Samsung Electronics today unveiled the Gear S3, a smartwatch that combines timeless design with the latest in mobile technology, including IP68 water resistance, mobile payments, LTE connectivity and built-in GPS. Samsung Gear S3 is available in two designs to suit different users’ lifestyles: frontier and classic. Inspired by the active explorer, the Gear S3 frontier evokes a rugged outdoor look with an enduring style. The Gear S3 classic pays homage to the minimalist style found in the most iconic timepieces. The classic was designed with attention to detail - with its size and shape chosen to attain the same consistency and balance of a luxury watch.

In addition, the Gear S3 is compatible with 22mm watch bands so consumers can easily personalize their watch to match any outfit or special occasion.

The Gear S3 meets IP68 standards for water resistance so consumers can get through their day, regardless of weather conditions. For the first time on the Gear series, the Gear S3 features Corning Gorilla Glass SR+, which is specifically designed for wearable devices to provide a tougher, more scratch resistant and crisp display.

The 16 million colors full-color Always On Display (AOD) and Super AMOLED technology further differentiates the Gear S3 from other smartwatches. The AOD always shows the time rather than automatically fading to black, embodying a watch face that mimics the look of luxury analog watch.

The Gear S3’s rotating bezel has been enhanced with new features. Without touching the screen, users can accept or reject a call or snooze an alarm. In addition, by writing or drawing on the display, messages will automatically convert to texts and emojis. Users can also create short reminders and to-do lists to manage even the most hectic schedules with the Reminders application.

The Gear S3 puts convenience at the flick of the wrist, allowing users to leave their smartphone behind when they don’t need it on-hand. The built-in GPS functionality enables users to monitor their daily fitness activities while the Alti/barometer and Speedometer allow users to track everything from altitude and atmospheric pressure to sudden changes in weather, distance traveled and speed.

Never miss another phone call with LTE connection making its smartwatch debut on the Gear S3 frontier. Additionally, with the built-in speaker, users can activate voice messaging and listen to their favorite tunes. Samsung says that the S3's battery lasts up to four days on a single charge.

Now Gear S3 users in select markets can use their smartwatch to make a purchase almost anywhere they can swipe or tap a card with Samsung Pay for Gear S3. Samsung Pay, with Magnetic Secure Transmission (MST) and Near Field Communication (NFC) support, means users can easily register a credit or debit card and use it to make mobile payments.

In case of an emergency, users can activate the SOS and location tracking capabilities to alert family, friends and emergency professionals about crisis situations, even when their phone isn’t in-hand.

Consumers can access apps, including fitness, music, news, sports and travel apps - all optimized for the Gear lineup of devices including the Gear S2 and the Gear S3. With a variety of customizable watch faces available for download, users can personalize the circular UI to fit their lifestyle. Select apps and watch faces will be available for download directly from the Gear S3 without the need to first download on a smartphone.

Thanks to a partnership with Arik Levy, renowned artist and industrial designer, Samsung will introduce artistic watch faces and strap designs.

The modern watch faces and bands designed by Arik Levy will be introduced later this year through select channels.

Adding to the Tizen ecosystem, Samsung introduces the integration of BMW’s personal mobility companion with the new Gear S3. With the BMW Connected app, users can get alerts when it’s time to leave for their next trip, check their fuel level, unlock their BMW and more - all directly from the Gear S3 watch face.

For the first time on a smartwatch, the Samsung Knox Tizen Wearable SDK will be available to third-parties, enabling management capabilities and the development of customized applications for Samsung’s wearable ecosystem. With the Samsung Knox security platform, the Gear S3 will enable broader enterprise business opportunities.