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We once looked on wearables as the future, but now that they’re actually here, we haven’t been quite as enthused. Things started off well with various smartwatches from a variety of OEMs, but one-by-one those companies are either pulling out of the smartwatch market temporarily, shifting focus to other platforms or form factors, or closing their doors entirely. However, there is still hope.

We’ve long recommended Google’s Android Wear as one of the best wearable platforms, but sometimes it’s easy to forget it’s not the only one, nor is it for everyone. I’m here to tell you that Samsung’s Tizen has quietly grown into a fantastic option. Last year we saw it make a splash with the unique Gear S2 and Gear S2 Classic, but this year, we have the Gear S3 and, spoiler alert, it’s fantastic…

THE HARDWARE |

Just like on the Gear S2, Samsung has thankfully opted for a circular display on the Gear S3, and it has a fantastic design overall. Also like its predecessor, it comes in two models, the Gear S3 Frontier and the Gear S3 Classic.

Frontier or Classic?

I spent my time with the Gear S3 Frontier and personally speaking, it’s exactly what I love in a watch. It looks rugged, yet a little fancy at the same time. The charcoal color and subtle grooves along the bezel give this the look of a classic watch.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit classier, the Gear S3 Classic is the better bet. It has a polished stainless steel design which also looks wonderful, and even better, it ships with a leather band instead of the silicone one the Frontier comes with.

Regardless, the build on both of these smartwatches is nothing short of excellent. The stainless steel body is hefty and feels durable, all while looking like a premium device.

samsung_gear_s3_6

Size & Thickness

However, both variants of the Gear S3 have two aspects that not everyone will love — they are both thick and big. These aren’t outrageously large devices, but compared to the Gear S2 or most Android Wear devices, they are fairly big. If you have small wrists, this may not be the watch for you. But beyond that, I found the thickness to be of even bigger concern. It was tough to fit the watch under a shirt cuff or even a jacket, and the LTE variants would be even worse.

That Bezel (And Buttons Too)

The big story with the Gear S3, of course, is the bezel. Compared to other smartwatches, this is where Samsung’s options stand out. The rotating bezel on the Gear S3 provides an excellent experience when it comes to navigation, offering an intuitive and tactile way to interact with the software on your device. You can still interact with the touch screen to control most of the experience, but the addition of the bezel and two buttons make the experience that much better.

samsung_gear_s3_5

Band

As for the band, the Gear S3 Frontier comes with a thick silicone band which is black and has a slight texture to the outside. It looks good and feels pretty decent as well, but it’s not a premium band by any measurement. I wouldn’t really hesitate to toss a leather or metal band on this watch. Luckily, that’s pretty easy with the standard 22mm size and quick release latch.

THE SOFTWARE |

As for its software, the Gear S3 comes with Samsung’s in-house Tizen operating system. Despite that, it works with almost any Android powered smartphone, and believe it or not, Samsung has done an absolutely fantastic job crafting this wearable OS.

This Just Makes Sense

The Gear S3 has a circular display, but it’s not the only wearable to have one. Many Android Wear devices also use circular display, but they’re never felt truly optimized for that form factor. The Gear S3, on the other hand, has software that makes sense. There’s certainly a lot different about Tizen compared to Android Wear or Pebble, so there’s a definite learning curve. However, everything on this watch makes sense.

gears3_tizen_1

From the watchface, there are a few actions to get to various areas of the interface. Rotating the bezel (or swiping) to the left reveals your notifications in the order they arrived. A swipe up on that notification removes it from the carousel and tapping it reveals the full text as well as several actions such as “open on phone.” Going to the right, you’ll find various customizable widgets. On my Gear S3 I have widgets such as weather, steps, calories burned, heart rate monitor, calendar, music controls, and more.

To go back, you hit the top button. Once back on the watchface, there are two other actions available. The first is the app drawer. From here you can view all of your apps in a customizable order. Navigating the apps is as simple as rotating the bezel to select the app of your choice and tapping the name to open the app. The other action from the homescreen is long-pressing the top button. This opens Samsung Pay, which we’ll get to in a moment.

Another small note I need to make on the software is about the input methods. Not only do you have voice replies, but there are also canned messages, emojis, drawing replies, and even a full keyboard (or a T9). It all works well and really comes in handy at times.

Samsung Pay

Samsung Pay is easily the standout feature of the Gear S3. Just like on recent Samsung smartphones, Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 is a mobile payments service which matches Google’s Android Pay and Apple’s Apple Pay systems beat for beat with full NFC compatibility. However, Samsung Pay’s big advantage is using MST technology to “trick” standard card readers into thinking you’re using a standard card. The tech is ridiculously cool, and easily a selling point for the device, but it’s not alwaysreliable.

Following the setup process, which can be a pain depending on your bank, I used Samsung Pay on Gear S3 about 5 times over the course of a few days. During that time, I only got it to work 3 times. What was the issue? I’m not entirely sure. The card reader recognized the watch each and every time, MST or NFC, but in certain stores, it would be declined. From what I can tell, this was an issue related to my bank as many other Gear S3 users report much better success rates on their devices.

samsung_gear_s3_3

Best of all, though, Samsung Pay on the Gear S3 works on any Android smartphone — not just Samsung devices. Last year’s Gear S2 packs the same Samsung Pay functionality, but there it’s limited to Samsung smartphones. Needless to say, this is a massive selling point for the watch, at least in my opinion.

The Setup Process

Another thing worth noting on the Gear S3 is the setup process. If you’ve got a Samsung smartphone, you won’t have any issues here as all of the needed components are built into the OS. However, if you’re like me and have this connected to another Android device, in my case the Pixel XL, you’ll need to install all of those components. That’s expected for any wearable, but on the Gear S3, it requires far more apps.

During setup I actually lost count of how many apps the watch needed to function. You’ll start with the Gear Manager which will prompt the installation of 3-4 other apps from the Play Store. During the setup process, the app will also download a couple of apps, including Samsung Pay, directly through the Gear Manager app rather than the Play Store. Luckily most of these apps won’t appear in your app drawer, but it’s certainly annoying to have to install so many apps just to use your watch. Samsung really needs to consolidate this.

samsung_gear_s3_8

The App Gap is Real

The Gear S3’s software is great, but there’s a definite app gap on the Tizen platform compared to Android Wear or even the now-defunct Pebble. Many of the most popular apps aren’t supported yet, the watchface selection is pretty minimal and won’t suit everyone’s tastes, and exploring Samsung’s app store isn’t a great experience. It’s pretty difficult to find some apps, and it’s even worse when you’re looking for watchfaces. I found myself mainly sticking to Samsung’s built-in watchfaces on the Gear S3.

However, that’s not to say things aren’t improving. Tizen is slowly adopting new wearable apps, like Spotify, which will help the experience on the Gear S3 as a whole. Some well-known Android Wear watchfaces are also making their way over, such as Facer.

samsung_gear_s3_11

Reliability & Performance

Another area the Gear S3 shines in is where reliability and performance are concerned. Never while I was wearing this watch did I have issues with the connection to my smartphone, nor did I miss any notifications due to the software — only due to the vibrations being a tad light.

Performance on the Gear S3 is also stellar. Never on this watch did I notice dips in performance, even when playing some of the games available for it or while using third-party apps. I’ve never had good luck with watches like this, especially on Android Wear, where things would lag and stutter constantly, so I was very pleased with Samsung’s efforts.

Health Features

Already, the Gear S3 wears many hats. It’s a smartwatch, a mobile payments system, and if you’ve got the LTE version, a full-fledged smartphone. However, it’s also a fitness tracker if you want it to be — and it’s a very good one.

samsung_gear_s3_1

The Gear S3 is absolutely packed with outdoor sensors and health features. The S Health suite enables the ability to track things such as calories burned, steps taken, floors climbed, specific workouts (such as a walk, run, or 14 other types of workouts), heart rate, and water/caffeine intake. It’s a generous suite, and everything works relatively well. I’m not someone who works out a ton, but I do take walks or quick runs from time to time, and the Gear S3 made it super easy to keep tabs on how far I’d gone and how many calories I had burned. The watch also has “nudges” that will remind you if you haven’t been active for a while.

BATTERY LIFE |

As for battery life, the Gear S3 goes a little above and beyond compared to other smartwatches. Samsung claims a ridiculous 4 days on a charge, but for the most part, I found myself getting about 2 days on a single charge. That’s with notifications coming in pretty regularly and the always-on display turned on. With that feature turned off, I could squeeze a little under 3 days out of the watch.

Charging

When it comes to charging, Samsung has yet again opted for wireless charging with an included magnetic dock. It works great, the dock allows you to use the watch as a bedside clock, and charging is pretty quick too. Unfortunately, Samsung has changed something in the Gear S3 to where standard wireless charging pads don’t work as they did on the S2. That’s unfortunate because it means you’ll be required to bring the included charger, or a spare, with you on trips.

samsung_gear_s3_2

FINAL THOUGHTS

When it comes down to it, the Gear S3 is a fantastic smartwatch, and there aren’t strings attached to that. Sure, it’s a little big, but if you can handle a semi-large watch, you’ll love the Gear S3. The software is excellent, the hardware is wonderful, and this watch has just about anything and everything you’d want from a wearable. It has a ton of roles to fill, but it fills each and everyone one of them nearly perfectly.

samsung_gear_s3_9

Greatness Comes at a Price

However, this fantastic smartwatch comes with a pretty hefty price tag. You’ll be paying $349 for either the Classic or the Frontier, and more if you grab an LTE version (outside of subsidies or payment plans). That LTE version is available from carriers, but also requires a $5-$10 data plan alongside it. The $349 Bluetooth version, though, is well within the range of most other premium smartwatches, it’s just not the bargain some others may be. Whether or not you’re willing to pay for that is up to you, but I certainly plan to…

Source: https://9to5google.com/2016/12/30/samsung-gear-s3-review/



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      EVP Bruce Casino highlighted how this approach has enabled NBCUniversal to bring both classic and contemporary content to FAST audiences while continuing to see strong performance across platforms. “FAST doesn’t replace traditional distribution, it extends it,” said Casino. “What we’re seeing is that when great content shows up in multiple places, it creates incremental value rather than cannibalization — allowing franchises to thrive across FAST, streaming and linear channels.”

      Creators Emerge as the New Studios
      The panel also examined how the changing nature of consumer habits and television platforms means content creators do not have to work exclusively with legacy studios to reach a broad audience. As this medium expands from social platforms to the living room, FAST is helping bridge digital culture and traditional TV, while also serving to elevate its production quality.
      Samsung TV Plus was highlighted as a platform that helps creators evolve from digital-first brands into full-fledged television studios, helping expand reach, unlock new monetization opportunities and introduce content to broader, global audiences.
      One of the clearest examples of a brand that has taken the step from digital-first brand to legitimate TV studio is sketch comedy-improv collective Smosh. By launching a FAST channel with Samsung TV Plus, Smosh has been able to strengthen its connection with its already-dedicated fans while gaining access to a much larger viewer base. Due to this evolution, Smosh has enhanced long-term growth.
      “Partnering with Samsung TV Plus allowed us to elevate our production quality and invest in the future of the Smosh brand,” said CEO Alessandra Catanese. “It was the right platform to help us reach a broader audience while positioning our content in a premium environment that supports where we’re headed as a company.”

      Live and Interactive Experiences Drive Engagement
      Looking beyond on-demand viewing, panelists discussed how live programming like concerts and interactivity are reshaping the television experience by creating shared moments that audiences actively participate in.
      With features such as synchronized premieres and real-time participation, technology is transforming television from a passive activity into an interactive experience — fostering connection, excitement and a sense of belonging that brings viewers together organically. Together, the panelists agreed that the future of television will be defined by flexibility, cultural connection and experiences that invite participation, not just consumption.
      “Authentic content that creates cultural connection and brings people together is what matters most,” said SVP Brodsky. “That’s why we’re investing in live events, creator programming and interactive formats that remind people why TV has always been the center of the home.”
      As streaming continues to evolve, Samsung is focused on helping shape a TV ecosystem that delivers value for viewers, opportunity for creators and scale for advertisers — redefining what television can be in 2026 and beyond.
      View the full article
    • Government UFO Files
    • By Samsung Newsroom
      At Innovation For All (IFA) 2025, Samsung Electronics showcased its vision for “AI Home: Future Living, Now”. Samsung’s AI Home aims to be a reality people can experience today — not just in the future — and one designed for everyone, not just a select few.
       
      “At Samsung, we’re not just imagining the future of AI; we’re building it into everyday life. Samsung’s AI Home moves beyond smart devices to homes that truly understand you, adapt to your needs and care for what matters most,” said Cheolgi Kim (CK), Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliances (DA) Business. “This is the beginning of a new era — where technology supports your life in the background so that you can live it more fully.”
       
      Samsung’s AI Home experience is designed to make everyday living more convenient, efficient, healthy and safe.
       
      Samsung research1 reveals that 66% of consumers find the idea of an AI-enabled home appealing, with many envisioning streamlined daily tasks (44%) and greater control via phone or voice commands (45%). AI Home, with SmartThings automated routines, delivers on this vision — automating lighting, temperature and even syncing blinds with the weather for effortless living.2
       
      The home is a sanctuary for 93% of people and a social hub for 80%. As families spend more time together, AI Home enhances shared moments with wellness checks, personalised sleep settings and nutrition planning.
       
      Energy efficiency is one of the main benefits consumers look for from AI. 66% believe an AI enabled home can help track costs and save money. With SmartThings Energy, AI Home can reduce washing machine energy use by up to 70%.3,4
       
      Security remains critical, with 40% expecting AI to improve home protection through timely alerts. Samsung Knox Vault safeguards sensitive data at the hardware level, while Knox Matrix extends protection across connected devices with ecosystem-wide security.5
       
       
      Bespoke AI Enhances AI Capabilities
      Samsung’s latest Bespoke AI appliances have taken AI features to a new level, offering a better living experience in both the kitchen and other spaces:
       
      Bespoke AI Jet Bot Steam Ultra: Upgraded with improved AI Object Recognition,6 it can now detect liquids,7 even transparent ones. Bespoke AI Washer: AI Wash+ enables a laundry experience that better fits your clothes. It clears the minimum threshold for a Grade A in energy efficiency testing by 65%.8 Bespoke AI Dishwasher: AI Wash optimises the cleaning cycle based on how dirty the dishes are,9 and Auto Open Door allows steam to escape, accelerating the drying process. Extractor Induction Hob: Integrating the extractor into the hob maximises kitchen space.
       
       
      Vision AI Expands to Larger Displays
      Samsung’s Vision AI Companion is designed to feel more like a trusted companion — someone you can engage with naturally, and that responds in a human-like way — redefining home entertainment. Pursuing an open platform approach, Samsung is strengthening its partnerships with global AI technology leaders, including Google, Microsoft and Perplexity.
       
      Other highlights included:
       
      Micro RGB: A 115” display delivering cinema-quality visuals at home with perfect colour, bringing every scene to life with stunning depth and vibrancy. The Movingstyle: A portable touchscreen TV with built-in battery and adaptive AI — perfect for any room or on the go. Samsung Sound Tower: Powerful, portable sound with an 18-hour battery.10 You can strengthen the party mood with customisable lighting and sound effects via the dedicated app.  
       
      Galaxy AI Expands With New Devices
      Starting with the Galaxy S24 series and a commitment to democratise Galaxy AI to over 200 million devices in 2024, Samsung Galaxy has defined a new era of mobile AI innovation.
       
      Now, the latest Galaxy AI experience comes to new products, designed to ensure a seamless mobile experience on a wider range of devices with multimodal capabilities.
       
      By the end of 2025, Samsung aims to bring the Galaxy AI experience to over 400 million devices worldwide.
       
       
      Experience Future Living, Now at IFA 2025
      The Samsung exhibition at IFA will be open from September 5 – 9 at the CityCube, Berlin.
       
      Samsung Electronics is also showcasing a large-scale media art installation created in collaboration with world-renowned digital artist Maotik on a massive 50-meter-wide digital façade at the entrance of the exhibition hall.
       
      The video, themed around “wind,” features dynamic waves formed by the organic movement of data, symbolizing how Samsung’s AI technology contributes to enhancing everyday life for its customers.
       
      For more information on the products mentioned within this release, please visit the Samsung Newsroom here.
       
       
      1 All consumer statistics referenced in this release are sourced from EO CMI Quantitative Survey, UK/DE/FR, consumers owning 1+ smart home appliances or devices, sample 1200.
      2 Requires a wireless network, a Samsung account and the Samsung SmartThings App. AI Home routines must be manually set up by the user before AI Home can assist with their automation.
      3 Savings amount estimated based on tests performed by Samsung. Estimated savings may differ from users actual savings. https://www.samsung.com/uk/home-appliances/smartthings/energy/#energy
      4 Wi-Fi connection, Samsung account and SmartThings required. Can be applied when the selected washing temperature is 20~40°C. Max saving results from washing a 40 degree cycle as a cold wash. Savings based on internal testing on the WW11BB944AGB model in normal usage conditions. Results: Power consumption without AI Energy Mode = 0.539 KWh. Power consumption with AI Energy Mode = 0.145 KWh. Results may vary depending on the actual usage conditions.
      5 For further information see: Knox Vault | Fundamentals | Samsung Knox Documentation
      6 Based on our deep learning model trained using a predefined set of data and may yield incomplete or incorrect information. New datasets may be introduced to our learning model from time to time to enhance its accuracy. Object recognition may be affected by an object’s shape or the environmental conditions. Only certain object types can be recognized. Stained Area Recognition needs to be activated beforehand via the SmartThings App. A Wi-Fi connection and Samsung account are required.
      7 A liquid spill is defined as a colored or transparent liquid, such as water or juice, having a size of 7cm x 7cm (15 ml in volume) or larger. Identification may be affected by the size of the liquid or the environmental conditions of the floor, such as the floor pattern, color of the floor, direct or reflected light, or shape of the liquid. Excessive amount of liquid on the floor may cause secondary contamination.
      8 Based on Samsung internal testing. The energy consumption of this 9kg model is EEI 18.2, which is 65% more energy efficient compared to the minimum threshold of energy efficiency class A (EEI 52 for 9kg models). Energy ratings tested with Eco 40-60 program, 65% savings tested with the Eco 40-60 program.
      9 Based on an AI-created algorithm. Actual results may vary depending on individual use.
      10 18 hours of battery tested with lighting off and at volume level of 12~13.
      View the full article





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