Samsung Gear 2 shows off its new Tizen interface (photos)
Samsung has a new smartwatch in the form of the Gear 2. Instead of Android, it's running on Samsung's own Tizen software.
Andrew Lanxon
When he's not testing the latest phones or phone cameras, Andrew can normally be found with his own camera in hand or behind his drums or eating his stash of home-cooked food -- sometimes all at once.
The Samsung Gear 2 is the latest, greatest smartwatch from the mobile giant. Unlike its predecessor, the Gear 2 doesn't run on Android, but instead uses Samsung's own Tizen software, but there are a bunch of other changes too that make it a more exciting prospect than the original model
Samsung hasn't yet announced how much the Gear 2 will cost or indeed where it will be on sale, but keep it CNET for all the latest news.
2 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The front of the watch now features a physical home button, rather than making you use the rather clunky gestures from the first Galaxy Gear.
3 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The camera no longer sits on the strap, but has been incorporated in the watch body.
4 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The camera on the old strap made it look a bit bizarre.
5 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
A heart rate monitor is underneath the watch. It doesn't check pressure, it uses special lights to actually 'see' the blood flowing through your veins. Creepy.
6 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Android is a thing of the past on the Gear 2. It now runs Tizen, an operating system pioneered by Samsung.
7 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The interface uses much of the same graphics, although it's a lot more colourful now.
8 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Swiping left and right will take you through the various options.
9 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It still has a metal surround and I still think it looks quite sleek.
10 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The watch has 4GB of on board storage to allow you to listen to music without having to pair it with your phone.
11 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
This leather strap was beautifully supply. It felt very comfortable to wear.
12 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Samsung will have a whole host of different straps -- and different patterns -- to choose from.
13 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Combine the heart rate monitor and the built in pedometer and the Gear 2 looks like it could be a great fitness partner.
14 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
There's really no excuse to still be sat on your couch.
15 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It's slimmer and lighter than the first Gear.
16 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The screen size and resolution remains the same however.
17 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
It'll be available in silver, grey or rose gold -- each will have a variety of straps to match the colour scheme.
18 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The industrial-style exposed screwheads of the first gear are gone.
19 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The Gear 2 has a little brother, the Gear 2 Neo. It's much the same but it doesn't have a camera.
20 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Both models have infra-red blasters on the top to control your TV. We've basically come full circle back to those awesome Casio watch from the 90s that could also control your TV. Technology, eh?
21 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Both Gear 2s have physical home buttons.
22 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
If you don't actually put it on your skin, the heart rate monitor won't play ball.
23 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Although it's managing to read something here.
24 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
The metal contact points mean that you'll still need a separate charging cradle in order to charge the watch.
25 of 25Andrew Hoyle/CNET
Going to an important business meeting? Switch to a classy leather strap.
