Many manufacturers usually forget about the previous device generation as soon as a new model is released. In the smartphone world, you can see last year flagship models to receive the latest OS build, but the model-specific features are left out in many cases. Samsung decided to do something different and to give the Gear S2 users many features first seen on the Gear S3.
And that’s not very surprising. The Gear S2 is still a pretty capable smartwatch with a more compact package that its younger cousin. Further, the Gear S2 comes cheaper, allowing more users to enter the smartwatch world. The Gear S2 continues to sell, and now it was given some Gear S3 features along with the latest update.
The old smartwatch model received a selection of stock watchfaces reserved for the Gear S3; you can now pick between lots of watchfaces first debuted on the Gear S3. Aside from watchfaces, the older wearable received new input and control mechanisms, as well as an updated Handwriting mode. The bezel can now be used to answer calls, act on alarms, timers, and various alerts, while the user can now write messages on the watch (on English, Korean and Chinese). Default keyboard now supports emojis, as well as dictate and sketch features.
Some of the new default apps first seen on the Gear S3 can now be found on the older wearable. Some of them are Reminders and Barometer apps. Since the Tizen OS, powering both wearables got updated to version 2.3.2.1, the older smartwatch now has games support, giving users access to more than 100 games, available for download on the Galaxy Apps store.
That’s not all; S-Health can now detect more activities, such as running, walking, cycling, elliptical, etc. It can also count exercise repetitions, with the Auto Pulse feature knowing when you take a break from exercising, automatically pausing tracking. New widgets are supported, allowing you to use widgets from Yelp, USA Today, or Uber. If you ever get lost or end up in some trouble, the Gear S2 now supports SOS feature, sending your location to a selected emergency contact; all you have to do is to tap the home button three times.
For now, the OTA update is available in selected markets and should become available all over the world in the near future. It weighs 133 MB, and it should arrive on your Gear S2 device in the next few weeks.