Samsung: 800,000 Galaxy Gears in two months

Samsung said on Tuesday its Galaxy Gear has become the world's most popular smartwatch with shipments reaching 800,000 since its debut two months ago, defying some market concerns the accessory would fail due to a lack of compelling features.

The company's statement referred to sales of the smartwatch, but Samsung later clarified that it was basing its figures on shipments to retailers and mobile operators.

The South Korean firm said Gear sales have been better than its own expectations and it would expand sales promotions for the wearable device for the crucial year-end holiday sales.

The product marks Samsung's latest attempt to prove that it is more than just a fast follower in innovation behind Apple. The Cupertino California-based firm is widely speculated by media and analysts to be working on wearable device.

Priced at around US$300, the Gear works as an accessory to its market leading Galaxy smartphone, with a small OLED screen offering basic functions like photos, hands-free calls and message notifications.

Market expectations on the device have been not so strong, as it has only around 70 dedicated applications.