Samsung Releases SDK for next Gear Smartwatch

For the first time Samsung manages to give developers an SDK before its new wearable product launches.

Samsung is getting ready to release a new Samsung Gear smartwatch (Gear A). It is expected that the next Samsung Gear has a a round watch face. The rumors about the Samsung Orbis are around since months. Now Samsung indirectly confirms with the announcement of the SDK that the new Samsung Gear will be round. The graphics reveal it all.

This is the first time that Samsung has released its wearable SDK for third-party developers ahead of the the product launch. Apple is giving developers always the tools to create apps before the product launch. This enables them to launch the Apple Watch with 3,000 apps from the start.

“Samsung has actively adapted its approach to wearable device development as the leader of the rapidly developing category,” said JK Shin, CEO and Head of IT & Mobile Communications at Samsung Electronics. “Through thoughtful and progressive innovation, Samsung embraces open collaboration to enrich the application ecosystem and create unique user experiences for a smart, mobile life.”

Samsung is not the first Android Wear smartwatch maker that is offering a round smartwatch. It is also not clear if this is what it takes to battle the Apple Watch. LG (LG Watch Urbane) and Huawei have the most sophisticated round Android Wear smartwatches on the market right now.