Samsung announced its Galaxy Gear smartwatch last month with much fanfare, although not everyone was impressed. Some criticised the chunky build; others were frustrated by the limited device support, with only two of Samsung’s own devices compatible with it at launch. The cost was another issue for many – at $299, some saw it as overpriced, especially considering its limited functionality.
Nonetheless, some were able to look past those concerns to purchase the Android smartwatch, but it seems that many have come to regret that choice.
Documentation leaked to Geek.com reveals that over 30% of Galaxy Gears purchased at Best Buy stores across the U.S. have been returned. The reasons behind these returns remains unclear – indeed, it appears that even Samsung is in the dark over what has prompted so many refunds or exchanges.
According to the report, the company has tasked staff at its ‘Samsung Experience’ concessions within Best Buy stores with getting to the bottom of the problem. The attach rate – the proportion of smartphone buyers who also purchase the smartwatch – for the Galaxy Gear has apparently been higher at Best Buy outlets than anywhere else, yet the return rate remains problematic.
Samsung is pressing on with extending support for the Galaxy Gear to other devices in its range, including the S4 Mini, S4 Active, S4 Zoom, Mega 5.8 and Mega 6.3. Some rumours suggest that the company is already preparing a "Galaxy Gear 2" to replace the first-gen device, which could be released in the first half of next year.
Source: Geek.com | image via Samsung