With a week left before the smartwatch actually ships to store shelves and would-be owners, Google has updated the list of chosen ones that will carry the Samsung Gear Live at launch. With Australia, Japan, and South Korea added to the mix, that roster now comes to a total of 11 markets for one of Google's first Android Wear devices.
The initial list was comprised of eight countries: Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Almost a bit surprising that Samsung's own South Korean market wasn't initially included, but then again it is Google that decides on such things when it comes to Nexus-like references devices such as this. Google is now accepting pre-orders for the Gear Live on Google Play Store and has marked July 8 as the date of shipping.
What exactly will you be getting when you put up an order for this smartwatch. Basically a Gear 2 Neo (because it has no camera) with Android Wear inside instead of Tizen. That means a 1.63-inch 320x320 screen, a 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of memory, and, the one thing that its contemporaries don't have, a heart rate monitor. Of course, the star of the show really will be Android Wear, which remains, for now, a novelty to end users. All of these for the rather low price of $199.
If you're one of those pining for the Gear Live or any of the Android Wear smartwatches, there is one crucial check you need to make before hitting that pre-order button. Google has provided a way for prospective buyers to see if their current Android device will be compatible with Android Wear. Simply visit g.co/WearCheck on your mobile device and see if you're good to go.
SOURCE: Google