LG reveals G Watch R Android Wear smartwatch

Circular-faced wearable device takes aim at Samsung Gear S

LG has unveiled the G Watch R smartwatch running Android Wear, claiming the device's "stylish" circular design will win over customers from numerous industries.

The G Watch R is the second Android smartwatch from LG, following on from its original square-screened G Watch, that was released earlier this year.

LG listed the G Watch R's 1.3in full circle, 320x320, P-OLED display as a key selling point for the device, that will differentiate it from the wave of square-faced competitors. The above image shows the device displaying a digital interface mimicking a traditional watch.

President and CEO of the LG Electronics mobile communications company Dr Jong-seok Park, said the G Watch R is a part of the firm's rapid-release wearable strategy. "What we've noticed in the year of the wearable is that this is a category that can't be compared to smartphones and tablets," he said.

"Wearables are also accessories and [people] will want more than one to choose from. So we wanted to complement the modern design of the original G Watch with the classic look of the G Watch R. Customers can't go wrong with either device."

Outside of its display the G Watch R will have similar internal specifications to the G Watch and will be powered by a powerful 1.2GHz Snapdragon 400 processor, feature 4GB of storage, 512MB of RAM and a 410mAh battery.

The G Watch R has also been designed to meet IP67 certification standards, meaning it on paper should be able to run for up to 30 minutes in one metre of water.

There is no official word about when the G Watch R will be released in the UK, or how much it will cost. LG has confirmed plans to begin rolling the device out in "key markets" in the fourth quarter this year.

The G Watch R's unveiling comes mere hours after competitor Samsung announced its latest Tizen smartwatch, the Gear S.

Check back with V3 later this year for reviews of the LG G Watch R and Samsung Gear S.