The Galaxy Gear uses an Android-based operating system with a minimalistic interface and gesture-based navigation.
To pair the watch with a smartphone or tablet as its host device, the user must first install the Gear Manager app.
An NFC tag located inside the charging case is used to download the app.
Gear Manager uses Bluetooth to coordinate the pairing process and further communication with the device.
It can also be used to configure the device's settings (such as the clock display's color and appearance), and to manage and install apps via Samsung Apps.

Notifications can be synced from the host device and displayed on the Gear's screen when received; a preview of a notification's content is displayed on the watch itself, while the Smart Relay feature allows users to open content displayed on Gear on their smartphone or tablet.
S Voice can be used for basic voice commands and voice dictation for certain apps.
Phone calls can also be answered and placed from the watch (the dialer is launched by swiping up on the clock display), while the "Find My Device" tool can be used to locate the watch with a phone or tablet, or vice versa.

The camera app can take photos, or record videos up to 15 seconds in length.
Photos and videos can be stored to the device's internal storage, or immediately transferred to the user's phone or tablet.
Users can also record up to 5 minutes' worth of voice memos.
A media controller for music or video being played by the phone or tablet is also provided.

While it is possible to sideload other Android apps on the device over Android Debug Bridge (ADB), their usability is impaired by the small screen, and an inability to access the Internet directly.

On May 30, 2014, Samsung released the version 2.2 firmware update for the Galaxy Gear through its Kies desktop software.
The update replaces the Android-based operating system of the device with the Tizen-based operating system of its successor, the Samsung Gear 2.
The new software, among other improvements, provides improved performance and battery life, a voice-controlled camera, and a standalone music player that can play tracks stored in the device's internal storage.
The Galaxy Gear uses an Android-based operating system with a minimalistic interface and gesture-based navigation. To pair the watch with a smartphone or tablet as its host device, the user must first install the Gear Manager app. An NFC tag located inside the charging case is used to download the app. Gear Manager uses Bluetooth to coordinate the pairing process and further communication with the device. It can also be used to configure the device's settings (such as the clock display's color and appearance), and to manage and install apps via Samsung Apps.
Notifications can be synced from the host device and displayed on the Gear's screen when received; a preview of a notification's content is displayed on the watch itself, while the Smart Relay feature allows users to open content displayed on Gear on their smartphone or tablet. S Voice can be used for basic voice commands and voice dictation for certain apps. Phone calls can also be answered and placed from the watch (the dialer is launched by swiping up on the clock display), while the "Find My Device" tool can be used to locate the watch with a phone or tablet, or vice versa.
The camera app can take photos, or record videos up to 15 seconds in length. Photos and videos can be stored to the device's internal storage, or immediately transferred to the user's phone or tablet. Users can also record up to 5 minutes' worth of voice memos. A media controller for music or video being played by the phone or tablet is also provided.
While it is possible to sideload other Android apps on the device over Android Debug Bridge (ADB), their usability is impaired by the small screen, and an inability to access the Internet directly.
On May 30, 2014, Samsung released the version 2.2 firmware update for the Galaxy Gear through its Kies desktop software. The update replaces the Android-based operating system of the device with the Tizen-based operating system of its successor, the Samsung Gear 2. The new software, among other improvements, provides improved performance and battery life, a voice-controlled camera, and a standalone music player that can play tracks stored in the device's internal storage.
Samsung Galaxy Gear