Gear S3 Smartwatch to Offer Smartphone Capabilities

Samsung’s new Gear S3 smartwatches will go on sale soon, and Samsung is offering some more details about the devices.

First announced at the end of August, the Gear S3 is going to come in two main models: Samsung is aiming for a minimalist aesthetic with the Gear S3 Classic, while the Gear S3 Frontier will have more of a rugged look. As for functionality, while Samsung already indicated that the devices will offer Samsung Pay compatibility and environmental sensors like a barometer and speedometer, it has now also revealed that it will let users make and receive calls, send texts, and download apps – in other words, the company is aiming to offer a smartphone experience on its new smartwatches, without the need for constant pairing.

The device will go on sale in the US through select wireless providers, Best Buy, Amazon, and Macy’s, as well as Samsung’s online store; and will have a price tag of $349.99. In a statement announcing these details, Samsung didn’t provide a specific release date, but said it was announcing “the forthcoming preorder availability” of the device, suggesting it should hit the market in time for the holiday shopping season.