Posts tagged Samsung

TOTW: Samsung’s First Wearable, Galaxy Gear

0
11 years
by in TOTWs

Wearable tech is the latest fad in the tech industry. The 2 biggest product types that have been thought of, prototyped, and in Samsung’s case, released, are smart glasses and smart watches. Of course, you have probably (hopefully, or you are not worthy of this information) heard of Google Glasses, Google’s very publicized smart Glasses, supposedly coming out in the spring 2014 Apple conference. As far as the smartwatch group, nothing has really happened except iWatch concepts and Apple keeping to themselves like they do. Until now. Samsung has released their out of the blue smartwatch, Galaxy Gear, at their recent event.

samsung-galaxy-gear

The Galaxy Gear Hardware

 

For starters, the Galaxy Gear, like other Samsung devices, is semi-ugly. People really only wear watches for style nowadays. They use their smartphones for checking the time, which is more convenient, considering they are probably on it at the time. So if you wanted to change that, you would make a snazzy looking watch that has the capabilities of GG. What Samsung came up with is not that bad looking, but again, like most Samsung devices, they messed up on some crucial points of the hardware. For instance, on the right side of the elastic-rubbery band, there is this giant volcano-camera. I mean, having a camera is very good for such a small and new device, but couldn’t they make it more subtle? Also, I don’t know what they were thinking when they added the four visible screws on the steel edges. Other than those semi-big design flaws, the Galaxy Gear isn’t half bad, with a good screen and slick clasp/speaker. Really, design is Apples thing, so lets give Samsung a break.

Galaxy-Gear-008-Set1-Side_Six

Different Colored Systems

As for the software, it’s pretty good. For a watch. It is the classic swipe menu system, a lot like what Google Glasses are using. There is a lot of options, including Notifications, Voice Memos, Photos, and more. Of course, developers are working to make their own apps for the GG that they can add on through their other Samsung device. One of the more special features is the Pedometer, even though it is on most kind of smart watches, and S Voice. S Voice is basically Samsung’s version of Siri. You can tell it to make phone calls, text messages, and probably later on, Tweet or post to Facebook. Unfortunately, when you swipe, the reaction time is not on the dot like on phones. Still, it shows a lot of promise for later year to build off of. Plus, hopefully by then they have hired someone who knows a little bit about design. If you are interested, or is that kind of person who need everything to be the latest thing possible. It will be coming out in October, for a price of $300.

TechSpot: Samsung Smart Window

2
11 years
by in TechSpots

At the 2012 CES(Customer Electronics Show), Samsung showcased a prototype for their new smart window.

04871098-photo-samsung-transparent-smart-window

Samsung Smart Window is a great window for a double-tasker. If you put the window in your kitchen, you could get recipes with the recipes widget on the widget page, check your Twitter account and get the weather all in the time that you make breakfast.

The Samsung Smart Window is the start of a big wave of technologies, a lot like the smartphone and tablet wave(which is still not over). In fact, one of my earlier posts was about a future design for smart glass, Corning’s Gorilla Glass. In case you missed it, here they are again.

Samsung Smart Glass is good for night or day. At night, LEDs shine at the top and bottom of the window. Plus, if it is daytime, and you don’t want people to look in on what you are looking at, you’re covered. The window is one way, so people can’t even see into your house. Unfortunately, Samsung’s windows are not yet out on the market, and the prices are still undisclosed.

url

Go to Top