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Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch Unveiled

Samsung Galaxy Gear Smartwatch Unveiled

A smartwatch that can make calls, receive emails and take photographs has been launched by Samsung.

Described as "something out of sci-fi", Galaxy Gear was unveiled at a Samsung Unpacked event in Berlin.

It features speakers and microphones, meaning users speak into and hear from the watch instead of a handset.

Pranav Mistry, head of Think Tank Team at Samsung Research America, demonstrated the device during a presentation at the Berlin IFA .

"This is an exciting time for all of us at Samsung," he said.

"We have created something incredible. You don't need to get your phone out anymore.

"Gear takes the entirety of your digital world and places it right where you can see."

Mr Mistry said Samsung was inspired by a traditional wristwatch with a simple face.

"It is stainless steel but light in weight," he said.

"The strap is packed with technology of the next decade."

He said the watch, which comes in six colours, is comfortable enough to be worn all day.

It is switched on with a swipe, which unlocks features including apps, contacts, a camera and email.

Incoming messages - such as calls, alerts and emails - show up on the smartwatch and can be accessed on the wrist.

"You don't need to talk to the air like a bluetooth handset or get your phone out of your pocket," Mr Mistry said.

The smartwatch will be available in more than 140 countries with the Galaxy Note 3 from September 25.

It will be competing with Sony's SmartWatch 2, which was announced in June.