Samsung has introduced two new smartwatches, the Galaxy Gear 2 and the Gear 2 Neo. The distinguishing feature between the two is that the Gear 2 has a 2-megapixel camera, while the Neo is sans camera, and half an ounce lighter for it. Both Galaxy Gear 2 watches offer two to three days' worth of battery life, versus the single day on Gear. The Gear 2 also incorporates its camera into the watch face—a much cleaner look than the bump that resulted from its residence in the watchband of the Gear.

Both watches feature fitness applications, including a heart-rate monitor, a pedometer, and a (downloadable) sleep and stress monitor. Bluetooth and Bluetooth Calling are included, and so are the abilities to accept or reject incoming calls and messages. Crucially, the new watches also feature stand-alone music players that can attach to Bluetooth headsets, eliminating the need for a phone to listen to music.

"We see a unique role for Tizen in the industry to create and to grow a new, open and flexible, mobile operating system that allows developers to [write once and run] on many devices," Christopher Croteau, managing director Intel's Software and Services Group and a board member of the Tizen Association, said at the time.

The Gear 2 smartwatches will be able to access a "robust application ecosystem" at launch, Samsung CEO JK Shin said in a statement. Thanks to a workaround, the watches will also be able to run Android apps. "With the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo," Shin added, "we have enhanced everything consumers love about the Gear to offer unparalleled smart freedom in their everyday life."