Two smart watches announced: LG G Watch R and Samsung Gear S

Samsung and LG announced new smart watches today, both of which look like traditional watches, while providing users with access to notifications, and other “smart” features. The LG G Watch R boasts a stainless steel body and circular screen, while the Samsung Gear S has a square-ish look, a massive 2-inch screen and its own SIM connectivity that allows it to work even without the phone.

mHealth-wise, both device sport 9-Axis sensors (Gyro/Accelerometer/Compass), Barometer, PPG (Heart Rate Monitor) sensors to enable fitness tracking. Moreover, Samsung’s watch also has an UV light sensor that may be used to suggest users when it’s the best time to hide from the Sun. It will do so relying on the built-in S Health app, while the Nike+ Running software will be used to track users’ exercises. Here’s the specs rundown for both devices:

LG G Watch R key specifications:

• Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
• Display: 1.3-inch P-OLED circular display (320 x 320)
• Memory: 4GB eMMC (storage) / 512MB RAM
• Battery: 410mAh
• Operating System: Android Wear (compatible with smartphones running Android 4.3 and above)
• Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro/Accelerometer/Compass), Barometer, PPG (Heart Rate Monitor)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth
• Colors: Black
• Resistance: Dust and Water Resistant (IP67)

Samsung Gear S key specifications:

• Processor: 1GHz dual-core
• Display: 2-inch Super AMOLED (360 x 480)
• Memory: 4GB eMMC (storage) / 512MB RAM
• Battery: 300mAh (typical usage of 2 days)
• Operating System: Tizen (compatible with select Samsung Galaxy smartphones)
• Sensors: 9-Axis (Gyro/Accelerometer/Compass), Barometer, PPG (Heart Rate Monitor), UV, ambient light
• Connectivity: 2G/3G, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.1, A-GPS, GLONASS
• Colors: Black and White
• Resistance: Dust and Water Resistant (IP67)
• Dimensions: 39.8 x 58.3 x 12.5 mm

The LG G Watch R will start selling at some point in the fourth quarter; the Samsung Gear S will hit select retailers in October. Meanwhile, both products will be on display at next week’s IFA show in Berlin, Germany.