Samsung reportedly working on a watch phone, as its chairman recovers

Samsung Electronics is working on a watch phone, according to a report over the weekend, as the chairman of its parent company reportedly regains consciousness.

Citing “people familiar with the company’s plans”, the Wall Street Journal reports the South Korean tech giant has been in talks with carriers about releasing a new smartwatch that works as a standalone phone.

The design lies in contrast to Samsung’s existing smartwatches, such as the Galaxy Gear 2, which need to be tethered to a smartphone or tablet in order to function.

The new device will reportedly come with GPS, Bluetooth and a heart monitor, and be able to take photos or send emails.

The smartwatch is the latest in a string of devices the tech giant is rumoured to be working on, including a ‘smart home’ platform, an Oculus Rift-style virtual reality headset and a Google Glass-style augmented reality headset.

The speculation comes amidst reports, published by the Korea Herald, that Samsung Group chairman Kun-hee Lee has regained consciousness following a recent heart attack.

Lee regained consciousness after a star player for a Korean professional baseball team owned by the mogul, the Samsung Lions, scored a home run. Two of his children, Hotel Shilla chief Boo-jin and Everland chief Seo-hyun, have reportedly returned to work after maintaining a bedside vigil during the past week.