Samsung's Answer to the Apple Watch Digital Crown is a Rotating Bezel [Images]

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Posted May 12, 2015 at 6:46pm by Shalom Levytam

Samsung has revealed its answer to the Apple Watch digital crown and it's a rotating bezel.

The company is urging developers to 'Get Ready for the Next Gear' and encouraging them to sign up for the Samsung Gear SDK Early Access Program.

"We are collaborating with our global partners to provide a better Samsung Gear experience for users. We welcome more developers to join us on this journey. "

Samsung's Answer to the Apple Watch Digital Crown is a Rotating Bezel [Images]

Signing up provides developers with access to a new Tizen SDK that will let them build "richer and differentiated apps for the next generation Gear device".

TizenExperts discovered that within the documentation, Samsung reveals its plan to use a rotating bezel for navigation.

The documentation does confirm a rotating bezel as an option on the Next Gear devices as part of the user interface for page navigation and device control. Users will now not be required to keep repeatedly swiping on the screen to get to the pages, or tapping multiple times to adjust setting values, instead they can rotate the outer bezel until they get the desired result.

You can see the functionality demonstrated in the images below. Let us know what you think in the comments. Do you prefer Apple's Digital Crown or would you prefer Samsung's rotating bezel?

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Read More [via TizenExperts] [via SamMobile]

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Forrest - May 13, 2015 at 10:23pm

I remember the first time apple introduced the apple watch I was reading on iclarified's live blog about the key note, I was surprised how challenging was to create a whole new system for this special device and they came up with a brilliant idea, designing the UI, and giving it the feel like looking under the magnifier, then the digital crown was like a big disappointment to me, right after the key note I sent an email to Tim cook complaining about the crown and the square shape of the watch, I also suggested that the watch should look round and instead of the crown I explained the idea exactly like what Samsung is making , I think this is going to be more practical and more futuristic in design and feel, it'll be more easy to grab and use for both hands, I'd say it'll be a nice smart watch.

yas9in - May 14, 2015 at 7:50am

operating a rotating bezel can sometimes cover the screen and have you thought of fatigue in your right arm while using this bezel? frankly I'm very interested to see how the bezel will work but I really doubt it's better than the crown. also keep in mind that apple considered a rotating bezel at one point but decided to scrap it for some reason.

monkUsa - May 13, 2015 at 6:45am

Just accept the fact that each company imitates and copies one another. Samsung might not get the following that Apple does, but it does create competition and compels competitors (not just Apple, but also other phone manufacturers) to adjust their next device iteration. Obviously, Apple plays a bigger part in directing the future of our technology. Feel blessed that someone is attempting the rotating bezel on a smart watch. If it works, GREAT! If it doesn't work, then other companies can shelve the idea and thank Samsung for saving them R&D dollars. So, stop bickering and enjoy the ideas and advances that any company makes. And yes, I have a Samsung Note 3 as my main phone, an iPhone 5 as my secondary phone. Along with an iPad and iMac.

JulianHernandez - May 13, 2015 at 1:41pm

You my friend are a true techie. You give credit where it goes and are not a fanboy. You are one of my kind. We are a rare species ;)

Yup! - May 13, 2015 at 9:39pm

You're not alone here :p

basicitizen - May 13, 2015 at 1:00am

Digital crown is meant to navigate without obstructing the tiny screen. Seeing the diagram shown, the use of the "digital bezel" can obstruct the screen. Round screen on wearables aren't practical. Do you watch tv or use the computer on a round screen?

completely logical points. But it's good to see it being tried.

Ott - May 13, 2015 at 12:57am

I think this is pretty smart, and feels more natural to me than using a crown! On a round watch at least....

Jim - May 13, 2015 at 12:26am

I sure like an idea, but I do have doubts they'll be able to implement it right, as to make it waterproof and for bezel not to fall off after a little "fist fight"

appleness - May 12, 2015 at 10:48pm

Looks like a copy of nest thermostat

jeffinvenice - May 12, 2015 at 9:12pm

ipod 1 anybody?

Masha - May 12, 2015 at 8:22pm

Actually this looks exactly how the Nest Thermostat works. Exactly.

one apple a day - May 12, 2015 at 8:08pm

this idea makes me respect Samsung a little more. Please keep at it and make it good. Please don't make it end up like the other gimmicks. I'm sure you have innovative ideas, too. Do it. Samsung. Make yourself Apple's true adversary.

gamerscul9870 - May 12, 2015 at 8:07pm

The answer to the gear is the Apple watch. What's in it for the wheel on the entire watch? What answer?

gamerscul9870 - May 12, 2015 at 8:06pm

My response to Samsung is a copy cat. Always making things related or work exactly like something Apple has made.

Mac - May 12, 2015 at 7:02pm

Rotating bezel seems to be more comfortable and practical than apple digital crown.

dk2013 - May 12, 2015 at 7:33pm

... it can only work on a round watch, which looks nicer but has more limited use.

yas9in - May 13, 2015 at 1:46am

have you actually used an apple watch?

jca - May 12, 2015 at 6:59pm

They did smart watch before apple they did big phones before apple.

Chris - May 12, 2015 at 7:15pm

They released a smart watch as soon as rumors of an Apple Watch were spread...

Anthony - May 12, 2015 at 7:45pm

And both the Samsung watch and bigger phones are sitting in the warehouse doing nothing. Being first means absolutely nothing. Apple released the bigger phones and smart watch after Samsung's release. But why is the big iPhone and the Apple Watch setting record sales and shuttering Samsung's mobile division. Samsung can not get anything right until Apple shows them how to do it. Open your eyes.

gamerscul9870 - May 12, 2015 at 8:04pm

They made big phone first yes but Apple took their spotlight when it bought the biggest android switchers setting a new record of iPhone sales.

applegeek - May 13, 2015 at 1:17am

Exactly, as soon as any rumor Apple is doing anything they rush out a device then copy Apple's version when they blow away all expectations.

Rob - May 12, 2015 at 6:53pm

Isn't this just like the iPod click wheel?

yas9in - May 14, 2015 at 7:51am

yes. yes it is.

dk2013 - May 12, 2015 at 6:51pm

That's actually a neat idea, but obviously only works on round displays.

stevenlacross - May 12, 2015 at 6:51pm

Oh, it's a digital aurora