ile all Android ar smartwatches currently require a nearby smartphone for internet connectivity, that could change early next year with the rumored “ G tch R2.”

Unnamed “industry sources” told Business Korea that may announce the stalone smartwatch at Mobile rld Congress in February. G tch R2 is just a tentative title, but the name suggests another round smartwatch in the style of the excellent G tch R.

It’s worth noting that BusinessKorea also reported on Samsung’s Gear S in August , before its announcement the following month.

Samsung’s Gear S already includes cellular connectivity, but only with a 3G connection. ’s watch could be among the first with 4G connectivity, among the first to run ’s Android ar platform. Samsung uses its own Tizen-based software on the Gear S, which is poorly designed not particularly useful by comparison . It also only works with Samsung phones, whereas Android ar watches pair with any Android device.

Even with a better operating system, it’s unclear whether will be able to fix some of the current drawbacks with stalone smartwatches. The Gear S, for example, uses its own SIM card, with a separate number service plan. Users can set up forwarding for text messages incoming calls to their existing number, but outgoing calls show a new number that will be unfamiliar to contacts. so, if the Gear S’s size is any indication, the cellular technology adds considerable bulk, the G tch R is already on the large side.

y this matters: Device makers are clearly trying to figure out how to st out from the Apple tch when it launches next year. Stalone connectivity is one obvious path, but there may be a reason why Apple isn’t attempting it on its first go-round. The freedom to leave your phone at home comes with lots of compromises, so while people are keen on the idea in theory , in practice it’ll be a tough sell until the technological hurdles are lower.