Wearables
Google bringing another threat to Samsung and it’s not the foldable phone
Google is reportedly bringing another threat to Samsung in the form of its next wearable device. Instead of Fitbit’s two-year refresh policy, Google is preparing to launch the Pixel Watch 2 along with the Pixel 8 series later this year, which could eat sales of Samsung smartwatches.
As per 9to5Google, Google Pixel Watch 2 is currently scheduled to launch alongside the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which will rival Samsung 2023 smartwatch lineup. It took several years of Google to officially introduce the Pixel Watch’s first generation, while the Pixel Watch 2 is not delaying such long.
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Samsung, on the other hand, is scheduled to unveil the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic in late July. Alongside the new watches, the company will unveil its next-gen foldable smartphones – Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5.
Notably, Google is also joining the race in the foldable segment by launching its first product – Pixel Fold. This phone is inspired by all the current foldable phones in the market such as Oppo Find N2 for design and Galaxy Z Fold 4 for technologies and innovations.
During I/O 2023 on May 10, Google may tease the Pixel 8 series smartphones, and there’s a little possibility of the Pixel Watch 2. The design is likely to remain the same as the current smartwatch, while the company may focus on upgrading hardware elements and software experience.
Pixel Watch runs Wear OS and Google continues to improve the experience with better support for apps and the addition of new features to the wearable platform. It also benefits the Galaxy Watch launched after 2021 as they are also equipped with Wear OS-based One UI Watch.
Also read | Samsung launches One UI 5 Watch for Galaxy smartwatches with new features
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Samsung collaborated with the University of Michigan to assess Galaxy Watch features accuracy. The study validated the high accuracy of fitness tracking features. Dr. Hon Pak also encouraged MiPR’s validation of Galaxy Watch accuracy.
The Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR) found a significant correlation between Galaxy Watch and the clinical and sport science reference devices’ measurement of heart rate, sweat loss, VO2 max, and body fat percentage measurements.
The MiPR studies verified the accuracy of Samsung Galaxy Watch fitness tracking features by monitoring key metrics from elite runners, including:
Heart rate: It measures how hard the heart works during physical activity.
- Findings show an excellent 90% correlation with electrocardiogram equipment while running, the gold standard in heart rate measurement.
Sweat loss: Sweat loss estimates the amount of fluid lost during physical activity and helps guide proper hydration after workouts.
- The study found a 95% correlation for Galaxy Watch in assessing sweat loss over varying distances ranging from 2.5 km to 20 km.
VO2 max: Understanding how much oxygen the body absorbs during a workout helps individuals assess their fitness levels and set optimal goals and limits.
- The study demonstrated an 82% correlation, indicating acceptable alignment between Galaxy Watch and clinical-grade diagnostic equipment.
Body fat percentage: Measuring a person’s body fat percentage allows for a better understanding of physical health and fitness than tracking body weight alone.
- Galaxy Watch readings showed a 95% correlation with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) results, the standard diagnostic test for body composition using low-dose X-rays.
“We’re proud to be recognized by the renowned Michigan Performance Research Laboratory — their skilled researchers and expertise in wearable technology give us confidence in the accuracy of the Galaxy Watch’s fitness tracking capabilities.”
Google has rolled out a new update to the Weather Tile for Wear OS devices, which was initially available for the Pixel Watch 3 running Wear OS 5. This update is now rolling out to all Wear OS wearables including the Samsung Galaxy Watch series. It improves the functionality and information density provided by the Weather Tile.
The updated Weather Tile provides more detailed weather information. Instead of just showing the location name, current temperature, high and low temperatures, and weather conditions, the new tile provides more details. It now includes a forecast for the next 3 hours on the 41 mm Pixel Watch 3 and the next 4 hours on the 45 mm variant.
It means you can now see more information about the upcoming weather directly on the tile without opening the full weather app. This change makes it easier to check the weather at a glance on Wear OS devices. Notably, it does not change the UV Index or Sun Tiles.
Previously, the Weather Tile on Wear OS devices offered general information. Users could see the location name, current temperature, high/low, and a simple weather condition description. The new update improves this by adding a better forecast, which provides a more detailed view of the weather in the coming hours.
The update is available with the Weather app version 1.9.269.x. It was first rolled out to the Pixel Watch 3 but is now being extended to other Wear OS devices including Galaxy watches.
Get Pixel Watch 3 Faces on your Samsung Galaxy Watch 4/5/6/7 [Wear OS]
Samsung is getting ready to launch the stable version of One UI 6 Watch for the Galaxy Watch 4. To support the stable beta version, the Korean tech giant has released a new update for the Galaxy Watch 4 Plugin app.
The new version of the plugin is now available for download with version 2.2.11.2408215. With a 173.4MB package, the update includes fixes for issues found in earlier versions. This update is important for users who are testing the latest beta version, as it helps ensure the app works better and is more stable.
After installing, users of Galaxy Watch 4 will get a smoother and better performance. This update is designed to work with the stable beta version of One UI 6. To get this update, users can download it from a link provided in the member notice.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 users:
Here's something new for your from the official source.#OneUI
In order to support stable beta version use, a new Watch4 Manager update version has been released.
Please update and use it through the Download Link in the member notice.… pic.twitter.com/dbp6C5y6Wi— Samson Sir (@SamsonSirJi) August 29, 2024
By addressing issues and making sure their apps are compatible with the One UI 6 Watch update, the company aims to provide a better experience for Galaxy Watch 4 users.
For those participating in the beta test, keeping the plugin app up to date is important to get the best performance and newest features. As Samsung moves closer to releasing the stable version of the One UI 6 Watch, users can expect a smoother and more refined smartwatch experience.
So, if you own a Galaxy Watch 4 and want to stay on top of the latest updates, make sure to download the new plugin of Watch 4 to enjoy the latest improvements and fixes.
One UI 6 Watch Beta (ZXH4) rolling out to Galaxy Watch 4, Watch 5 with Global AOD