Samsung today formally announced its Gear S2 smartwatch ahead of the IFA trade show in Berlin.
The Korean gadget maker already teased its next-gen wearable during its Galaxy Note 5 Unpacked event in New York City earlier this month. But today, it revealed a few more information about the smartwatch, though pricing and availability are still unknown.
The device sports a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED 360-by-360 display with 302ppi. It runs a dual-core 1GHz processor and comes with 4GB of internal memory and 512MB of RAM.
Like the Gear S and the Gear 2 devices Samsung unveiled last year, the Gear S2 will run Tizen, Samsung's proprietary OS.
The 11.4mm Gear S2 includes a rotating bezel, as well as Home and Back buttons for a "more precise method to comfortably access notifications and applications," Samsung said.
The Gear S2 will come in two versions: Gear S2 and the Gear S2 classic. The classic looks like a more traditional watch with a leather band and black finish, while the S2 is more modern and will be available with a dark gray case and band or a silver case and white band.
Like most smartwatches, the S2 will provide at-a-glance notifications, as well as the ability to send texts and track fitness, including heart rate. It's IP68 certified dust- and water-resistant. The S2 supports NFC for mobile payments, but Samsung said it also wants to expand its use to things like smart car keys, residential room keys, and remote controls to manage a connected home.
Samsung promised two to three days of typical usage via its 250mAh Li-ion, which can be charged wirelessly via a charging dock.
The S2 supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth but can also connect via 3G so you don't have to be near your smartphone. Samsung also pointed to the "first-ever e-SIM with voice capability."
T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon confirmed that they will carry the Gear S2. T-Mobile said customers can add the S2 to their phone plan for $5 per month, while AT&T and Verizon promised more details about pricing and launch date later.
The announcement comes as Google today said that iPhone users will be able to link their Apple smartphones to Android Wear smartwatches, beginning with the LG Watch Urbane.