Well, looks like the Gear S2 may be on the way out at NL's, as they have it for $399.

The main benefits I'd see of upgrading from my current S2 would be the GPS and improved battery life of the S3; but one of main reasons I elected the S2 was that it was a relatively "normal"-sized watch, whereas the S3 is clearly much more substantial. That said, I look forward to seeing it in the flesh.

I asked samsung NZ last week, pre orders from 17th Jan, released 31st Jan

That does look quite cool...  I imagine the price tag will match though. Can't say I mind a large watch, as long as it looks "watch-like" - That's one thing I dislike about my the fitbit surge I use currently... it's just so ugly\tacky (At least IMO, very subjective thing though)

sidefx:

 

That does look quite cool...  I imagine the price tag will match though. Can't say I mind a large watch, as long as it looks "watch-like" - That's one thing I dislike about my the fitbit surge I use currently... it's just so ugly\tacky (At least IMO, very subjective thing though)

 

Yep - it's totally subjective indeed! Personally, I think large watches look cheap and/or tacky (in that pretentious rich man's way). I also hate the Apple Watch - large rectangular watches look like '80s calculator watches in my mind - but others love them. I read a long diatribe about how ridiculous round smart watches are, because they shouldn't be seen as a substitute watch so limited by those aesthetics, and making them round ruins their functionality as a smart device. Personally, I don't care about how much text I can see on my screen - the aesthetics of a round watch are far more important for me.  And I see what you mean about Fitbits - my wife's using one at the moment, and it's a cheap-looking lump of plastic in my eyes; $250 for a pretty basic Fitbit versus $399 for an S2...

It sucks in terms of water resistance though.

I know this is for gear s3 but there is an update coming for the gear s2 which will update it to the same as the s3 software.

More info Here

Geektastic:

 

It sucks in terms of water resistance though.

 

Yeah, I'd love a smartwatch with proper waterproofing. The only major name I've heard of doing one is Casio and even that was only 50M I think? Must admit I haven't been keeping up with the smartwatch landscape though...

After a quick google, this looks interesting:

https://www.amazon.com/Nixon-Mission-Smartwatch-Color-A1167-001/dp/B01KXNU5YE 

tripp:

 

I know this is for gear s3 but there is an update coming for the gear s2 which will update it to the same as the s3 software.

 

More info Here

 

Thanks for the heads-up on this; downloading it as I write. (+1s not visible when viewing GZ on my work computer's browser, so take this as an equivalent!)

sidefx:

Geektastic:

It sucks in terms of water resistance though.

Yeah, I'd love a smartwatch with proper waterproofing. The only major name I've heard of doing one is Casio and even that was only 50M I think? Must admit I haven't been keeping up with the smartwatch landscape though...

 

After a quick google, this looks interesting:

https://www.amazon.com/Nixon-Mission-Smartwatch-Color-A1167-001/dp/B01KXNU5YE 

Im looking forward to the Gear S3.  I have the Gear S from Launch date in 2014 so I am well overdue for a replacement smart watch. 

Will be odd going back to a round watch face, im used to the square face the Gear S has. 

jonathan18:

 

tripp:

 

I know this is for gear s3 but there is an update coming for the gear s2 which will update it to the same as the s3 software.

 

More info Here

 

 

Thanks for the heads-up on this; downloading it as I write. (+1s not visible when viewing GZ on my work computer's browser, so take this as an equivalent!)

 

@jonathan18 how are you downloading it, my gear software does not show the download :(

tripp:

 

@jonathan18 how are you downloading it, my gear software does not show the download :(

 

That's weird.

I just went into the Gear S2 app > Settings > About Gear > Update Gear software > manual update (or whatever that's called - it's not visible while the update completes); it checked and confirmed there was a new download available (and certainly the one, as it states all the features as per the link in your earlier post).

My kids will be happy given this introduces new watch faces - it's part of their bed routine that they change the face on my watch every night (preferably to the exercise bubble one, just to prove how lazy I am!).

The biggest update I'd appreciate, though, is providing the same level of functionality with all Android phones, not just Samsung phones - eg, ability to access all texts or emails, not just new ones prior to dismissing the alert.

jonathan18:

 

tripp:

 

@jonathan18 how are you downloading it, my gear software does not show the download :(

 

 

That's weird.

 

I just went into the Gear S2 app > Settings > About Gear > Update Gear software > manual update (or whatever that's called - it's not visible while the update completes); it checked and confirmed there was a new download available (and certainly the one, as it states all the features as per the link in your earlier post).

 

My kids will be happy given this introduces new watch faces - it's part of their bed routine that they change the face on my watch every night (preferably to the exercise bubble one, just to prove how lazy I am!).

 

The biggest update I'd appreciate, though, is providing the same level of functionality with all Android phones, not just Samsung phones - eg, ability to access all texts or emails, not just new ones prior to dismissing the alert.

 

Did you buy your watch in NZ?

Also is it the classic (leather band)?