Android update makes Samsung Gear compatible with 8 other phones

Samsung has announced that its first wearable tech device, the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, will soon be compatible with eight Galaxy smartphones, apart from the Galaxy Note 3.

[caption id="attachment_1189731" align="alignleft" width="380"] Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch. Image courtesy AFP[/caption]

Through theAndroid 4.3 Jelly Bean update, the Galaxy Gear is now compatible with more Samsung devices, including the firm's flagship s4 smartphone.

Before this update, the Galaxy Gear would only work with Galaxy Note 3, Samsung's latest phablet.

Now owners of less recent mobile devices, such as the Galaxy S3, Galaxy S4 and Galaxy Note 2, will be able to use the Galaxy Gear.

The company stated in a press note that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch will be available for use with Samsung Galaxy S4, Samsung Galaxy S III and Samsung Galaxy Note II after the Android 4.3 Jelly Bean update in installed. The update is expected to be rolled out in phases.

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The company said that the Galaxy Gear smartwatch compatibility will finally be extended to five other Galaxy smartphones such as Samsung Galaxy S4 Active, Samsung Galaxy S4 mini, Samsung Galaxy Mega 5.8, Samsung Galaxy Mega 6.3 and Samsung Galaxy S4 Zoom.

Samsung has also revealed the expected Android 4.3 Jelly Bean changelog for Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II which include improved text input; updated graphics and multimedia; Samsung KNOX (only for selective countries); Smart Switch, for transferring content to Galaxy devices from other smartphones; HomeSync, for sharing and storing content and Group Play 2.5.