Samsung Gear SDK reveals more circular Gear details: rotating bezel and more

Last month Samsung announced its intention to offer the next-gen Gear SDK to developers ahead of their next watch’s announcement. The rumor mill suggests that the next Gear won’t actually arrive until IFA, but that’s not stopping Samsung from releasing the SDK.

Interested developers can now grab the SDK and dive in, giving them plenty of time to develop great apps for the next-gen circular Gear. For us non-developers, however, the SDK also gives us a peak at what to expect from Samsung’s next smartwatch. We already knew that the watch would offer a circular screen, but thanks to some digging into the SDK’s documentation by SamMobile, we know even more.

First, it seems that the watch will also offer a rotating bezel that will allow it to navigate the software, sort of like Apple’s Digital Crown, but different. Second, its display is said to be a circular 1.65-inch screen with a resolution of 360×360 and 305ppi. Lastly, we also learn a bit more about the sensors that will be on board, such as the heart-rate monitor, magnetic sensor, and pressure sensor. You’ll also find connectivity options like Wi-Fi, cellular radio, and GPS.

Judging by the details found in the SDK, Samsung is really taking their time with this one, with the aim of offering something that truly one-ups Android Wear, Apple Watch, and its other competitors. Whether Samsung can exceed at this goal remains unseen, but please share your thoughts on Project Orbis (aka Gear A) in the comments below.