'Google smartwatch' could launch to rival Samsung and Apple Samsung's Galaxy Gear uses Google's Android operating system and acts primarily as a notification system, offering users previews of text messages and emails, and a way of controlling music playing from larger devices. It also includes a low-resolution camera and voice recognition, allowing users to dictate emails and messages. It can also make phone calls, count users steps - and tell the time. Apple's iWatch is believed to be launched in the second half of 2014, and though it has not indicated whether it is working on a smartwatch, in July the company filed an application to register "iWatch" as a trademark in Japan, under product category for a computer or watch device. In May, Apple CEO Tim Cook did not rule out the possibility of Apple developing a wearable product when he spoke at AllThingsD conference. He said: "It's an area that's ripe for exploration, it's ripe for us to get excited about. Lots of companies will play in this space.