Samsung Electronics on Tuesday unveiled its new smartwatch with a rotating bezel -- the first of its kind within the industry -- before its official debut at the upcoming IFA electronics trade show in Berlin on Sept. 3.

The Korean tech giant was the first to open up the global smartwatch market back in 2013. But during a yearlong hiatus, its archrival Apple has gobbled up the market over the past year.
 
In a renewed push for its smartwatches, Samsung has come up with the Gear S2, the company’s first smartwatch with a completely circular design.

While adding a more classical look and feel to the device, the company will offer more diverse features customized for the round display running on its Tizen-based wearable platform.

Especially, the rotating bezel ring is expected to offer a new and unique user experience.

Turning the bezel to the left allows users to view at a glance notifications for messages and voice calls, while turning to the right shows notifications from other apps. Two additional buttons -- the home and back buttons -- also help with navigation. 


Users can type or narrate using the built-in keyboard and voice recognition system.

Thanks to cellular connectivity, they can also receive notifications and make voice calls even when they do not carry their compatible smartphones.

Like other new phones from Samsung, the smartwatch supports the Near Field Communication technology that can be used for mobile payments through Samsung Pay.

The Gear S2 is equipped with a 1.2-inch (3-centimeter) super active organic light-emitting diode display, the same display used on the Apple Watch. Its battery life is longer to last two to three days, compared to Apple Watch’s 18 hours.

Two variants -- Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic -- are available, with the only differences between them being the outer design and materials. 


The sportier Gear S2 will come in dark gray case with a black silicon band or silver case with a white silicon band. The classic model features a black case and matching genuine leather band.

“Samsung has been leading the smart wearable market for years. The Samsung Gear S2 is the culmination of our technological prowess,” said Samsung’s mobile division CEO Shin Jong-kyun.

The company said it would expand ties with global developers and partners in creating an advanced ecosystem for wearable devices.

By Lee Ji-yoon (jylee@heraldcorp.com)