Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, Watch Ultra add advanced health features: Experts react

Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra come with the most advanced health tracking features. Regarding the AGE functionality, experts are concerned that this technology has not yet been scientifically verified.

2024 Galaxy Watch models equipped with AGE (advanced glycation end products) tracking. It is slated to be used as an indicator to prevent aging. Doctors are concerned that AGEs could lead people to make wrong decisions about health.

The Korean tech giant launched the Watch Ultra and Watch 7 on July 10, 2024. The new wearables alongside the Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6 are set to hit market shelves on July 24. Samsung’s new watches are equipped with an enhanced BioActive sensor.

The upgraded BioActive sensor features new Yellow, Blue, Purple, and Infrared LEDs. These LEDs alongside the existing Red, Green, and Ultraviolet increase heart rate measurement by 30% and make AGE measurement possible.

Medical experts via Bloter say that the AGE index has not yet been scientifically verified. Lack of enough testing may lead to the presentation of data that may not be accurate enough. As a result, users could make wrong decisions about their health.

There are cases where people receive treatment even though they do not have the disease (false positives) due to the method of interpreting AGEs and glycated hemoglobin.

Cases where people do not receive treatment even though they have the disease because they only believe in the AGEs results (false negatives).

The inclusion of AGE tech may also create confusion between health management and medical treatment. Samsung’s aggressive approach towards the Galaxy Watch segment is fading boundaries between health management and medical management.