Samsung took the challenge and released the first smartwatch just last month. The wearable Galaxy Gear was not very well received because it is only compatible with certain Samsung phone models whereas Sony Smartwatch 2 is compatible with any Android smartphones ou there in the market.

Galaxy Gear_004_combination_bluelime

So, even if you own one of the Samsung’s phone, you will not be able to pair it up with the Smartwatch. The good news is that Samsung Gear will become compatible with more of its existing handsets via two updates: the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update, and a separate update due to start rolling out globally at the end of this month.

The list of devices that will add Gear compatibility is the Galaxy S4, Galaxy S3, and Galaxy Note 2 (via the 4.3 update). Samsung said it will also extend Galaxy Gear compatibility to “other Galaxy devices” and that includes the Galaxy S4 Mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3, and Galaxy S4 Zoom via a separate update.

So, will you still want to buy a SmartWatch which is only compatible with it’s own brand of smartphones? How about opening it up so that it will work with other brands of smartphones ? Comments ?

By Harry