Samsung has released the software developers kit (SDK) for its upcoming Gear smartwatch with the codename "Project Orbis." The design of the much-awaited wearable is now confirmed to be round as seen in the SDK's documentation.
A teaser of the Orbis smartwatch was revealed a few months ago, showing the circular design and possible interface. It also gave a few hints that the bezel would have rotating control features aside from a crown-shaped power button.
The documentation was comprehensive, according to SamMobile, as it contained numerous images showing how to navigate around the Tizen UI. What's interesting is that many of the controls involve the rotating gesture on the bezel such zooming in or out of a picture, increasing or decreasing volume, or shifting to the next item in your contacts among others.
Swiping gestures on the actual display will still be present.
Also revealed in the documentation was the possible specifications of the device. The upcoming smartwatch will have a 1.18 inch circular Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 360x360 pixels. Compared to other Samsung wearables, the Orbis will have a higher pixel density of 305 ppi (pixels per inch).
It is interesting to note that the Gear S, which was launched last year, has a bigger 2-inch rectangular display.
The upcoming Gear smartwatch will also be equipped with a Exynos processor with a magnetic sensor, accelerometer, heart-rate monitor, pressure sensor and gyrosensor. As for connectivity, it will have a built-in cellular radio, GPS and Wi-Fi.
It's built-in Bluetooth will enable it to connect with other devices. When connected to the phone, it can display notifications from apps and will allow users to take actions.
In comparison, the upcoming Gear smartwatch will do away with the UV and ambient light sensors that were present in the current Samsung Gear S.
As for it's name, it might be called the "Gear A."
Previously rumored to be launched with the Galaxy S6 last April, Samsung postponed the launch of Project Orbis and may launch it alongside with the upcoming Galaxy Note 5. Critics said the delay may have been a move to give time for consumers to absorb the Apple Watch which was also launched last April.
However, Samsung said the delay was meant so that it can perfect the smartwatch in order for it to compete with the Apple Watch.
Samsung's first smartwatch, the Galaxy Gear, was launched in September 2013.
