AT&T on Monday rolled out the first two smartwatches that will allow subscribers to use the carrier’s new NumberSync feature, which enables connected devices to make and receive calls and texts using a customer’s mobile phone number.
The first two compatible smartwatches will include the Samsung Gear S2 and the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition LTE. Though both devices will be available for purchase starting Friday, the free service will be available first on the Gear S2 and will be rolled out on the Watch Urbane in early 2016. AT&T said installment pricing on the devices will be available in stores.
In order to use the NumberSync feature with the watches, customers must also have a smartphone with AT&T HD Voice-enabled postpaid service. The Gear S2 in particular requires a smartphone with 1.4 GB of RAM running Android 4.4 or higher. The Watch Urbane appears to require pairing with a compatible smartphone running Android 4.3 or higher and the Android Wear app for activation.
Calls made or received on the wearable devices will be subject to the wearable’s standard calling plan rates. Texts sent or received through the device will count as data, with applicable data usage rates.