Rumor: Samsung is working on a round smart watch, and it won’t run Android Wear
The success and attention of smart watches like the Moto 360 and LG G Watch R seem to confirm that people like their watches to be round. Samsung seems to have finally caught on if the latest report is to be believed: the company is readying a round smart watch.
The report comes from credible Samsung publication SamMobile, who suggests the South Korean electronics giant will launch it at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next month (which is usually the place they choose to announce their latest Samsung Galaxy S phone).
We don’t yet have a solid retail name to attach to it, but Samsung Gear R could be an obvious candidate. Its model number is SM-R720, for what it’s worth, and it’s internally codenamed “orbis.”
There are a couple of interesting, and — depending on who you are — damning features noted early on:
- There will be a mechanical dial that can be used to navigate the smart watch’s user interface.
- The smart watch won’t be running Android Wear — this is a Tizen baby.
It’s a shame Samsung won’t look to continue their Android Wear line with this release, but we can’t say we’re surprised. Tizen might not be fit for smartphones just yet, but the company has remained adamant in using it for nearly everything else they have their hands dipped into.
Some might ask why Samsung decided to release one of the first Android Wear devices in the first place if they’re just going to shun it down the line. Your guess is as good as anyone’s, but it’s looking more and more likely they did it as a favor to Google to get the train rolling than to signify they were going to embrace the platform for what it is. We should learn more as February makes its way to the forefront of calendars everywhere.