Smartwatch for farmers

This gadget appeared long ago in science fiction films. Last year, Samsung brought it to life, says Greg Miles.

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If it looks familiar, you probably remember something similar from Star Trek, Knight Rider or even the old cartoon strip Dick Tracy, featuring the square- jawed US detective. Now, however, it’s for real. Meet the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Gear, a robust ‘smartwatch’ that fits on the arm like any wristwatch. Amazingly, given all the functions it can perform, the Gear is not much larger than the average watch.

The Gear works in conjunction with certain Samsung smartphones via a Bluetooth connection. It is not a standalone product; it has no sim card and is an extension of the smartphone. You can receive a phone call on your smartwatch while driving your tractor, say. Or make a call from it using the touch screen or voice commands.

Voice recording and videocam

The Gear displays all your cellphone notifications, such as missed calls, text messages and emails. It even allows you to record a memo. If you remember something important, simply speak into the watch and it will record your voice. The watch boasts a video camera and camera with auto focus (built into the strap) and a high-resolution touch screen. This is covered in glass moulded into the metal. There’s a speaker and microphone for hands-free calling.

Charged
The smartwatch has a docking station and the battery is charged via a USB cable. This can be done overnight, and together with your Samsung smartphone. For a closer look, see a YouTube video taken from Galaxy Gear. More and more apps are becoming available for the Gear, and even the weather can be displayed. This gadget is clearly a breakthrough in communications technology.

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