Samsung is reportedly prepping a new smartwatch, with a twist: According to the Wall Street Journal, the wrist-worn communicator would serve as a standalone device, freed from the shackles of a compatible smartphone.
The watch-phone, as the Journal called it, would allow users to make and receive calls without an attached handset. It will also take photos and send emails, and run GPS, Bluetooth, and a heart monitor.
Citing unnamed sources familiar with the South Korean company's plan, the Journal said Samsung hopes to unveil the Tizen-based gadget by the end of July.
The tech giant already has three fully functioning smartwatches on the market—the Android-powered Galaxy Gear and Tizen-based Gear 2 (pictured) and Gear 2 Neo—as well as their younger sibling, the Gear Fit.
Gear users won't get far, though, without a compatible Galaxy device, like the Galaxy Note 3 handset or Note 10.1 tablet, which connects to the watch for alerts and other functions.
But if the rumors are true, consumers could see a new type of wearable on the market soon. One that will reportedly come with a SIM card, the Journal added.
Samsung did not immediately respond to PCMag's request for comment.
Wearable tech continues to gain popularity, though the Korean manufacturer has fallen behind its rivals. According to recent statistics from Canalys, the Fitbit fitness band owned nearly half of the global market in the first quarter of the year, while Pebble raced ahead in the smartwatch category. Samsung, meanwhile, had a 23 percent share of the market, behind Sony's 29 percent.
For more, see PCMag's review of the Galaxy Gear, Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo, and Gear Fit, as well as the slideshow above. Also check out our roundup of The 5 Best Smartwatches (the Gear Fit included).