With Gear S watch, Samsung tinkers -- and tempts fate

From CNET: Samsung is showing that it's serious about smartwatches. But are consumers taking it seriously?

Late Wednesday, Samsung unveiled the Gear S, its sixth smartwatch launch in the past year. This device is the first in Samsung's lineup to include a 3G cellular radio, which allows you to make calls, receive notifications, and check emails when not tethered to a smartphone. It also includes a 2-inch curved Super AMOLED display, more enhanced sensors for health tracking, and built-in GPS, plus Samsung's home-grown Tizen operating system.

Samsung co-CEO and head of mobile JK Shin said in a statement that the Gear S "redefines the idea of the smart wearable and the culture of communication. It will let consumers live a truly connected life anywhere, anytime."

For Samsung, the Gear S represents another stake in the ground in the wearables market. With an aggressive portfolio of smartwatches in the market, Samsung is an undisputed leader in the category, even if consumers have been reluctant to buy into a hoped-for fashion trend. It isn't alone in its interest; LG unveiled a new circular watch of its own late Wednesday, and Apple will reportedly unveil a wearable at its iPhone 6 launch event, expected to take place on Sept. 9.

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