Proof that we’ve entered a new era of technology? Mobile giants Samsung and Apple have both applied for trademarks for smart watches.

Samsung filed a newly-discovered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for the Galaxy Gear, a “wearable digital electronic devices in the form of a wristwatch, wrist band or bangle capable of providing access to the Internet and for sending and receiving phone calls, electronic mails and messages.”

Apple has also applied for a trademark in various countries around the world for the iWatch, which will most likely function the same as Samsung’s device.

Technical patents filed by Samsung suggest that the company is looking at designs with flexible displays. However, that technology, according to sources in the display manufacturing industry, is a few years away from reality. But that doesn’t mean Samsun isn’t serious about their product.

Most likely, a Samsung smart watch would be an Android-based product, given the company’s recent successes with Android-based Galaxy smartphones and tablets.

Apple, on the other hand, started securing trademarks for the iWatch name in Japan, Mexico and other countries last month, and, according to a recent report from the Financial Times, and plans to bring the device to store shelves sometime in 2014 if all goes as planned.

Looks like 2014 could be the year of the smart watch…but I’ll stick with my iPhone 5.