Samsung’s Gear SDK reveals Orbis design, UI, and specifications

Earlier today, Samsung released next-generation Gear smartwatch SDK to developers. This SDK comes bundled with comprehensive documentation, sample apps, and explanation about the upcoming Gear smartwatch along with images that help developers in understanding the SDK better. After going through those things, we found some more details about the device, including its possible design and hardware specifications.

It will feature a round watch face with metal frame and a metal crown. The 1.18-inch circular display will have a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of 305 ppi, which is higher than any other smartwatch from Samsung till date. The device will also come equipped with a bunch of sensors including accelerometer, gyrosensor, heart-rate monitor, pressure sensor, and magnetic sensor. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi, GPS, and cellular radio.

As you can see in the images, the rotating bezel can be used to navigate in software. It can be used to navigate through list of items, navigate between screens, zoom in and out of images, change certain values in the UI, and to change the volume.

The smartwatch can also be connected to Bluetooth devices like headsets, which can be used to take calls. Users can see notifications from apps installed on connected smartphone or tablet, take quick actions, delete a notification, or open the corresponding app on connected device. You can have a look at various interface UI elements and watch faces of the upcoming smartwatches in the screenshots below.

The device is currently codenamed as Project Orbis internally, but it might be released as the Gear A. It is expected to be announced alongside the Galaxy Note 5 during IFA 2015.