Samsung extended support for its Galaxy Gear to more devices after the smart watch was initially compatible with just the Galaxy Note 3 phablet.

The smart watch is now compatible with the Samsung Galaxy S III and S4 and Note II as long as they have been upgraded to the Jelly Bean version of Android.

Samsung plans to extend compatibility to the Galaxy S4 mini, S4 Active, Mega 5.8, Mega 6.3 and S4 zoom, with an update due at the end of October. The timing of the updates will vary between countries and operators.

The Galaxy Gear can be used to make and receive voice calls and check email, texts and alerts. Users can also draft messages, create new calendar entries, set alarms, and check the weather with S Voice.

The Smart Relay function allows content to be simultaneously transferred to a user’s device via Bluetooth. A pedometer tracks physical activity while tailored apps from the likes of Evernote and Path have been developed. The Gear also has a 1.9MP camera.

Qualcomm followed Samsung in launching its smart watch, the Toq, while Sony unveiled its SmartWatch 2 in June. HTC is also reportedly developing a smart watch based on Android.