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LequteMan
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THE smartwatch race has finally begun, with Samsung revealing an internet-connected wristwatch that lets users make phone calls, shop on the internet, and slyly capture photos directly from their wrists.
The Galaxy Gear watch, unveiled before the start of the IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin today, is due to launch in some countries on September 25.
The Samsung smartwatch features two microphones for making and taking calls, hides a speaker in its watch buckle, and packs a 1.9-megapixel camera on to the outside of its wristband for capturing photos and video.
A 1.63-inch touchscreen lets users control the watch, swiping left and right through its menus, swiping up to place a phone call, and down to access its camera.
The Galaxy Gear watch, available in six colours, will automatically transfer captured photos and videos to the user's phone, and will work with 70 external apps initially, including eBay, TripIt, Evernote, RunKeeper and MyFitnessPal.
Samsung Mobile product marketing director Min Cho said the Galaxy Gear watch had been created as a smartphone companion that would let users keep their handsets stashed away.
"(Users) want to stay ahead of the curve and stay connected … but they feel pain because they have to hold their device, they keep have to looking at their phone screen and taking their phones out of their pocket, purse or bag," he said. "We want to deliver a smart, freedom experience."
The smartwatch will only connect to the new Galaxy Note 3 smartphone, however, with other Samsung phones to be made compatible at a later date.
Other smartwatches currently on the market include the Pebble, the Italian-made I'm Watch, and the more basic Metawatch.