Samsung focuses on wearables and fitness at Mobile World Congress 2014, where it launches a duo of Gear smartwatches and a fitness band together with the fifth iteration of Galaxy S smartphone.
The Galaxy S5 is a 5.1-inch number promising a "refined experience" via 1920x1080 Super AMOLED display, 2.5GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, 16/32GB of storage and 16MP rear-facing camera. The battery powers up to 12 hours of video playback, while the camera shoots 4K video as well as photos enhanced with software features such as phase detection, auto focus, real-time HDR and selective focus.
In a first for the Galaxy S lineup the S5 is IP67 dust and water resistant.
The OS of choice is Android KitKat, if with the usual rafter of Samsung additions-- and an emphasis on health. S Health 3.0 provides a personal fitness tracker complete with pedometer, diet and exercise records, and the phone features real-time heart rate tracking via placement of one's finger over the rear-facing camera.
Also included is a fingerprint sensor for unlocking and mobile payment duties.
Meanwhile the Galaxy Gear smartwatch gets two sequels-- the Galaxy Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. A refinement over the first Gear, the Gear 2 features a thinner brushed metal design, 1.63-inch Super AMOLED display, 4GB storage and a 2MP camera built in the face (the first Gear's camera sat on the strap). It is compatible with 17 Galaxy-branded devices and a reportedly expanded app suite.
The Gear 2 Neo is identical but for a polycarbonate finish.
Interestingly enough the two smartwatches run not on Android but on Tizen, the Samsung-backed "alternative" mobile OS.
And finally, as the name suggests the Gear Fit is a fitness wearable similar to the Jawbone Up and the Nike FuelBand. It features a 1.84-inch curved AMOLED display and tracks steps and heart rate while pushing incoming call, email and text message notifications.
All the above mentioned devices hit the market on April 2014.
