The Next Big Thing is Here! Although the Note 3 and Galaxy Gear have been available internationally for a little while now, Samsung's latest darlings are just now starting to show up in the United States.
As the dust settles, folks are now getting a better look at both the Gear and the Note 3. While most Note 3 reviews have been on the positive side, the same can't necessarily be said for the Samsung Galaxy Gear.
Probably the most damning review of the Galaxy Gear is from Vlad Savov of the Verge:
A smartwatch the Galaxy Gear is not. Frankly, I'm not sure exactly what it's supposed to be. Samsung describes it as a companion device, and the Gear is indeed chronically dependent on an umbilical link to another Samsung device, but it never left me feeling like it was a helpful companion.
While other reviews might not be as blunt or critical, take a quick drive around the virtual block and you'll find most others reviews echo a similar sentiment: The Gear is an interesting idea but in it's current form its more than a little lacking.
NY Times David Pogue probably says it best:
Nobody will buy this watch, and nobody should. But there's something here under all the rubble. Sometimes the Gear can be liberating; sometimes it makes possible tasks that you can't do while you're holding a smartphone.
So what’s the problem with the Galaxy Gear? Most reviews seems to complain most loudly about the Gear’s somewhat laggy interface, it’s limited apps, and the Gear’s dependency on the Note 3.
Another area of contention is in the battery life, where most reviewers feel that a one day (or less) battery capacity just isn’t good enough for a smart watch.
That said, most reviewers also note that there is value to be found with the Gear, even if hidden under its noticeable issues. There might not be many apps, but the ones that are currently available are actually said to be be pretty good. The same goes for the camera functionality and using the Gear to make phone calls.
Not all reviews were negative have been negative either. ZDNET was probably the most enthusiastic about the watch, though Engadget also had some nice things to say:
The Galaxy Gear is a solid effort from Samsung, but it needs time to grow and develop. The things it does, it does well, and it’s certainly more feature-rich and involved than any other smartwatch we’ve used so far.
So is the Galaxy Gear doomed to be a failure? Honestly, it's a bit early to say one way or another.
The Galaxy Gear is a great idea, even if actual implementation might not have been the best. We also must stress that some of the problem areas for the Gear could eventually be addressed through future software updates, such as the app situation and lack of supported companion devices.
Even if they never get it right with the Galaxy Gear, the rumor mill claims that Samsung might have a second chance with the Gear 2.
For our part at Android Authority, we will reserve passing official judgment for now, though you can expect a full review in the very near future.
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