Dallas –Samsung Mobile released a timetable for upgrading some of its key smartphones to make them compatible with the $299 Galaxy Gear smart watch, which was launched in September and was compatible only with the Galaxy Note 3 phablet.
The Galaxy S 4, Galaxy Note II and Galaxy S III will get a Premium Suite software update in the coming weeks to make them compatible with the Gear. The timing of the update and features will vary by carrier and product, but updates begin today, the company said.
The Galaxy S4 Active, Galaxy S4 mini and Galaxy Mega phablet will also get an update in the coming months to be compatible with the Galaxy Gear.
Besides providing Gear compatibility, the software update will add the Android 4.3 OS to the devices and bring features of the Galaxy S4 flagship smartphone to the Galaxy Note II phablet and Galaxy SIII smartphones. The new features include Easy Mode, Multi Window display, advanced camera options and more, the company said.
The smart watch can be used to initiate and receive calls from a connected phone, with users holding the smart watch near their ear to participate in a call. It also sports a built-in camera. On its 1.6-inch display, users can view notifications. Using the voice-command S Voice function, users can also initiate calls hands-free, compose messages, create new calendar entries, set alarms and check the weather.
All of the smartphones receiving the update feature SAFE (Samsung for Enterprise) security technology for use with enterprise IT systems. The products are also Knox-ready. Knox enhances Android security from the hardware layer to the application layer and enables users to separate work and personal data on the phones, the company said.
