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SAMSUNG GEAR S2 - Preview. First Local Applications for Samsung Gear S2 Programs for Gear S2

In September, at the IFA 2015 exhibition, Samsung introduced smart watch Gear S2. Then we prepared the first review of this model, telling you enough about design and key features. Now, on the eve of the start of sales of hours in Russia, it's time to consider in more detail those aspects of new items that could not learn and study in the conditions of the exhibition.

The history of the appearance of Gear S2 and information about the Gear family in general, we set out in the already mentioned material, so we will not repeat and recommend that you read before reading this text. However, then it was not yet known when the clock will be available in Russia and at what price. Now Samsung has announced this information: sales must start this month (although the exact date is not yet called), and the price will be 21 thousand rubles for the usual version and 25 thousand for the classical one.

Pre-order, open on the Russian SAMSUNG website, was quite quickly closed due to the exhaustion of the first batch of devices, and first the more expensive Gear S2 Classic was repaid, but by the time of the output of the article ended and ordinary Gear S2. This, of course, testifies to a high interest in the novelty, so it's time to study it.

We had a standard version on testing. Samsung Gear. S2 with a dark gray housing and a gray strap.

Let's look at the specifications of the device.

SPECIFICATIONS SAMSUNG GEAR S2

  • CPU @ 1 GHz (2 kernels)
  • Touch Round Display 1.2 "Super AMOLED, 360 × 360, 302 PPI
  • RAM (RAM) 512 MB, Flash Memory 4 GB
  • Bluetooth 4.1 Le, NFC
  • Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n
  • Microphone
  • Gyro, accelerometer, cardiac rhythm sensor, light sensor, barometer
  • 2G, 3G (Support E-SIM for Sport Option), Call for a smartphone via Bluetooth
  • Lithium-ion battery 250 mA · h
  • TIZEN operating system
  • Compatibility with Samsung devices under android management 4.3 and newer
  • Degree of protectedness from moisture and dust: IP68
  • Dimensions: 39.9 × 43.6 × 11.4 (Classic version) / 42.3 × 49.8 × 11.4 mm (Sport version)
  • Weight 62 g (Sport version, our measurement)

For clarity, we decided to make a table with the characteristics of other top smart watches (including previous version Gear S), making in it the parameters that are currently key when choosing a device of this type.

Samsung Gear S2. SAMSUNG GEAR S. Motorola Moto. 360 2 Apple Watch.
Screen round, flat Super AMOLED, 1,2 ", 360 × 360 (302 PPI) rectangular, curved Super AMOLED, 2,0 ", 360 × 480 (300 ppi) round, flat, IPS, 1.65 ", 360 × 325 (290 ppi) / 1.8", 360 × 330 (304 ppi) rectangular, flat, amoled, 1.5 ", 272 × 340 (290 ppi) / 1.65", 312 × 390 (304 ppi)
Protection yes (IP68) yes (IP67) yes (IP67) not
Strap removable, leather / silicone removable, silicone removable, leather / silicone / metal
SOC (CPU) 2 cores @ 1 GHz 2 cores @ 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapgragon 400, 4 core @ 1 GHz Apple S1, 1 kernel @ 520 MHz
Communication 3G (Sport only), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Camera not not not not
Microphone, speaker there is there is only microphone there is
Compatibility samsung devices on Android 4.3 and newer devices on Android 4.3 and newer / iOS 8 and newer devices on iOS 8.3 and newer
Operating system Tizen. Tizen. Android Wear. watchos.
Battery Capacity (MA · H) 250 300 300 / 400 not reported
Dimensions * (mm) 40 × 44 × 11.4 / 42 × 50 × 11,4 40 × 58 × 12.5 ∅42 × 11.4 / ∅46 × 11,4 39 × 33 × 10.5 / 42 × 36 × 10.5
Mass (g) 62 (Sport version) 83 not applied 25/30 (Sport version) *

* According to the manufacturer

We commented on this table in the first sAMSUNG review Gear S2, so we will not repeat, but we note that on official sale in Russia there will be no versions of the clock from 3G. The fact is that Gear S2 uses the format of virtual SIM cards - E-SIM, but it is not supported by Russian operators. This, of course, is minus compared to the Samsung Gear S, where the usual Nano-SIM was used.

As for comparison with Apple Watch.Here we will note the smaller Samsung Gear S2 price in Russia (if you compare the sports model with Apple Watch Sport, and the classic - with Apple Watch). But Apple Watch has much more combinations of watch and straps. That is, even if you have an Apple Watch Sport, you can buy a leather or metal strap to them, and vice versa, you can attach a silicone strap to Apple Watch, while Samsung's clock / strap ratio is strictly fixed (Silicone - Samsung Gear S2 , leather - Samsung Gear S2 Classic).

Well, let's go directly to acquaintance with the device.

Packaging and equipment

The clock is supplied in a square gray-blue box of medium sizes.

Open the box - and we see the clock inserted into the shape of thin white plastic. It should be noted that although there are no complaints about packaging, but still Samsung has approached this task formally. No emotions unpacking Gear S2 gives no (unlike Apple Watch).

Under the plastic form, there is an additional strap of the same color, but of a different size, a wireless charging 5 to 0.7 A, the charger with the same parameters (however, you can use any other smart phone charging), a small warranty booklet and a folding sheet with instructions ( We had it in French, but it is obvious that a Russian-speaking version will be sold in Russia).

The presence of an additional strap us is very pleased - and there are both halves, and not just that that has a different size. So if something happens to the main strap, one of two halves can be replaced without any problems.

As for wireless charging, it is good with its compact dimensions and the presence of a magnet inside the wall, to which the clock is leaning out the back of the case. Thanks to this, hours do not hang out and do not fall out of this miniature charging.

On the back of the roundabout charging there is a Micro-USB connector to which the cable must be connected. Alas, there is no possibility of connecting the clock to a computer through this charging. On the front part of the base, you can see the LED indicator showing that charging goes (Red) or that the device is already charged (green).

In general, the package can be estimated positively: Wireless charging and an additional strap - this is what lacked in the case of the previous gear models.

Design

Our first impressions of the design of Samsung Gear S2, we told you in the material with IFA 2015, and in general they have not changed after the closest consideration of the device. The clock looks minimalistly and moderately strictly. Comparison with Gear S2 Classic They, in our opinion, lose, but the design itself leaves pleasant impressions.

Streamlined casing forms and smooth transition Its in halves of the strap cause associations with something futuristic - "cold blood" design of the clock would have fallen perfectly in the interior of some space station. If you argue in a more realistic way, then Samsung Gear S2 is quite suitable for different types Clothes (from Casual to business style), but it is impossible to say that they will attract attention or become a highlight of your appearance. The design is too neutral, or something.

However, on the hand, the clock is well sitting, and the case does not look thick. This is a plus. Here is a photo of the clock "in the profile". It is worth paying attention not only to the thickness, but also for the presence of two buttons. The one is more - "back", smaller - "home".

Between the buttons you can see the opening of the built-in microphone - it is needed to work with voice assistant s Voice, however, alas, there is no opportunity to answer calls directly from the clock (there is no speaker in the clock). This is minus Samsung Gear S2 and compared with the previous models of the Gear line, and compared to Apple Watch.

On the back of the cluster of the clock, you can see the heart rate sensor (center) and clamps for fastening the strap. To disconnect the halves of the strap, you need to get a closer from the body slightly and pull the strap down. At first, unusual, and it's not immediately possible to understand how to disconnect the strap, but when, finally, you understand the essence of the attachment, then further disconnect-join quite simple. Nevertheless, this mechanism cannot be called intuitive and elegant (in contrast, again, from Apple Watch).

Well, the main design chip (general and for usual, and for the classic version of Gear S2) - undoubtedly rotating bezel. Celebration in the hourly industry is called the rim, in which traditional clocks usually have notches for the convenience of determining time. Samsung Gear S2 has no winds on the rim, but it is possible to rotate it around the screen, thus either overflowing screens, or making vertical promotion (if such is assumed in the application).

In our first material about Samsung Gear S2, we praised this decision, and after more thorough testing our opinion has not changed. It is incredibly convenient, elegant and in theory, and in appearance, and besides, it becomes an additional weighty argument in favor of a round screen, because it is obvious that this solution would be impossible on a rectangular case. And here we again remember Apple Watch, but no longer in favor of the product from Cupertino. We can say that despite such interaction methods with Apple Watch, like Taptic Engine, Force Touch And Digital Crown, Samsung engineers were able to achieve more in facilitating clock management. Although, of course, the rotating bezel also requires the habit.

At the same time, the optimal combination of smoothness and elasticity of the Bezel movement was found: the bezel rotates very smoothly, gently, without much effort, but it is almost excluded random turns, and when rotating, we clearly feel divisions ("steps").

Screen

The screen at the clock is completely round, without dead zones (in contrast to Moto 360). The resolution is 360x360, which gives a sufficiently high density of 302 pixels per inch, close to major competitors. Detailed testing of the other parameters of the Samsung Gear S2 display was conducted by the editor of the "Projectors and TV" section Alexey Kudryavtsev.

The front surface of the screen is made in the form of a glass plate with a mirror-smooth surface resistant to the appearance of scratches. On the outer surface of the screen there is a special oleophobic (fat-repellent) coating, (effective, noticeably better than Google Nexus 7 (2013)), so traces from fingers are removed significantly easier, and appear at a lower speed than in the case of conventional glass. Judging by the reflection of objects, the anti-reference screen properties are not worse than the Google Nexus 7 2013 screen. For clarity, we give a photo on which the white surface is reflected in the screens:

The right below is Samsung Gear S2, and on the right and above - Apple Watch in an embodiment with sapphire glass and 42 mm housing. SAMSUNG Gear S2 screen is a bit lighter (brightness of photographs 131 versus 125 at Nexus 7). Note that from bright objects reflected in the screen, there is not very pronounced bluish halo. There is no two-time reflection, it suggests that there is no air interval between the screen layers. When manually controlling the brightness and when the white field is output, the maximum value (10 on the scale) of the brightness was about 330 kD / m², the minimum (1 on the scale) is 9.5 kD / m². In the presence of an unconnected automatic brightness adjustment over the illumination sensor, which is allegedly under the screen. With some difficulty, but it was possible to establish that in a very bright environment (corresponds to the lighting with a clear day outside the room, but without direct sunlight - 20,000 LCs or a little more) The brightness rises to 495 kD / m². That is, given the good anti-reflective properties, on a sunny day outdoors, the readability of the screen will remain at a good level. On the graph of the dependence of the brightness (vertical axis) from time to time (horizontal axis) for high, medium and minimum brightness, you can see only insignificant modulation, so there is no visible flickering of the screen:

This screen uses the Super Amoled matrix - an active matrix on organic LEDs. The full-color image is created using subpixels of three colors - red (R), green (G) and blue (b) in equal amount, which is confirmed by a fragment of micrographs:

For comparison, you can familiarize yourself with the micrographic gallery of the screens used in mobile technology.

The similar "structure" of the screen we observed, for example, in the case. The spectra are typical for OLED - the primary colors area are well separated and have a view relative to narrow peaks:

Accordingly, the coverage is noticeably wider than SRGB, and no attempts to reduce it is observed:

Note that on screens with a wide color coverage without the corresponding correction of the color of ordinary images optimized for devices with SRGB screens, look unnaturally saturated. The color temperature of the white and gray field is approximately 7600 K, and the deviation from the spectrum of absolutely black bodies (ΔE) is 10 units. Color balance acceptable. Black color is just black under any corners. So black that the contrast parameter in this case is simply not applicable. With perpendicular view, the uniformity of the white field is excellent. The screen is characterized by excellent viewing angles with a much smaller drop in brightness when looking at the screen at an angle in comparison with the screens on LCD matrices. However, at large corners, a white field acquires some blue-green shade. In general, the screen quality can be considered very high.

Connecting to smartphone and compatibility

All past devices of the Gear line worked only with a limited number of Samsung smartphones (mainly with top models). It was probably the main lack of SAMSUNG watches and the Tizen OS used in them. And when it became known that operating system Android Wear will work not only with Android devices, but also from the iPhone, the limited compatibility of Gear devices has become an obviously weak place.

In Samsung, apparently, they also understood, so it was announced that Gear S2 would work with all Android smartphones running Android 4.4 and newer. This was said on. But is it really?

At first we tried to connect the clock with a fairly new smartphone Huawei P8 Lite. On the clock box and on the start screen, the link is indicated by which you can download the app :. When entering through the browser on this page, we see two buttons: Galaxy Devices and Other Devices. We click Other Devices, the application page opens in Google Play. Store and ...

We read the inscription "not supported on your device." How so? Representatives of Samsung told us that in addition to Android 4.4, the smartphone should be at least 1.5 GB of RAM. It is already rather strange because Android 4.4 works even on devices with 512 MB of RAM, that is, it turns out that in fact not all smartphones on Android 4.4 are supported! But even this does not explain why Huawei P8 Lite is not supported by the Gear Manager application, because there are 2 GB of RAM. Good, attempt number two: Sony Xperia Z3 Compact. It all managed to download everything here, and it seems like the connection process even went, but in the end we saw such an amazing screen (see the right screenshot).

That is, at the top it says that Gear S2 is connected, and at the bottom - that Gear is not found. Obvious flaw! Multiple attempts still make friends two devices did not give results. Let's not tiring the reader detailed descriptionBut let's only say that Gear S2 failed to connect from any LG G4 Stylus (the clock began to customize the configuration, and fooling on it), nor with Elephone P8000, nor even with Samsung Galaxy Xcover 3.

According to Samsung representatives, everything should have earned by October 16, that is, to the launch of the world sales Gear S2. But - not earned. Therefore, if you are going to buy a clock, then be sure to go to apps.samsung.com/gear before purchase and try downloading Gear Manager to your smartphone. It does not guarantee anything, as we were able to make sure, but at least at the time of purchase you can immediately check whether the clock is connected to your smartphone. But in general it is surprising that Samsung was able to afford such a flaw!

In the end, we managed to connect the clock only to the Samsung Galaxy Note5 smartphone, and everything went on with oil. Although there are also oddities here.

Smartphone applications

Required for work gEAR application Manager on our test instance has already been established. However, in the process with a clock connection, a smartphone wanted to download more and some Gear Plugin, apparently designed specifically for Samsung Gear S2. All further work went in this application (it is not clear why Gear Manager is needed then).

The application menu is sufficiently simple and generally familiar to us in the previous hour of the Gear line. Here you can see and choose the clock dials (the same can be done right in the clock, but on a large screen smartphone choose, of course, more convenient). If you don't arrange an existing choice (we will also tell about the preset dials), then you can go to the Gear store to select paid dials.

The next menu item Gear Plugin is notifications. Here we see a number of settings associated with notifications: the choice of applications from which you can accept notifications, the features of the display ... In general, everything is standard. Next - "Application Management". Here we see the list of applications installed on the clock, and can change their order, including the distribution of screens.

In the following items, we see the options for sending a media file on the clock (audio or image), as well as the settings of some applications (as a rule, it is a purely auxiliary settings).

Among the settings are interested in sending emergency messages. You can specify the contacts that when the button is pressed to sAMSUNG Gear S2 will come an alarm message with your coordinates.

Clock Interface and Preset Applications

Now let's look at the interface and the applications themselves. Let's start with the fact that the user will see most often: from the dials. A total of 14 dials are installed on the clock, and all of them are designed precisely for a round screen (that is, it is not circumcised square dials from other models of clock on TIZEN).

Dials, in our opinion, beautiful. We describe only a few of them, while the rest are also very good, there are practically no unsuccessful. So, first of all, we note minimalistic dials: on a dark neon background, as well as on a black background with a spectacular green circle (see screenshots over this paragraph). In addition, the animated dials are very good: neon sparkles are hooking on one, on the other - the conditional image of the heart, the shade of which depends on the last measurement of the pulse with the clock (the higher the pulse, the more rich color).

Of course, there are also all sorts of chronometers and digital menus. And from unusual options we were pleased with the dial with two circles, one of which displays the amount of time spent in a sitting position, and the other is your activity. Accordingly, the longer the activity lasted during the day, the the second round will be more. Vividly and very motivating! This does not disturb the minimalist style of the clock.

To change the dial without using a smartphone, it suffices to make a long press on the current dial - and the tape of all existing dials will open, where you can select the desired one. If you brush the dial right to left, we will see the main menu from which we can get into the settings, open contacts, run voice assistant S Voice and open a list of all installed applications.

If you flip further, there will be widgets of various applications: information on the number of steps per day, calendar, weather, music playback management (this screen looks like an elegant stylization under vinyl record), the results of the last measurement of the pulse (by clicking on this widget, you can run a new dimension) and a summary of different types activity during the day. Opening screen - Adding widgets of other applications.

It is possible to switch between widgets not only with brightness, but also by the rotation of the beer. It is incredibly convenient! You can return from any widget to the dial by clicking the "Home" button. And the "Back" button is very useful in the application menu - in order to move from one screen with icons to another.

Of course, in this menu, the rotating bezel also turns out to be very useful: with it, we can quickly move from one icon to another, seeing the name of the application. And here we celebrate very important moment: As you already understood the appearance of screenshots, the TIZEN operating system interface, on which all the hours of the Gear line work, was entirely reworked for a specific model. That is, if the round clock on the Android Wear (LG G Watch R, LG G Watch Urbane, Moto 360) is used, in fact, the same version of the OS as the usual applications (see our articles), then the entire Samsung Gear S2 interface was specifically drawn It is for a round-screen, taking into account the advantages and restrictions of this format. And it is impossible not to note what happened very well: the interface is convenient, intuitive, beautiful.

That the clock is still able and, on the contrary, do not know how? Come on to show information about traffic jams and speeds to the selected address using Google Now..

Come on to show the current location and search for the nearest objects (for example, parks) using the HERE cards. And also allow you to find the nearest stop of public transport, but, frankly, the last one is long and in fact unsuitable for real use.

There is also quite wide opportunities for working with SMS. In particular, you can send a response by using one of the templates (you can edit templates using a smartphone application), or send an emoji. The most interesting thing is that if you wish, you can even dial the answer on the virtual keyboard, although it is difficult for me to imagine a person who will actually do it.

In general, sometimes we have the feeling that the functionality of the clock is even excessive - in addition to the examples of this, let's say, the ability to set telephone number On the clock. Are you seriously? Why, if you can't call anyway? Why not immediately dial on the smartphone, if you still have to use it for a conversation?

However, excess is not a disadvantage. Moreover, the presence of these possibilities does not overload the interface at all. In general, a set of pre-installed applications covers all the main tasks that today are assigned to smart hours. There are no revelations here, but there are no such things that were sharply lacked to those users who are familiar with other models of smart watches. Is that the opportunity to answer calls directly by the hour.

If you still need something in addition to an existing set of applications, you can refer to the assortment of the Samsung Gear Apps store. Alas, the choice here is small, mostly the dials, and as for useful applications And games (the latter is very little), then there is a lot of paid here. Third-party applications must be installed through a smartphone.

Nevertheless, it is worth looking into the store - even despite the modest assortment, here you can find useful and pleasant things. For example, Samsung calculator (yes, not all Samsung applications are pre-installed!) Or a pretty game made in the image and likeness Flappy Bird (but a little easier, which pleases).

Let's hope that the number of applications in the store optimized for Samsung Gear S2 will grow. It is clear that the chances to catch up with Apple Watch and even the Android Wear is almost no, but so far talk about something early. Perhaps if the model is successful, the developers will raise more close attention to it.

conclusions

Well, after a more detailed acquaintance with Samsung Gear S2, our first impression was only intensified: this is a really interesting, decent device that can be called full right one of the most successful in the smart watches market. Among the main advantages are an interesting appearance, convenience of use, provided in many ways thanks to an excellent find (rotating bezel), fully optimized for a round-screen interface, a large set of pre-installed applications and excellent dials.

It can be seen that they tried; It can be seen that we have worked on a variety of details. Especially strange that Samsung did not have time to ensure the promised wide compatibility, which would have to become another visibility of the device. We never managed to connect the clock to any Android-smartphone third-party manufacturer, and we have some doubts that Samsung will be able to solve this problem promptly and fully. That is, let's say compatibility with the most famous flagship models will be, and with different "Chinese phones"?

Plus, it is not very clear how much the functionality of the clock will be different when using them with third-party devices. S Voice will not work, it is already known, but what else? When the SAMSUNG Gear S2 Classic version appears on sale, we will try to return to this issue - we hope that then problems with the connection will be resolved. At the same time, and deal with duration autonomous work hours. As long as we did not have the opportunity to get enough long-term experience in the use of hours in real life, to understand how much they work at various use scenarios (for example, with always on the screen or, on the contrary, in economy mode). Presumably, one charge is enough for a while from one to two days. But, repeat, we will return to this, as the model clearly deserves close attention.

One way or another, we congratulate Samsung with a really bright and original on the concept (which is important!) A product that we boldly reward our award Original Design (earlier it has already deserved the version of the Samsung Gear S2 Classic), and not only for appearance and management, But for the design of the interface.

Convenient management

But the uniqueness of the Gear S2 lies not in a round display or case. Samsung decided to use for the control of the watches, still on IFA in September such a way seemed convincing to us. Of course, the first time will have to get used, but then the rim turns out to be very convenient. The entire management philosophy is redone under the turntable, here the difference from competitors is felt.

The Android Wear system for control provides a touch screen. Of course, there is an important advantage - the interface for all devices is unified, the manufacturer does not have to think about it. However, if the manufacturer desires to finalize the interface, then it will have to perform more work - as can be seen on the same clock Watch Urbane 2nd Edition. In his Watchos Apple tried to avoid the constant involvement of the display using the "digital clockwork". The button with rotation allows not only to scroll through the interface, but also to confirm the selection. This interface also has to get used to this interface, with the first acquaintance, Android Wear seems more familiar. Moreover, some actions can be performed only with the "head", while others - only through the touch screen.

Similar sensations arise and when familiarizing with the Gear S2 interface - first time will have to get used to. After one or two days you understand that the rim is simply an alternative to the touchscreen. Actions that can be performed through the swivel rim are available through the touchscreen display. Somewhat different situations with two side buttons. The upper button allows you to return a step back, the bottom returns to the "home" screen with the dial. But it also allows you to go to the application selection screen.

Touch interface Gear S2 is as intuitive as the Android Wear models. Tactile returns of buttons and swivel rods are good. When the leftmost or right paragraph is reached, the vibromotor is triggered, which is well complemented by a common positive impression of the interface.

Software

Unfortunately, SAMSUNG software is not so successful. Like I. latest models Gear, new hours based on the TIZEN operating system, which is "easier" and less resource-intensive than Android Wear. The user interface is intuitive, except that the display of installed applications can be called a weak link. If nine programs are installed or less, then all of them are displayed on one screen. If the number of applications increases, and without it, it is difficult to add to the index, new screens will be added; From the very beginning of the points already three. The corresponding pictograms are located on the edge of the display, so most of the screen area is not used. As it seems to us, Samsung does not interfere with choosing another approach, although Apple's copy screen is hardly worth copying.

An important component of the platform is different dials, from the simplest to futuristic. In most cases, users can change the type of dial, although the settings are usually reduced to colors or displayed for more informationSuch as the battery charge level, dates or number of steps covered.

Access to the basic settings is made very successful. Wipe on the dial calls a menu in which you can adjust the brightness, control the playback of music and turn on the "Do not disturb" mode. You will also get information about the connection status and battery level.

Two "weak links": the list of applications is not very successful, the number available applications Nightly.

What is lacking Gear S2 is the portable popular applications. Assortment can be called wide, available applications and weather, fitness programs, but many are focused on American users. I would like to see more applications that are focused on the Russian user. In gear App Store. There are analogues, but they often lack usually comfort and functions.

At the very least, all major application scenarios closed: there is a calendar, stopwatch, search on the smartphone, voice helper S Voice and various small utilities. But quality is quite different. For example, Bing-based cards are removed slowly, with delays and jerks. Voice notes can only be recorded when the smartphone is connected. Finally, the calendar design cannot be called friendly to the user.

A separate question concerns communication between smart clocks and smartphone. It is very pleasant that Samsung has removed the use of only its own models - Gear S2 support all Android devices with version 4.4 or higher. To install communication and work, you will need the GEAR application, which adds two more programs after installation. The procedure is approximately the same as in the case of Android Wear: confirmation of the Bluetooth pairing, activation of the alarm function, etc.

The depth of the application is hidden support for wireless LAN. It can also be used to connect the clock and the companion application without Bluetooth. At least theories. In practice, everything is not so successful. The fact is that the Gear S2 and the smartphone must be in one wi-Fi network. Cause: SmartWatch uses wireless network Only for communication with the phone, without the Internet. Here, of course, Android Wear is still ahead.

In everyday use

In everyday work, we collided with some features - both positive and negative. To the first one can take a reliable delivery of alerts. The Gear S2 has always come from popular services on the smartphone, including Facebook or WhatsApp. Of course, for this, the corresponding application must be installed on the GEAR. And if you have small fingers, you can even answer on the screen of the clock. But for an adult hand, the T9 key on the screen is too small, you have to fight with a lot of errors.

Samsung has shown attention to detail. Alerts do not clutter the screen, but are available for each other counterclockwise. So with the help of the rim you can switch between them, everything is simple and understandable. If you will rotate the rim clockwise, you will get access to your favorite information. Calendar, weather, upcoming meetings and pulse can be treated.

The integration of health and fitness monitoring was quite pleasant. Here SmartWatch not only collect sensor information, but also allow the user to enter additional data. For example, the amount of liquid drunk. However, the detailed analysis is not carried out, only general. We liked the presentation of data - for example, the clock displays how much time you were active during the day. There is also a small disadvantage. In some places, the display simply does not fit all the text. At best, it leads to strange abbreviations, in the worst case the ends of words are lost. And the reason lies just in the circular screen.

If you are intensively use fitness functions, it is sooner or later to come across another shortage. The pre-installed application S Health offers very limited data export capabilities - in particular, it is impossible to export to Google Fit. But there is a more serious "minus": counting steps is performed very inaccurately. In our tests, the accuracy was up to 50%. More accurate results are obtained when connected to a smartphone. It is not entirely clear and the lack of a GPS receiver who obviously would not hurt the "sports" model Gear S2.

By turning on the screen, on the contrary, the correct operation of the sensors is visible. False responses are very rare. In addition, the display quickly turns off if the clock is in a position that is not typical of reading from the screen.

Conclusion

So far, smart watches do not diverge, like hot cakes. There are many reasons for this, but for all the models presented one: a successful mixture of functions and capabilities has not yet been achieved. The clock on Android Wear suffer because of software that is not fully adapted for round displays, so it is problematic to manage applications. Apple Watch has a high price, controversial design and exclusive work with an iPhone only. Samsung tried to bypass the shortcomings of competitors. And the Korean company actually made a lot to break forward.

The clock is already supporting not only Galaxy smartphones, it is possible to ever appear iOS support. The design is very pleasant software It works well, control is also implemented very convenient. But over time, they encourage more disadvantages that interfere with work. The interface is not adapted to the interface, many favorite applications have no versions for Tizen, and without constant connection to the Gear S2 smartphone, there are few additional functions in addition to the hours themselves.

The swivel rim can be called Samsung's innovation, but ultimately it is simply another additional "chip". It is well integrated into the management of the system, but in almost all cases you can do without it.

On the other hand, the rim often facilitates navigation in the system. Up to all basic functions, you can quickly reach, without wandering around the menu, except with the installation of a large number of applications, the convenience is lost. Again, disadvantages can be fixed by the coming firmware update. Will the update be able to fix a greater accuracy of the pedometer - unknown. Here, as it seems to us, Samsung missed the positioning of Gear S2 to the target audience. Motorola and Sony succeeded better.

If you compare two models, almost nothing changes. Gear S2 and the classic version are made on conscience, battery life almost three days, too, above average. If you use a smartphone on Android and you are interested in the topic of "smart watches", then Samsung can be considered as one of the candidates - if the appearance like it.

  • Battery life is slightly above average
  • High quality manufacturing
  • User friendly interface
  • All major messengers are supported.

    • Disadvantages of Samsung Gear S2 (Classic):

    • You can use only branded bracelets (Gear S2)
    • Incomplete functionality of WLAN.
    • Meful selection of applications under Tizen
    • Inaccurate definition of steps
    • Too dark display
    • Restrictions on the export of fitness data

    Gear S2 is a smart watch from Samsung. These are attractive, intuitive, going for a reasonable price of smart watches that come out in several models, each of which is compatible with Android smartphones of competitors.

    Samsung made a spectacular reversal 180 ° and it is very good for smart watches, because the result was a brave wearable gadget, in which the right things are also a lot, as in its predecessors - incorrect.

    Samsung Gear S2: Design

    Impressive how Samsung shake all the foundations with the help of the entire pair of designs: standard Gear S2 and improved Gear S2 Classic.

    It is worth noting that the stainless steel version and the plastic version look like traditional clock and cause a feeling. high Quality, and even if you have already worn smart hours from Samsung, then you are awaiting big news.

    If we had a choice - for which model Gear S2 to make a review, then we definitely chose Classic. Ribrous bezel (bezel), leather belt and a reduced housing create a sense of premium things. Moreover, the strap can be easily replaced by third part. Yes, this model will cost about $ 75 more expensive, but it is just beautiful.

    We also had no opportunity to test the work of Gear S2 with 3G and GPS - obvious criteria for comparison with Sony SmartWatch 3 or Moto 360 Sport, if you need smart hours not only for everyday tasks, but still for running or training.

    Thanks to different designs and several versions of the straps, the SamusNG Gear S2 line provides some choice of its style, although it cannot compete with Apple or Motorola in terms of the personalization of the appearance. While Gear S2 Classic with a leather strap has something common with Fossil clock, plastic Gear S2 - in some sense more like a swatch. And this is a key point, a couple of reasons. Firstly, SAMSUNG Gear S2 tried not to overdo it. With your pre-installed wildfish (screensaver with a dial), the clock look cool and unusual. And they do not try to be quite traditional, such as Omega or Schiekolsky as Michael Kors. Gear S2 has its own confident style and it looks great.

    The only claim we have for the fact that due to 11.4 mm thickness S2 is still quite cumbersome and tower over the wrist higher than we would like. The second generation of Motorola watches is suffering like this problem, and if there is hope that next year wearable devices will become thinner, then in 2015 smart hours are still fat. The Classic model is also suitable for women, but we would not say that for women it will be the best option. However, in one one can be absolutely sure - we are very far away from the first generation of Gear. Now these are exquisite, round smart watches in unisex style that will not be ashamed to be ashamed of his wrist.

    SAMSUNG GEAR S2: This rotating bezel

    The rotating bezel of Gear S2 is what we liked in these clever clocks. Instead of fully getting rid of the boleh, how did Motorola did, or bring it to the mind like in the traditional watches, as they did in LG, Samsung instead turned the bezel in the actual necessary, causing habit and what is the most important thing - an intuitive way to interact with smart - Wheels.

    When you pick a finger to the clock on your wrist, then the bezel, as a rule, is exactly the place where your finger lands, even when you do not look in his direction. And thanks to smart UI-designers, in the Tizen OS operating system (more about it - below) you can switch between applications, notifications, changing the volume and brightness with just one smooth gesture - just turning the rim.

    In short, it is brilliant and, let Samsung forgive us, but we hope to see a similar mechanism in the future and in the smart watches of competitors too. This approach is faster than the digital crown (Digital Crown) in and gestures on the touch screen. Putting one finger on the right half of the rim (if you are right-hand), you can manage almost anything, and you will always be visible to you completely all the display.

    The closest competitor of the Rotary Breaker is a little-known Chinese smart watch, with FROG design, which are called Ticwatch and which have a capacitive strip on the side of the case.

    On the right side of the Gear S2 case there are two buttons - "back" (which is higher) and "home" (which is lower). The first one is exactly in its place, but here to push the second - you have to turn your hand that sometimes strains. To double pressing the Home button, you can set the start of an arbitrary application, such as a player or card, which is very convenient, in contrast to say from which to start a program or settings you will have to touch the touch screen.

    Samsung Gear S2: Screen

    Rotating bezel is so beautiful that it is fascinating to them, it is easy to forget to pay well-deserved attention to the bright, living and clear 1.2-inch Super AMOLED screen. It is less than the screens of some other smart watches and inserted into the housing so that it looks in general is not so modern as the same Moto 360 2 for example, but it only enhances the retro / classic charm of the hours themselves.

    With a resolution of 360 x 360, the Gear S2 display has an impressive pixel density - 302 PPI, which means that you can install a smaller font and thus see more messages or notifications on one screen when you scroll them. It has the same good sharpness as the smaller apple screen Watch, as well as, which is not surprisingly for Samsung products - is able to be very bright. Perhaps even too bright, because most of the time we have enough small level of brightness specified in the settings, and it was enough for a comfortable reading.

    SAMSUNG GEAR S2: TIZEN

    The Tizen's own operating system has always been for Samsung as a gambling, but now the efforts spent on it finally paid off. Unlike all these Android Wear Wear-type Huawei, LG and Motorola, who received a couple of buns with recent update Systems, but can not seriously affect it to actually move to the level, Gear S2 took the case in his hands. And in the end we received an operating system for smart watches, which damn it is convenient to use. Almost also easily like our favorite Pebble OS.

    The screen with the dial is the home screen too, and you simply turn the rim on one click left and see recent notifications. Turning it to the right, you will see the screen with the following menu: Applications, Settings, Friends (To quickly send a message) and s VOICE. Continue to rotate to the right and you can watch brief useful information - weather, progress in s Health, your own pulse and information from other applications. If you do not rotate, but instead, select the item with applications, then Tizen will score a maximum of a circular screen and a rotating farewell, placing the program icons in a circle - along the edge of the screen so that they can be selected by turning the rim. Continue to rotate the rim and eventually get to the next page with the applications (if everyone does not fit immediately). Such navigation is much faster than scaling there here with a digital crown in Apple Watch.

    Notifications, messages, logs of calls, applications - all in one place. You definitely do not get lost. One door-image, such as WhatsApp, is not displayed on the screen. But this can be forgiven for the first time. TIZEN performance is also at the height, without brakes between screen shifts. The only moment when you have to wait - this is an animation that is shown when some application starts. Unlike Android Wear, managing the music player does not give failures. With the arrival of notifications, the vibration is quite soft, not so thoughtful as the Taptic Engine from Apple is rather simply unscrew and sometimes you can not notice it. You can configure Gear S2 for a long vibro signal - there are several levels to choose from, but even the most "strong" is not very strong in fact.

    The only critical remark is that it would be great to even bring to mind the appearance of the Tizen interface and add opportunities for its personalized configuration (customization), and in itself it looks slightly inexperienced, in particular - it will probably look a little strange In the classic model. Watchos 2 (OS in Apple clock) Dolly, but it looks a more suitable stylish accessory, and the smart watch type Olio Model One is generally offered to configure the appearance of the dial and the interface to order - individually under each buyer.

    As in Apple Watch, there are no contextual notifications from Google Now, which can be really useful. But what Tizen offers is perhaps even more convenient, it is a quick way to find out what is happening now. Ideally, we would like both of the other, because the virtual assistant from Google is the future, but at the same android time Wear, after 18 months, essentially still under development. Unlike Apple and Google, Samsung obviously searched for solutions for its services on the side - for example, cards from Here Maps. They are generally accurate and you can bring up and remove cards, turning the bezel, but while they are still quite slowly loaded on smart clock. Private Here app - Navigator works with routes.

    Tizen supports Bluetooth - Gear S2 works with most Android smartphones, one more advantage of non-wear smart hours from Samsung. Also on board there is Wi-Fi - pull down to see whether the device is offline or conjugate with a smartphone. NFC is also supported here, mainly for Samsung Pay - this is mobile service Fast payments, which is already a hit in Korea, is at the stage of launch in the United States and one day should get to us.

    There is still a small question from 3G and GPS in Gear S2 with a larger battery, but we have not yet had the opportunity to test this model. We will update the review in the course of receiving new information.

    Samsung Gear S2: Health, Sports and Fitness

    Already so much zozh and fitness feature supported by smart clock on this momentBut we will focus on those that have turned well from Samsung. The pedometer is quite accurate and s Health shows many compact graphs reflecting your progress in achieving the goals that you set yourself in a special application on your smartphone.

    If you want to be, let's say, more active, then Gear S2 can give you a vibro signal, reminding that you have been sitting for almost an hour, and also show how much time you were without physical activity, and how much - On the contrary, it is all comfortable, motivating things. There are also notifications about the achievement of the goal on the pedometer and about a healthy pace. You can also tell you a smart watch that a new glass of water or a cup of coffee has drank - with the help of one touch (after you have chosen the desired screen Turn the rim), and this is just one of those moments when smart watches can be very useful.

    Gear S2 is not going to replace your sports-smart watch, especially if you consider that the usual and classic models do not possess GPS, but still some attempts to make it Samsung is taking. Smart Gear S2 automatically track walking, running and bicycle training, making up statistics on burned calories, which is perfect for a regular user who considers Gear S2 as masters on all hands. The clock automatically tracked our evening jog, but for some reason (although it was only once) recorded the seat on the sofa as "light activity." Nike + Running application is already preset in the device and this a good option For an ordinary runner, since it displays the time, distance and tempo - right on the screen of the smart clock.

    The cardiomonitor, located on the back of the Gear S2 case, is also very good. And although it is not particularly more accurate of the technology that is used in Android Wear hours, the monitor in Gear S2 is not less useful. He knows how to read the readings of the ONO - at the right moment, and can also be configured to continuously read your pulse at certain time intervals - medium and short, to choose from.

    At the time when you do not train - you can mark your cardidatinas (BPM - the number of shots per minute), a special tag - type "rest", or "before training", "after training", or even by mood - "worry", "I'm angry", so the health of your heart will now be under your sensitive observation. The application also allows you to see what your heart rhythm is at rest is at the middle level or above / below it.

    In general, in terms of health and fitness control plan - Gear S2 offers us more than Android Wear or Pebble. And more similar to what Apple Watch offers, there are even better places. But. If the company from Cupertino still decides to enable GPS to its next model, Gear S2 risks stay behind.

    Samsung Gear S2: Applications

    Here the bet on Tizen has not yet paid off. Although everything can be ahead. There are several pre-installed screens with clocks (inquies) to choose from - both in the classic style (with arrows) and in digital. They are additionally configured and may still display the date, weather or something - what you want to have quick access.

    As for applications, Samsung promised more than 1000 Tizen applications with design, specially sharpened under the Gear S2 round screen, and diligently motivated third-party developers so that they were ready to create them. As a result, we have several high-profile names, such as Nike, CNN, Yelp and Twitter, several options for managing smart home systems and further - a lot, let's say interesting applications, among which you can still dig - in search of the best. In general, there is a choice, maybe even good.

    You can get to the Apps Store (Samsung Gear Apps Store) through the Samsung Gear application and see there is a fairly limited choice (compared to Android Wear), but most likely you will not be too disappointed. For example, there is no Uber there, however, you can obviously order a taxi by phone, and then watch the notice on smart clock, while Uber will not finally appear in the application store that according to Samsung itself - will definitely happen.

    The PEBBLE Pan Applications Shop had enough time to develop, but despite the powerful community of developers and good sales at Kickstarter, he could not even get closer to Android Wear or Apple.

    But in our case, Samsung took the case, and Gear S2 could potentially surpass all Android Wear watches. We have not yet met in applications for Tizen something that could push the boundaries of that - what the smart watches could be truly useful. How, for example, an application for translation in both directions - from Google or text games on Apple Watch. Just at Tizen is still still just beginning, so if you think that third-party applications will play a significant role in your communication with smart clock, you may better wait or look at other options.

    SAMSUNG GEAR S2: Battery life and charging

    The battery life of Gear S2 is more than most smart hours. Of course it depends on how you use the gadget - whether you use the "Always ON" mode, how often you use applications such as VOICE or cards, etc. But we used Gear S2 for a long time, like - every day and samsung watches withstood. Officially, the battery for 300 mAh, the supply S2, is designed for three days without recharging. We, as a rule, did not live longer than two days (and a little top), even with the turned off "Always ON", but we are confident that they can actually stretch and longer.

    To see the charge level of the battery, you need to smear down the clock on the screen - just like on Android Wear. It is especially worth mentioning excellent charge saving mode (Power Saving). Once in the morning we left the house with 15% charge, because Forgot the nights in the evening, put S2 for charging - on their accurate wireless docking station. As a result, on the clock itself, the regime of savings was presented and this allowed them to live up to our return home. This mode translates the smart clock screen into a simple black and white mode, turning off everything you can except notifications, calls and messages, and also cuts out Wi-Fi. In short, it is just a wonderful feature and it means that you do not have to wear a black circle on the wrist during returning home from work.

    As for the itself charger, then it is a pouring copy of the wireless docking station from Moto 360 (only slightly less), and also easily embeds the process of charging smart watches into your daily rhythm. The only inconvenience happens when it is necessary to charge the clock at work or on the road, but in 9 cases out of 10 we pretend exactly such a docking station than one of the proprietary, specific charging model of the "cradle".

    SAMSUNG GEAR S2: Voice

    Voice control in S2, admit, lightly disappointing is one of the few places that Samsung need to improve. S Voice can be started from the first screen after the destination and can also be configured to start when you double click on the Home button ("Home"), like any other application in the clock. Under the hood s Voice uses Nuance speech recognition technology, like smart watch from Pebble, and which is not so reliable as Google Voice in Android Wear or Siri from Apple Watch.

    The microphone of the smart clock is located so that I did not need to bring the device to the mouth to give the command. The desired result was always quick and securely displayed on my phone and I also pleased to ask my voice phrase as a voice command. I also recorded a voice message Using the embedded application from Samsung and it deftly transformed into the text of my muttering. An annoying just to do it has happened about 75% accuracy. Almost the same situation with voice search, plus a little pain from the fact that the search results from Yahoo are obtained from the clock, and not from Google. Sometimes it can lead to strange results.

    As usual, voice teams still need to be improved, so as not to repeat them several times, and thereby deserve the confidence of people to technology. It could get the perfect anti-touch smart clock to the rotating burdens, but S Voice until the ideal is not yet reached.

    Samsung Gear S2: Conclusion

    Simple in handling as pebble, stylish as Apple Watch and with a pleasant touch with a rotating burdens - like a secret weapon. Gear S2 - from among those things that strain when you forget their homes. They are not perfect - this is not some fabulous hybrid of the fitness tracker and the wearable computer for all occasions, and we really would like to see more applications for Tizen, but with such a decent time of life of the battery without prejudice to the functional - they can rightly be considered breakthrough. Model with support for 3G and GPS will have a chance to change what the smart watches are capable of everyday lifeBut the usual S2 and Classic model should be sure to get into the purchase candidates to any owner of the Android smartphone.

    Benefits: Rotating Bezel; Simple and smart operating system; good battery life; reasonable price.

    Disadvantages: Tizen applications - in question; The normal S2 will not fit standard straps; auxiliary software is not perfect; Not so personalized as competitors.

    Average price: 20,000 rubles

    based on Wareable.com.

    An application that helps in conjugate portable smart hours of Samsung giant, with smartphones running Android.

    Samsunggear is an application helps to reveal all the possibilities of your smart clock from the Korean manufacturer.

    Samsunggear helps to synchronize smart watches with a mobile device. This application is designed not only to unify smart watches, but if they are assigned, you can also configure priority applications to receive notifications directly to the clock screen. Also through the application you can manage the installed programs on smart hours through official app Gear apps.

    Functional third party utility allows:

    • conjugate with the device;
    • edit the list of applications to receive notifications;
    • install smart clock updates;
    • change the location and layout of existing widgets;
    • edit applications from Gear Apps;
    • optimize hours of hours;
    • edit the list of emergency messages;
    • search for your watch in case of their disappearance, through the menu item "Find My Gear".

    Device synchronization

    Data exchange between smart clocks and smartphone standard fashionusing the Bluetooth module. Opening the application for the first time, will propose to pair the devices for further synchronization. Unfortunately, at the moment only mobile devices are supported, the owners of the tablets are not suitable. Therefore, it is possible to use the application for conjugation only on smartphones. Also the manufacturer took care of owners of all mobile devices, Samsung Gear is optimized for all smartphones running Android, for comfortable use of smart clock it is not necessary to have smartphone Samsung.. But the owners of low-power devices, on old version Android is an application with a greater probability not suitable.

    Key features

    • friendly interface facilitates the SmartGear setting;
    • mats the clock with a smartphone;
    • built-in search for lost device;
    • it works only on smartphones;
    • there is no support for tablets;
    • suitable for owners of Gear S3, Gear S2, Gear Icon, Gear Fit2;
    • does not support devices with outdated Android;
    • an intuitive interface.

    Smart clock recently appeared on the shelves of stores selling electronics. The Korean company decided not to use Android Wear in a new model, instead chose Tizen OS as a software platform. Since this operating system is relatively new, applications here are also not very much. Editorial MEDGADGETS Today presents the best applications for Samsung Gear S.

    Here

    Nokia's Here's cards look much better, and work than most users think. Now the Nokia cartographic service can compete with similar products to Apple and Google. Now Here is available for Tizen OS, and here it is possible to overshadow the necessary cards that will be available in offline mode.

    Nike +.

    Not only Nokia decided to offer its Samsung Product Software. Nike also has what to imagine. This is a popular Nike + application that works directly from the "box".

    The GPS module in Gear S provides the ability to track the exact trajectory of the user movement during training. There is also a built-in music player and heart rate sensor.

    Trainr.

    This application allows you to carry out full workouts, offering a number of training plans developed by experts. At the same time, you can track the statistics of workout activity, follow your own success and share information with friends / colleagues.

    Budgit.

    What are the smart watches without a home accounting program? Of course, wrist watch - one of the most convenient ways Watch out spending and accumulation. You can install a budget for spending, and follow the limit, you can submit information in graphical form.

    Travel Translator.

    One of the best applications in Tizen set. It is highly appreciated by users, since the program can translate a person talking in another language in real time. Reverse transfer can be carried out.

    It is now available 37 languages \u200b\u200bthat "understands" the application.

    LIFE360.

    The application is necessary for those who worry about the location of loved ones and native people. With the help of the application, you can send a message asking for help, as well as track the location of another person (for example, a child). There is a LIFE360 and a support service called Life Adviser.