With all the attention being placed on wearable technology by innovators like Google and Apple (News - Alert), it was only a matter of time before other big names decided to throw their hat in the wearable tech ring. In this case, it seems Samsung is interested in the market.

Although Samsung (News - Alert) has a reputation for being more of a copycat than an innovator, the Korean electronics manufacturer isn't completely going head-to-head with either Google (News - Alert) Glass or the long-rumored Apple iWatch — although Samsung does apparently have a watch in the works. Still, the company is apparently "investing heavily" in sewing computers into clothing, according to Opposing Views.

For those interested in wearable technology, this is potentially exciting news as it could lead to clothing that talks or interacts with other wearable tech in a way that enhances the entire experience. That said, the only example Samsung gave was a more practical one: stick-on patches capable of monitoring health.

"Eventually you won't even know you're wearing the device, it could be the fabric in your clothing, your glasses or your watch," said Young Sogn, Samsung's chief strategy officer, in a statement. "It will monitor your health, connect to the cloud, identify you, pay for things and replace credit cards. In three of four years, the number of people wearing computers will increase dramatically."

This technology won't be ready until 2020, however, according to Sogn's estimates.

As for Samsung's watch, a recent trademark filing suggests it will be called "Gear." Experts predict that Gear and the iWatch will be very similar, as rumor suggests both will link with mobile phones, offer access to basic information such as e-mails, and download mini apps. It's tempting to accuse Samsung of doing what Apple does once again, but Lee Young Hee, EVP of Samsung's mobile business, claims Gear has been in the works for some time, also suggesting that the first to commercialize such an offering will see the greatest success.


Edited by Rachel Ramsey