Samsung Reveals the Galaxy Gear Smartwatch

Offers voice-activated phone calls and text messaging.

During its Unpacked 2013 Episode 2 event in Berlin on Wednesday, Samsung showed off the Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The device allows for hands-free calls, text messages, and emails without removing your synced Galaxy smartphone from your pocket. A 1.63-inch 320 x 320 AMOLED display is worked into six different colors of bands, and accepts simple swipes to complete tasks.

Backed up by an 800 MHz processor, the Galaxy Gear includes a 1.9 megapixel camera. While there's certainly a question as to the durability of the lens--the camera is located on the side of the watch's band--the ease of taking a picture is certainly impressive. A quick downward swipe captures an image or video with the Memographer feature, and you can also record a quick voice memo for yourself into the Galaxy Gear.
The Galaxy Gear syncs phone calls from your Galaxy smartphone, with communication requiring you to hold your hand up to your ear like you're holding an invisible phone. Features are accessible via voice command, and beyond taking and receiving calls, it's possible to send text messages, check the weather, and set calendar appointments through S Voice.

A security feature, Auto Lock, will lock the screen of the synced Galaxy device if the Gear smartwatch travels more than 1.5 meters away. And if your Galaxy smartphone should come up missing, the Galaxy Gear can make the device beep and light up. The six colors available at launch include black, gray, orange, beige, gold, and green. The Galaxy Gear will be available on September 25, the same day as the just announced Samsung Galaxy Note 3.