap a card with Samsung Pay for the Gear S3. With Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) support, Gear S3 users will be able to make a purchase with Samsung Pay at over 90 percent of the top 250 merchants across the U.S.3 Samsung Pay for the Gear S3 also delivers the enhanced security of the industry-leading Samsung Knox platform so users should feel safe and secure knowing that their credit and debit information will remain safe.
Samsung App Ecosystem: 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 Gear S3. Through an open collaboration with developers and partners, Samsung continues to enrich its wearable app ecosystem and provide users with a unique smartwatch experience. For the first time ever on a smartwatch, the Samsung Knox Tizen Wearable SDK will be available to third parties, enabling the development of customized applications for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem.
The Samsung Gear S3 will be available later this year at major retailers, including Best Buy, Amazon, Macy’s, and Samsung.com. Carriers will also carry the devices, with AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon opting to offer the LTE-enabled version of the Gear S3 frontier.