Samsung to expand devices that work with Gear smartwatch with software update

The Samsung Galaxy Gear, the first in a massive wave of new "smartwatches" that present discreet bits of information from a connected smartphone. (Samsung)

A journalist looks at a Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch after its launch at the IFA consumer electronics fair in Berlin, September 4, 2013. The IFA consumer electronics and home appliances fair will open its doors to the public from September 6 till 11 in the German capital. REUTERS/Tobias Schwarz (GERMANY - Tags: BUSINESS TELECOMS SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY) - RTX137C9 (Reuters)

Samsung says its new Galaxy Gear computerized watch will be compatible with several older phones through a software update.

One big flaw with the $300 Gear is that in the U.S., it's compatible only with the new Galaxy Note 3 phone, which costs another $300 with a two-year service agreement. Last week, Samsung Electronics Co. said the Gear will also work with the Galaxy S4 Mini when that comes out next month.

On Monday, Samsung said it will also make the update available for the S III, S4 and Note II in the coming weeks and the S4 Active and Mega phones in the coming months.

The Gear works with Samsung devices to display message alerts and other information on the wrist.