Samsung is clearly interested in wearables in a big way, as evidenced by how its selection has positively exploded since the debut of the first Galaxy Gear not even nine months ago. But right around the time the Gear 2 models were getting ready to go up for sale we started hearing about another Samsung smartwatch, and this time one that would differ from previous models in one big way: it would have its own cellular data connection, freeing it from the need to be tethered to a smartphone. We’ve been tracking rumors of this so-called Gear Solo ever since, and have seen compelling evidence that Samsung’s currently testing such a model. Now The Wall Street Journal is weighing in on the rumors, and while it doesn’t mention the Gear Solo name directly, it’s clear that it expects Samsung to release just such a cellular-enabled smartwatch “in the next few months.”
Beyond the general confirmation of this model’s existence, we also pick up a few details about the hardware itself. For instance, the watch will supposedly keep the heart rate monitor from the current Gear 2 models (no surprise there), and will also get a camera – we suppose that means we won’t be seeing anything along the lines of a Gear Solo Neo.
Like the current-gen Samsung smartwatches, this model would run Tizen, and there’s talk of introducing it in either June or July; we can’t imagine it would pop up at the June 12 tablet event, but something in July would make sense, giving Samsung a head-start on all the late-summer launches coming in around IFA.
Analysts are reportedly a little unsure about what demand there may be for a product like the Gear Solo, but Samsung still seems keen to get this guy out there and let the market speak for itself.
Source: The Wall Street Journal
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