Screenshots alleged to be of a forthcoming Samsung smartwatch have been posted on the Korean message board Ruliweb (via SlashGear), suggesting possible competition for the rumored Apple "iWatch".
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It is unclear whether the watch will be a self-contained product, or rely on a Bluetooth connection to a smartphone.
The claimed code name of the project, Altius, is causing some confusion, as SamMobile had previously reported this to be the code name for the Galaxy S IV expected to be launched on April 15, though other code names have been associated with that handset. The watch screenshots indicate that the device is running software called AltiusOS beta2, and an app navigation screen bears a resemblance to the tiles seen on Windows Phone.
SlashGear notes that the screenshots are 500x500 pixels, and suggests that this may be the resolution of the screen.
Apple and Samsung are of course not the only major electronics companies apparently seeking to break into the watch market, with Sony offering another example in the form of its Android-compatible SmartWatch. But given the tense relationship between Apple and Samsung, it is notable that the two companies appear to be preparing to face off yet again in a new market.
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(NEW SAMSUNG SMARTWATCH)
*as soon as Apple releases their iWatch, we'll be able to show you what ours looks like and how it will function.
How is this even possible. They would have to see the released iWatch in order to copy it an release an identical version with the Samsung logo and Android OS. This article implies that Samsung actually has its own R&D department. It is not April 1st today.
For next two years, Samesung will have a lot of products like Apple, because Apple must tell Samesung certain new projects to see if they are able to produce. Just like Eric Schmidt sat on Apple board and knew all about it then secretly told their engineers to develop it.
That's how Samsung won over television. Sony trusted a tiny company in S Korea called "Gold Star" to manufacture it's TV, but Sony didn't know one day that tiny company would steal its technology then turn around called itself Samesung and made the same tv but without all the R&D and cut the price in half to kill Sony.
They don't have anyone to copy for the device/OS.