Samsung Gear S3 Frontier's new rival is coming sooner than we thought
SAMSUNG Gear S3 Frontier has some new competition, as a new leak predicts the release date of the upcoming hotly-anticipated LG-Google Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch collaboration.
Samsung Gear S3 Frontier has some fresh competition on the horizon.
The flagship Samsung smartwatch, which is poised to get a major software update in the coming months, was first unveiled at the IFA consumer technology tradeshow last year.
But a new collaboration between LG and Google is set to bring a number of new Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches to the market.
Although the alleged price was leaked by a tipster last month, the release date for the LG smartwatch remained unknown.
However, prolific leakster Evan Blass has now published the release date for the Android Wear 2.0 wearables, believed to be called LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style.
According to Blass, the Android Wear operating system update – along with the new hardware collaboration between LG and Google – will ship on February 8th 2017.
According to the latest report from Android Police, the new Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch will be priced around $249 at launch.
That's significantly cheaper than the Samsung Gear S3 Frontier and Gear S3 Classic.
Citing a trusted source, Android Police claimed the Bluetooth-connected LG wearable would start from $249, some £199 converted, and then go up from there.
The report is a little vague about what factors will affect the price of the smartwatch, but it's probably safe to assume that different watch bands, finishes, or display size, will impact the RRP. Samsung currently sells its Gear S3 Frontier smartwatch for $349.99 in the United States, or £349.00 on the UK Samsung Store.
In our Samsung Gear S3 Frontier review, Express.co.uk was very impressed with the next-generation smartwatch.
"The Gear S3 has a stunning always-on screen which is incredibly responsive and the rotating bezel is still one of the best ways to navigate on such a tiny display. Battery life is good and there's more features now included to make the device far more useful," we wrote.
But the latest collaboration between LG and Google sounds like worth competition.
LG is expecting to release two different variations, the LG Watch Sport and LG Watch Style, which previously leaked online.
The LG Watch Sport appears to target fitness fans, featuring mobile connectivity and a rubber strap that should be waterproof and rustproof.
Reports have claimed that the Sport will be the larger and more powerful of the two new LG watches, sporting a 1.38-inch 480×480 display, 430mAh battery, and 768MB of RAM.
Meanwhile, the LG Watch Style looks to appeal to those searching for a more compact solution, with a smaller face and battery.
It will also only sport one side button, as opposed to the three shown in the image of the Sport.
The Watch Sport will be available in a choice of titanium or dark blue, with the Watch Style coming in titanium, silver and rose gold.
Previous reports have suggested that both devices will come with wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, with the Sport also providing GPS and NFC capability, meaning it’ll be able to support transactions made with Android Pay.
There’s also support for Android Nougat’s useful Google Assistant, and for sports fans, there’s a heart rate sensor to track your health.
Tag Heuer Connected watch with Android Wear
Both watches will also be able to connect to your smartphone, including iOS iPhone devices, and will feature significant water and dust resistance, meaning they’ll be able to withstand outside use easily.
Google is reportedly set to reveal Android Wear 2.0 early next month, with these two devices the first to be powered by the new software.
The original version of the company’s wearable software was launched back in March 2014, meaning it is due an upgrade as Google looks to take on growing popularity of the Apple Watch.
Android Wear 2.0 will reportedly also be available as a legacy update for older devices, meaning that users of previous Android smartwatches should also be able to enjoy the new features soon.