Samsung Galaxy Gear can now talk to the BMW i3 and Trek Bikes

Just when everyone thought Samsung was back to the drawing board with smartwatches, their announcement at CES 2014 has fuelled new life in their Galaxy Gear smartwatch. The South Korean mobile giant has partnered with BMW, Trek Bikes, Kidrobot and 3D Systems for specialised apps for the Gear and their respective products. This is Samsung’s way of expanding the Gear’s functionality and thereby, giving consumers better incentive to invest in their smartwatch.

The new BMW i Remote app for the Samsung Galaxy Gear lets users connect to the BMW i3, the world’s first fully connected electrically-powered car, and receive status updates about the car right on the watch itself. After syncing your Gear to the car, you’ll be able to receive information such as the battery life, driving range or check if the windows are shut. Now, I’m no car expert here but shouldn’t all this information already be displayed on the car’s dashboard? This seems like the perfect tool for drivers who compulsively need to know details about their electric car, even when they aren’t in it.

Trek Bikes has designed two concept bicycles to demonstrate the possibilities of integrating smartphones with bikes. One of the most interesting ones is the ability to charge your Galaxy Note 3 as you pedal. Also, with a sensor integrated into the bike frame, cyclists can track stats such as speed, cadence and distance directly from their phone or the Gear. The tie-up with Kidrobot has nothing to do with the Gear per se, but you’ll be able to purchase custom figurines that inspired by Samsung Galaxy devices. No prizes for guessing the material used to make these figurines. Finally, Samsung has also teamed with 3D Systems for a live demonstration at CES by letting visitors render their 3D designs through an app for the Note series.