Samsung Gear S3 release date, news: pre-orders open for Smartwatch

Promo image for the new Samsung Gear S3Samsung

The Samsung Gear S3 has not yet been officially launched, but retailer Best Buy is already allowing consumers to pre-order the luxurious smartwatch. Unfortunately, the retailer has not given any indication on when the watch is going to release and still labels the release date as "Coming Soon."

As noted by GSM Arena, the smartwatch is currently available for pre-order in the US, the UK, Germany, and Canada. It is also hinted that it will launch in South Korea and other major European nations sometime this November, although a more specific date has yet to be announced.

The site lists both the Classic and Frontier models of the Gear S3 and both are priced at $349.99. They appear as very similar devices, except for the fact that the Classic retains a more modern, sleek look while the Frontier sports a more rugged, traditional outdoor watch. Internally the two watches will be similar.

In the official website, the Gear S3 is shown to have several key improvements over the past few models, including the option of responding to apps by simply twisting the bezel. The Gear S3 also allows users to make and take phone calls even without a phone nearby as long as they have a phone-free app.

With an improved GPS system, the watch also carries with it innovative health apps and features such as the innate ability to track distances walked. The new battery is also estimated to last up to four days on a single charge, although this will vary depending on the types of apps running or the frequency of active use.

No official release date has yet been announced, but GSM Arena does point out that the watch is currently speculated to launch this November or at least before the end of the year. Samsung has yet to make any official announcements.