Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. announced the availability of the Tizen Software Development Kit (SDK) for its new wearable device, the Gear S2. The SDK is available for download from https://developer.samsung.com/wearable.
Developers have had access to the SDK for the next Gear device since April 2015. This resulted in over a thousand apps being available to Samsung Gear S2 users at launch, adding to the already five thousand apps available to Gear users.
The Samsung Gear S2 SDK offers the following benefits:
• Improved standalone features: Developers can create standalone apps with network, calling and location APIs, with the ability to connect to 3G networks, without the need for a smartphone.
• Web and Native apps: Developers can create Web and Native apps with the new SDK. Through the Tizen Native APIs, they are able to create fast, lightweight and easy-to-use apps with EFL (Enlightment Foundation Libraries).
• Android support: The new SDK supports Android phones*, including Samsung devices.
The following apps will be available for the Samsung Gear S2:
• News and updates: By rotating the interactive bezel or tapping the Gear S2 screen, you can choose from your favorite sports teams and get game news via the ESPN app for Gear S2, or access game stats with the ESPN Watch Face. You can read the news, along with photos, through the CNN app, as well as all the important news from the world of business via the Bloomberg Business Watch Face and Bloomberg Business Gear S2 apps. Of course, you can stay up to date with all the latest trends on Twitter via the Twitter Trends Watch Face.
• One step ahead, even on the go: ask an Uber driver to pick you up without having to take your phone out of your bag. Use the Yelp for Gear app to get information about nearby restaurants and shops, right from your wrist. Find out details about your next trip, like flight times, with a quick glance at the TripCase app for Gear S2.
• Easy access to everyday functions: With the Gear S2, you no longer need to worry about your house keys. With Yale Digital Keys for your personal Yale Real Living Lock, you can easily access your home or share keys with friends and family members. Lock or unlock your home with a simple touch, via Unikey, using just your Gear S2.
• Stay in touch with everyone easier than ever: With the messaging app, Voxer, you can access our messages at a glance, easily communicating with your loved ones.
• Easy access to services for your purchases: The Gear S2 gives you instant access to your daily purchases. With the FidMe app, information for all your membership cards, coupons and notifications is stored directly on your smartwatch. Plus, with the Alipay app’s payment feature, you can make transactions at restaurants and stores without needing cash or your smartphone.
• Track your fitness: With the Nike+ Running app for Gear S2, you can track your distance, pace and time with just a quick glance at your device. Users with Bluetooth speakers can listen to their favorite music directly from their smartwatch.
*Compatible with smartphones running Android 4.4 or later and more than 1.5GB RAM.
**The services and features listed above may not be available in all regions and may vary by region, and the provider may change the name and/or value of the application at any time. Restrictions may also apply.
*** Please note that the Gear S2 3G will initially be available in the US and Korean markets. In addition, mobile payments via NFC will be possible in countries that support Samsung Pay.
More information about the Samsung Gear S2 can be found on the website https://www.samsungmobilepress.com/.
