Samsung gearing up for September smartphone and smartwatch launch

SNEAK PEEK: The leaked screenshot suggests that the smartwatch will display smartphone message notifications and act as a media library. — ©AFP/Relaxnews 2013

The latest wrist-worn computing device-based rumours centre around Samsung's GEAR smartwatch and the company's plans to launch it alongside its third generation phablet, the Galaxy Note III, this autumn.

Unlike other reports relating to other companies' supposed entry into the wearable, and in particular the wrist-worn technology sector, Samsung rumours have a higher than average degree of accuracy.

Partly because unlike many of its contemporaries, the company has made no secret of its intentions to actually launch a smartwatch within the next 12 months.

Earlier trademark applications show that the device is likely to be called the Samsung GEAR and the latest news, courtesy of Patently Apple, claims that the smartwatch will be ready for its big reveal Sept 6 at the same press conference that will see the South Korean technology firm launch the third iteration of its Galaxy Note phablet.

All of which suggests that the GEAR will be marketed as an accessory rather than as a standalone product. This line of thinking is supported by a set of leaked screenshots that were hosted on South Korean message board service RULIWEB that show the device displaying e-mail, calls and music notifications.

©AFP/Relaxnews 2013