Samsung 'Gears' up for more in wearables game

Dubai - Gear Sport, Gear Fit2 Pro and 2018 IconX new additions to growing portfolio of wearables

Samsung wants you to 'Gear' up for a fitter, healthier lifestyle. And they just came out with three new choices for you.
The South Korean technology bellwether - still basking in the glory of its bounce-back Galaxy Note8 - released three new wearable devices: the Gear Sport smart watch, Gear Fit2 Pro smart band and the new version of the cordless Gear IconX earbuds, which all promise not only to bring the 'cool' factor in, but also to prime users to manage their lifestyles and well-being.
The launch, which was held alongside the opening of the Samsung Galaxy Studio in The Dubai Mall, signifies the company's 'staunch commitment' in the ever-growing category. Research firm Gartner, in a recent report, says wearable-sector sales are bound to grow 17 per cent in 2017.
The Galaxy Studio will run until November 21.
And with Samsung enjoying a 42 per cent market share in the UAE's smartphone segment through the end of August, according to GfK data, the launch of the new devices would be able to grow its ecosystem.
"[Samsung's wearables category] is one that truly adds value to our customers," Tarek Sabbagh, head of Samsung Gulf Electronics' IT and mobile division, said.
"Samsung wearables enable us to cater to every individual, whether the consumer is looking for the latest lifestyle trends, planning to kick-start a healthier routine, or even those who are fitness enthusiasts that can benefit from all the value-added innovations."
Oh, and Samsung has also looped in two partners to make it more enticing: food and lifestyle company Kcal Extra, which will be giving a 50 per cent discount on four-week healthy meal plans, and Dubai's telecom firm du, which has a very special offer.
"We always strive to provide our customers with the most innovative technologies that fit into their everyday lifestyles," said Fahad Al Hassawi, deputy chief executive officer at du.
"As such, we will be offering our customers special discounts when purchasing the Galaxy Note8 with our postpaid plans at the limited-time only Galaxy Studio."
The circular Gear Sport has a 1.2-inch Super Amoled display with an improved interface. Aside from health features such as continuous heart rate monitoring and workout training guide, it also supports Samsung Pay, is water-resistant for up to 50 metres, features the new Speedo On app and can even control a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation.
The new Gear Fit2 Pro, meanwhile, now has an advanced built-in GPS, plus new swim and hear rate monitoring features. It comes with a 1.5-inch Super Amoled screen and lightweight bands.
The 2018 IconX - aside from being a stand-alone audio device with 4GB of built-in storage that can hold up to 1,000 tracks - is also a user's newest connection to Samsung's artificial intelligence assistant, Bixby; the device can be controlled using voice. Tapping on the IconX activates various controls such as track-playing and volume, and it also has the Running Coach function that provides audio exercise status updates.
The Gear Sport will be available for Dh1,199, while both the Gear Fit Pro and IconX will be priced at Dh699. All devices will hit UAE shelves on Thursday.
- alvin@khaleejtimes.com