2 
Apparently every tech company is coming out with an iWatch/Smartwatch, and these screenshots—leaked from a Korean message board and spotted by SlashGear—supposedly show the time-telling wrist MP3 player Samsung has in store.
The device appears to be called the Samsung Galaxy Altius. That’s a little confusing because apparently Altius is a code name that’s been associated with the Galaxy S IV. Whatever it’s called, it’s probably safe to assume that the watch comes with a data plan, and it appears to have an LCD display. It also has a look that’s very Android, along with different tiles—one for music, one that’s a clock, and another icon for email. On the bottom, a slider bar suggests that the watch will probably have a touchscreen. The screenshots are 500 x 500 pixels each, pointing to a display of the same size, although that’s just an assumption.
Obviously we’re not even sure Samsung has a smartwatch planned, but the rumors seem to suggest that this product is to 2013 what the iPad was to 2010. Smartwatches for everyone!
To unlock more Android news, tips, and features, check out Samsung’s Your Mobile Life over here.
New Leaked Screenshots Make Windows 8 Metro Look Even Better
Leaked Screenshots Suggest HTC's Sense Skin Will Be Given a Simplified Overhaul
Leaked Screenshots Support Samsung Galaxy S IV Auto-Scroll Rumours
Am I alone in saying that I don’t want a smartphone strapped to my wrist? I’ve already got one in my pocket…
Let the phone do what it’s good at and limit the watch to what it’s best at – notifications. I just want to see who’s calling and maybe control music playback. If there’s an API that allows phone apps to push any message to the watch then great, but much of this Dick Tracy stuff is overkill. If I wanted to look like a comic book character, I’d wear a spandex costume.
i must admit i don’t see the want for a watch, maybe its because i haven’t worn a watch in years.
I tried going without a watch. Couldn’t hack it.
I find that having a watch on my wrist makes me more aware of the time as I glance at it far more often than I would a phone. That’s why I think a watch would be a great platform for notifications.
I’d love to see a smartwatch, but acting in a (fairly) dumb terminal system whereby I can control aspects of my phone and receive notifications but forget plugging in headphones into my watch for music or video or holding it up to my head to make a call.
Sony’s previous attempts always intrigued me but their execution was always off, Samsung, I believe, can nail it.
I’d say my biggest beef with the idea of a smartwatch is the battery life. I need at least one way to tell the time that I don’t have to plug in every few days.
Yep, that’s my one concern with the concept. However, if it’s designed right, charging could be as simple as just plonking the thing on the bedside table once every few days. However, the more features they try to pack into the watch, the more hassle charging will be.
i agree in that a smartwatch should be kept as simple as possible. surely it’s in the handset manufacturers interests to create a complimentary/companion product instead of trying to compete with themselves?
For me the functions would be:
the time!
notifications
ipod control
i would like to think that having a smartwatch would cut down on people checking their phones all the time (a few glances at the watch instead!). If everyone has their smartwatch on vibrate (very easy to feel when you get a notification) there will be less need for obnoxious ringtones. those custom vibrate patterns would actually become useful! your phone can be tucked away safely until you need it.
Which is why I’ve got one of these for playing Ingress or other outdoor activities
http://images.esellerpro.com/2209/I/435/20/medscaleU1648%20Samsung%20Galaxy%20S3%20Classic%20Armband%20Front.jpg
Yeah, if I lived in the city, I’d give Ingress a try. Maybe then I’d get some damn exercise.
I live in the suburb and play Ingress from work to home, go out at lunch times driving for a bit of fresh air and Ingress
The previous Gen iPod Nano can serve as a smartwatch if they plug in wifi. But why? It’s got a clock, you can have it on a wristband, it plays music and gets radio. Why are Samsung & Apple bothering?!
Valid point and iPod Nano is a good product actually which is not overpriced unlike iPhones.
I really am not a fan of smartwatches. I would like to have a flexi screen smart phone wrapped around my wrist!
“I really am not a fan of smartwatches. I would like to have a flexi screen smart phone wrapped around my wrist!”
Living out your Power Ranger fantasies, eh?
People with Nanos strapped to their wrist look like idiots. If it’s going to work, it can’t stand out like that.
There’s also a whole bunch of usability and ergonomic factors that make a Nano less than ideal as a watch. Also, if the watch can be tightly integrated with a paired iPhone, there are numerous advantages that could be leveraged.
My wife also told me not to wear that mobile armband and go in public too
I think it looks supercool
“Altius” ?
Why would you want to call it anything else than a Samsung Galaxy Watch…
No,. no,.no,.. you’ve got that mixed up with the iWatch by (cr)Apple
“It also has a look that’s very Android, along with different tiles—one for music, one that’s a clock, and another icon for email”
Am i the only one thinking it more resembles windows phone live tiles?
If it is going to be an independent device (no need to carry also your smartphone with you), I’ll buy it.
Why? Running, trecking, cycling – maybe remote control for other devices..? That would be great! I really want something “smart” with gps and android apps support that is not just an extension for a smartphone.
But if your smartphone is doing all of those things, then the watch only needs to function as a display with some basic controls. If it’s done right, the smartphone should never need to come out of your pocket or bag, but the functionality would be broadly similar to what you describe.
I do like the idea of smartwatches – not having to get your phone out or unlock it to see who has text you and if it needs replying to. It’s a good companion to a smartphone and I’d probably buy one if it was inexpensive.
Totally agree. I work in an environment where secure data is help, so anythign other than a desk phone isn’t allowed (they seem oblivious to the fact anyone can take screen grabs…).
So, something like this would be great to check texts, calls etc.
The biggest problem I’d have with any smartwatch that has to be paired to a phone would be the impact on the battery life of both devices. Having to keep an active bluetooth connection going all day will mean I’d have to charge my phone more often just for the added convenience of reading my texts on my wrist.
Exactly, I think we are better off having the whole smartphone wrapped on our wrists itself!
Sure, but what does a WiFi/GPRS radio do for the battery life?
Besides, I’m betting that one of the drivers towards smart watches is this new piece of tech:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth_low_energy
This can’t be real, Apple haven’t invented it yet!
You don’t want one, but they WILL make you have one!
True.
The mark of an innovator is the ability to come up with something that no one knows they want.
Love the fact that this watch ‘comes with a data plan’ Is there nothing that companies won’t try and get you to pay every month for?
New Levis ‘Data Trousers’! ….only (insert currency)4.99 a month, with a (insert currency)150 initial investment.
Also:
Large companies get excited and spend loads on R&D for an item that nobody wants – a product that only exists because inter company competitiveness engenders it.