Samsung adds Rose Gold and Platinum-plated Gear S2 Classic options; announces iOS compatibility
Samsung is adding two new models to its Gear S2 Classic lineup, and they're really bling. Joining last year's muted metallic black case are new 18k Rose Gold and Platinum-plated options. Samsung also announced new third-party apps for the Gear S2 and iOS compatibility coming later this year.
The Samsung Gear S2 was one of our favourite smartwatches from last year. In fact, the only issue we had with it was a lack of third-party apps available on its Tizen OS ecosystem. Fortunately, that looks to be a thing of the past as Samsung has announced the launch of some new third-party apps including the long-awaited Uber app, as well as a new eBay app and a few others. There's still a long way to go for Tizen OS, but it's promising to see new apps be released.
Samsung is also launching some new case options for the Gear S2 Classic. If last year's S2 Classic wasn't bling enough for you, check out this year's new 18k Rose Gold-plated option as well as the new platinum-plated option. The Rose Gold case will come with an Ivory leather band, and the platinum case will have a black leather band. Under the plating, both models retain the tough stainless steel case of the original Gear S2 Classic. Both models will be available in February, however pricing has yet to be revealed. Expect them to be more expensive than the regular Gear S2 Classic.
The new Gear S2 Classic watches will come with NFC for Samsung Pay compatibility out of the box. This feature will also be added to original Gear S2 Classic watches sometime this year with a software update.
Samsung is also expanding its line of watch straps and watch face options and has partnered with exclusive designers, such as Colombo, on premium watch straps for the Gear S2 and S2 Classic, and has introduced fun and creative watch faces including Peanuts characters and artworks from Keith Haring, Jean-Michael Basquiat, Jeremyville and Burton Morris.
A selection of Samsung's new Gear S2 straps.
And here's some of the S2 Classic straps.
And finally, in a pretty surprising move, Samsung has announced that the Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic will soon be compatible with iOS. No further details were announced, but look for it to happen sometime later this year.
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