GalaxyGear2
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NASA needs help designing a smartwatch app for ISS astronauts
NASA has launched a contest to design a smartwatch app interface for use by International Space Station (ISS) astronauts. Nobody will be entering it for the $1,500 prize money, but you'll certainly get some pride and fame out of it. The app will be no less than "the general user interface for smart watch applications" aboard the ISS, according to NASA. As such, it'll need a lot of different functions: A "Crew Timeline" app for astronauts' agendas; a "Cautions and Warnings" app; another to check the communications status with Earth; and a timer "for procedures or until next activity."
Samsung Gear 2's battery is pretty easy to replace
After having their way with Amazon's Fire TV last week, the tool-wielding maniacs educators at iFixit are back, this time inspecting the insides of Samsung's Gear 2 smartwatch. While iFixit neglected to give the original Gear the teardown treatment, its sequel garners immediate favor by moving the camera module from the strap to the watch's main body, making band replacements trivial. A screwdriver and "a bit of light prying" were all that was needed to crack the thing open, and following the initial breach, most components were found to be easy to remove (and therefore replace), particularly the battery. The only sticking point, really, was a fused display assembly that would require replacing in its entirety if damaged or defective. Overall, though, the Gear 2 scored an impressive 8 out of 10 on iFixit's repairability scale, though we doubt your local jewelry store horologist would agree.
Spritz's speed-reading tech shows up to 1,000 words a minute, makes its debut on Samsung devices
Two weeks ago, we were so busy getting hands-on with the new Samsung GS5 and Galaxy Gear 2 smartwatch that an exclusive app for the two devices flew completely under our radar. That "app," as we call it, isn't really an app at all: it's Spritz's speed-reading technology, and if all goes according to plan, it will soon be embedded into loads of websites, apps and wearables devices. For now, though, the tech is making is debut on the GS5 and the Gear 2, with a public SDK set to come out in a few weeks.
Live from Samsung's 'Unpacked 5' MWC event!
Slow your roll there, eager beaver. We know you're excited to Meet the next Galaxy S5, but the big 'Unpacked 5' event hasn't started yet. If you're worried about missing any of the news as it's unveiled, just be sure to check back here at 2PM EST/ 8PM CET when Samsung's Mobile World Congress festivities kick off. We'll be reporting on all the action (and potentially amusing stage presentation) as it happens live. Until then, be nice to your Galaxy S 4, and say hi to your mother for us. February 24, 2014 2:00:00 PM EST
Tune in live for Samsung's 'Unpacked 5' event tomorrow at 2PM EST!
Here on the ground in Barcelona, Samsung's got a big banner just outside Mobile World Congress' main hall inviting us to "Meet the next Galaxy." And we're pretty sure that's confirmation of the rumored Galaxy S5, what with its supposed 2K display, fingerprint scanner and ability to float in mid-air while toasting bread. Alright, so maybe that last bit's just part of our spec wishlist. Whatever it is Samsung unpacks for us to see, you can also expect there'll be a new Gear smartwatch on hand and maybe even an ultra-lux Galaxy F (for 'fancy') to go with it. It's all going down right here at 2PM EST / 8PM CET tomorrow, so tune in for all the news live as it happens. February 24, 2014 2:00:00 PM EST
Samsung's new Galaxy Gear wearable will come in two models, according to fuzzy leaked images
It definitely looks like a new Galaxy Gear. There's definitely two of them and... that's most of what we can discern from what appear to be some cannily sniffed-out thumbnails from, well, somewhere. According to @evleaks, they'll be known as the Galaxy Gear 2 and the Galaxy Gear Neo. Samsung's branched off its Galaxy phone range in a similar way, and if that's any indicator, the Neo smartwatch will be a cheaper model with presumably some hardware drawbacks to go alongside that discount price tag. If you squint extra hard, you should be able to make out a physical button below the screen, with the one on the left (presumably Gear version two), getting more of the metallic design love than its stablemate. Are they really running on Tizen? Has Samsung solved the battery gripes of its first smartwatch launch? These important answers (alongside some higher res images, please) should be mere days away.
