Samsung unveils Gear S, a smartwatch with curved display

The Tizen-based smartwatch sports a 2-inch super AMOLED display and 3G connectivity.

The Gear S Smartwatch.
Samsung

Samsung took the wraps off its latest wearable late Wednesday, a smartwatch with a curved display dubbed Gear S.

The Gear S features a 2-inch Super AMOLED display and is based on the Tizen mobile operating system, Samsung's alternative to Google's Android mobile OS. Along with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, the Gear S comes equipped with 3G for on-the-go connectivity.

Powered by a 1GHz dual-core processor, S gear also packs a wide array of sensors, including a barometer, GPS, a compass, a pulse rate reader, and even a UV monitor.

"The Samsung Gear S redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of mobile communication," Samsung mobile chief JK Shin said in a statement. "It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime."

The South Korean electronics giant also announced the launch of Samsung Gear Circle, a wireless Bluetooth device that features a magnetic lock that clasps around the user's neck when not in use, offering a vibration to signal incoming calls and notifications.

Samsung's announcement coincided with LG's official unveiling of the LG G Watch R, an Android Wear smartwatch that sports a traditional rounded display.

Both Samsung products will be available in October.

Samsung has released a handful of wearables over the past year -- including the Gear 2 watch, Gear Fitsmart fitness band, and Gear Live Android-based smartwatch -- and the company is believed to be working on various other models for release in the coming months. That could include smart glasses similar to Google Glass, as well as a watch that has its own internal connectivity and doesn't require a smartphone to function.

The wearables market is an important focus for Samsung as high-end smartphone and tablet sales slow. The company dominates the phone market with its Galaxy S devices, but it also has worked to expand in other markets. While Samsung is seen as a leader in wearables with its smartwatches, the overall response to the devices has so far been tepid.