Report: G tch successor could be announced in September

BY GreenBot Staff

Published 18 Aug 2014

An G tch successor may appear in September, even though the Android ar-powered smartwatch has only been on the market for about two months.

That’s according to a report from The Korea es, which says that is planning to unveil a follow-up at the IFA 2014 tradeshow in Berlin next month. According to the rumor, the new watch is to have an OD display, which offers deeper blacks better power management than D screens. This would be more ideal in a smartwatch, which has to contend with sunlight far more frequently than a smartphone screen.

If the report is accurate, it would be an extremely short lifespan for a product—especially one in a new category. If this is the case, it could be a response in part to the G tch’s lackluster reviews. But while releasing a follow-up so quickly after an initial product would typically alienate customers, it could be minimal here given that the first G tch is a rather niche product without a large customer base. 

An representative did not indicate on the veracity of the rumor, telling Android lice, ” will continue to support the Android ar platform beyond the G tch. But to date, no details of future Android ar products have been confirmed.”

The G tch did not impress in our review, as itor-in- found it unappealing from a design stpoint.

“The G tch is so bl-looking—so featureless devoid of visual interest—it looks like a not-for-retail-sale development kit,” he said. “’s watch strap is as unremarkable as the G tch itself. It’s just a dull, blank, squishy rubber b that looks more like sporting equipment than wrist fashion.” 

rhaps it was indeed more of a reference design to get into the hs of developers at I/O—one intended to be quickly replaced?

ether a new G tch or some other iteration appears soon, the wearable space is bound to get more interesting in the coming months. Much of the speculation has focused on the Moto 360, which appeared in a Best Buy ad on Sunday. It has a round face a more elegant, traditional watch build than the G tch or Samsung Gear. 

should finally get to see the finished product soon, as Motorola is holding a press event on September 4th to not only unveil the Moto 360 but updates to its flagship phones, the Moto X Moto G.