CES 2016: Samsung Gear S2 could add iPhone compatibility 'within weeks'

SAMSUNG has confirmed it is on the verge of adding iPhone compatibility to its impressive Tizen OS smartwatch, the Gear S2.

 

Samsung is expected to add iOS compatibility to the impressive new smartwatch 'within weeks'

 

Samsung announced its stylish new smartwatch – the Gear S2 – back at the IFA consumer technology show in Berlin, last year.

The wearable runs on the South Korean firm's own Tizen OS and is controlled by spinning the bezel around the watch face.

NewsNewsBlog.blogspot.com was impressed with the hardware and software design – but worried about the lack of killer apps, in our review. 

Tizen OS is currently compatible with smartphones running Android 4.4 and higher with over 1.5GB RAM, but iPhone compatibility in on the horizon.

And according to technology webpage Pocket-Lint – the functionality is coming much sooner than everyone thought.

 

Samsung has packed a lot of technology and functionality into a relatively compact device

 

The circular display, Samsung’s first of the kind, can hamper the experience at times

 

The watch faces are restrained and stylish, like those on its rival, Apple Watch

 

Head of Samsung product launch programmes in the UK, Kyle Brown told Pocket-Lint that while most people are speculating the feature will take a few months to hit iPhone – that's not true.

iOS compatibility is actually headed to the Gear S2 in mid-January – just a couple of weeks away, Pocket-Lint has reported.

Samsung has yet to clarify how the iOS functionality will work, presumably via a dedicated standalone app for your iPhone to manage watch faces, settings and notification settings.

 

The technology firm also introduced two new Gear S2 models during its press conference at the CES consumer electronics show, in Las Vegas.

Both are attempting to appeal to the more wealthy tech fans with one design encased in 18K Rose Gold and another in Platinum.

“In 2015, we set a new standard with the Gear S2 in smart wearable category,"s aid Younghee Lee, Executive Vice President of Global Marketing, Mobile Communications Business at Samsung Electronics.

"We broke barriers to introduce one of Samsung’s most progressive wearable devices to date. In 2016, we will continue to raise the bar, so that we can deliver products that our customers want most."

Samsung has yet to confirm the UK price tag for these luxurious new variations on its seventh smartwatch.

More From CES 2016: 

• Fitbit launches its first smartwatch, the Blaze (and shareholders were not happy)
• LG unveils 4K OLED TV thinner than your CREDIT CARDS
• Netflix just became the world's first GLOBAL television network