LG G Watch R – Unveiled!
LG has officially announced the G Watch R. It is more of an alternative to the LG G Watch, as specifications are largely similar except for a few premium features. Notable takeaways: 1.3″ P-OLED [Plastic Organic LED] ROUND display, stainless steel body in matte black, a heart-rate monitor, leather strap, and availability in Quarter 4 for key markets – no news on price and markets yet but perhaps more details would be released after IFA. It would be interesting to see if Singapore remains a key market for LG to launch the G Watch R.
The internal specifications are almost the same as the original G Watch – same Snapdragon 400 CPU, same 4GB of storage, same 512MB of RAM, same IP67 rating, and a slightly larger 410mAh battery (compared to 400mAh in the G Watch). However, the OLED display might help conserve battery. The P-OLED technology could be significant to improve existing limitations of the G Watch (outdoor display) with suggested improved image clarity and quality under bright sunlight. Hence, it appears to be more of an premium model, which could appease existing LG G Watch owners that their model isn’t obsolete yet. The other round watch it is competing against is the Moto G. From a looks perspective, the Moto 360 is bezel free, and has a bigger screen at 1.5 inches. Size may not be that important for a watch but the added trade off is the Moto 360 comes with a cut off screen.
The existing renders and images are of the watch face – which alternates between a model watch interface and one with a chronograph, is pretty nice. LG’s effort, especially with the physical bezel, looks closest to an actual watch, and in an area of technology wearables, fashion choices will be important.
Update: The LG G Watch would be available in Singapore soon, details here.
LG READYING SNEAK PEEK OF NEW G WATCH R AT IFA 2014
New Android Wearable First to Feature Full Circle P-OLED Display
SEOUL, Aug. 28, 2014 — Following the June release of one of the first-to-market wearable device powered by Android Wear™, LG Electronics (LG) is quickly expanding its wearable product offerings with the unveiling a new Android Wear device — the LG G Watch R at IFA 2014 in Berlin next week. The LG G Watch R is the world’s first watch-style wearable device to feature a circular Plastic OLED (P-OLED) display and utilizes 100 percent of its watch face.
The most eye-catching feature of the LG G Watch R is its 1.3-inch full circle P-OLED display that produces stunning image clarity even under bright sunlight and superb clarity when viewed from any angle. Powered by a powerful 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, the LG G Watch R offers 4GB of storage, 512MB of RAM and a durable 410mAh battery. This Android Wear device will effortlessly run all compatible apps available in the Google Play Store and with an Ingress Protection Rating of IP67, the LG G Watch R is designed to run for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water.
With Android Wear™ at its core, the LG G Watch R delivers essential and relevant information exactly at the right time and place through voice recognition notifications. With a suite of LG health and fitness apps, users can also monitor their heartbeats with the support of the embedded photoplethysmograpgy (PPG) sensor. And the smart notifications provide users with important reminders of missed calls and messages, upcoming meetings, events, and local weather forecasts.
With an artisanal elegance, the LG G Watch R boasts a refined aesthetic that is reminiscent of traditional timepieces. Replete with a circular watch face, this elegantly crafted Android wearable has classic curves encased in a strong, durable stainless steel frame and carries a suite of watch faces that are accessible with a simple touch of the display. Its interchangeable 22mm calf skin leather strap also complements its overall aesthetic, giving it an air of modern prestige.
“What we’ve noticed in the year of the wearable is that this is a category that can’t be compared to smartphones and tablets,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, president and CEO of the LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “Wearables are also accessories and consumers will want more than one to choose from. So we wanted to complement the modern design of the original G Watch with the classic look of the G Watch R. Customers can’t go wrong with either device.”
The LG G Watch R will be available in key markets early in the fourth quarter of 2014. Prices and details of availability will be announced locally at the time of launch. Visitors to IFA can see LG G Watch R up close in Hall 11.2 of Messe Berlin from September 5-10.
Source: LG Newsroom