Samsung times smartwatch plan with patent

With Apple in the process of developing its wearable smartwatch, electronics maker Samsung is determined not to be left behind. The company has recently filed for a US trademark using the name Samsung Galaxy Gear, which the filing describes as “wearable digital electronic devices”.

According to the filing with the US patent office, the product is detailed as a “Wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages; wearable electronic handheld devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle for the wireless receipt, storage and/or transmission of data and messages and for keeping track of or managing personal information; smart phones; tablet computers; portable computers.”

While there are a number of smartwatches on the market at the moment, such as the I’mWatch and Pebble, Apple and Samsung’s versions are from the biggest players in the industry. Sony is also in the process of fine-tuning their offering, rumoured to be released in September.

Samsung announced last week that they will host a Samsung Unpacked 2.0 event later in September, and while the main focus of that unveiling will be the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, consumers may also get a glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy Gear.

Charlie Fripp – Consumer Tech Editor