Samsung is poised to take the wraps off its much-awaited Galaxy Note 7 on Aug. 2 and now rumors are gathering momentum that the successor to the company's Gear S2 smartwatch could debut at IFA 2016 in September.
The news comes courtesy of SamMobile, which does not cite its source of information. The publication also reveals that the Gear S3 smartwatch will boast a svelte rotary bezel, just like the Gear S2.
"We can reveal today that the Gear S3 follows in the footsteps of its predecessor and makes use of a rotary bezel, which basically means that Samsung's next smartwatch is round as well," notes the publication, adding that "Samsung is going to unveil the Gear S3 smartwatch at IFA."
For the unfamiliar, the IFA is an annual consumer electronics trade event. The 2016 IFA is slated to be held in Berlin, Germany, from Sept. 2 to Sept. 7. In the past, Samsung has launched its popular Galaxy Note smartphones at the trade show.
However, with the Galaxy Note 7 poised for an Aug. 2 launch, Samsung could well use the event to promote its popular wearable. Rumors have also been rife that the company is set to unwrap a new tablet from the Galaxy Tab S3 family on Sept. 1. A possibility also exists that Samsung could debut its Gear S3 smartwatch alongside the upcoming tablet.
Not much is known about the next-gen Gear S3 smartwatch. However, earlier in June Tech Times reported that Swiss jeweler de Grisogono and Samsung were working on a limited edition of the Gear S3 smartwatch, which would be a Super Luxury variant.
The Swiss jeweler has previously partnered with Samsung for a limited-edition Gear S2 and, therefore, a luxury variant of the Gear S3 does not seem improbable.
At the time, the leaked drawings of the alleged luxury edition of the Gear S3 showed off a circular smartwatch, which hinted that the next-gen wearable from Samsung, like its predecessor, would boast a round dial. The latest report also hints at a rotary bezel for the Gear S3, which makes the round dial a strong probability.
For those wondering what purpose the rotary bezel serves, on the current-gen Gear S2 it can be deployed to navigate through the menu. This is quite handy and enhances the wearable's usability, as one need not rely only on the small touch screen for navigation, which can often be clumsy.
The Gear S3 is not expected to get a major overhaul and could tout many features of its predecessor. However, with IFA 2016 not far away, we will have to wait and see what surprises Samsung has in store for fans.
