No longer Samsung Exclusive

[SpookDroid]

Sure, it won't work with iPhone but now it will work with non-Samsung Android phones.
Exclusive no more: Gear S2 smartwatch will work with non-Samsung phones! | Android Central

 

[Ry]

Good!

 

[rellim]

Yep, and yesterday I read a quote from a Samsung executive who said they were "positively" looking at opening up the Gear S2 to IOS/Apple users. That would be huge and really put pressure on Apple.

 

[xendula]

I hope they'll also add interoperability for the original Gear S with non-Galaxy phones.

I probably won't get the Gear s2 because of the embedded SIM versus use accessible SIM, so I'll hold on to my Gear S for a bit longer, but my Note II is on its last breath and I am switching to vanilla Android for my next device.

 

[rellim]

Just curious, why do you prefer a non-embedded SIM? My understanding is that all the major carriers have or will be able to access/activate embedded SIMs. Also, e-SIMs help with the waterproofing of wearables which I think is a good thing.

 

[xendula]

Notice how you even said "all the major carriers"? What about the not so major ones? An e-sim would prevent me from ever using the device on their network, resulting in fewer choices for me as the customer.

For people who like to swicth devices back and forth, like I do with my phones, it is not convenient. It takes me about 2 seconds to switch a sim card from one phone to another.

Also, when traveling internationally you can't just put in your foreign SIM (which is what I do every time I travel, right before take-off). Instead, you have to figure out what number to call after you land,and how in the world to communicate with the person on the other end if you don't speak their language. All this possibly while on a crowded plane, incurring roaming charges.

 

[rellim]

Good point re international travel.