Tag: Galaxy Watch

Many people know they "don't sleep well," always feeling tired upon waking, and even having their partners complain about their loud snoring. But is it simply fatigue, or a distress signal from their body? In the past, it was difficult to tell unless you were willing to spend a night in a hospital. However, with Samsung announcing that the Galaxy Watch has officially received approval from Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration to enable the "sleep apnea detection" function, this watch has finally completed a crucial part of Samsung's health monitoring capabilities. ▲With Samsung announcing that the Galaxy Watch has officially received approval from Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration to enable the "sleep apnea detection" function, this watch has finally completed a crucial part of Samsung's health monitoring capabilities, addressing a hidden health hazard: Why is it necessary to pay attention to "apnea"? Before diving into the practical testing, we must first discuss why this function is so important. ▲Sleep apnea is not just about loud snoring; it may reflect more underlying health problems. The so-called "obstructive sleep apnea" (OSA) is not simply about "loud snoring." Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is usually caused by the relaxation of neck muscles during sleep, leading to airway collapse and obstruction, preventing air from entering the lungs. Common symptoms include loud snoring, multiple apneas during sleep, choking upon waking, dry mouth, sore throat, or headache. Daytime symptoms may include drowsiness and difficulty concentrating. Imagine someone choking you every few minutes while you sleep, preventing you from breathing until your brain detects oxygen deprivation and you experience brief "micro-awakenings." This can happen dozens or even hundreds of times throughout the night, leading to chronic hypoxia and inflammation. This significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and atrial arrhythmia, and may even cause cognitive impairment such as poor memory, reduced work efficiency, and dementia, or lead to irritability and even depression. The challenge with traditional testing is that confirming OSA requires an appointment at a hospital's sleep center for a multi-sleep physiology (PSG) test. This means you'd have to sleep a night in an unfamiliar hospital bed, covered in over 20 wires for brainwave, eye movement, electromyography, and respiratory airflow monitoring. Many of my friends have said, "I can't sleep at all with all these wires on my body," which could lead to inaccurate measurements and even require several extra nights of sleep. However, the Galaxy Watch series (note) currently approved by Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare's Food and Drug Administration for "sleep apnea detection" can transform "medical-grade screening" into a "daily home function." While it can't completely replace a doctor's diagnosis, as a first-line "rapid screening tool," it significantly reduces the difficulty of detection and helps users quickly identify potential sleep apnea. Note: The model must be a Galaxy Watch4 or later, paired with a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Key Test: How to Enable "Seamless Detection"? This test used the Galaxy Watch8 Classic, whose BioActive optical sensor is the core component, accurately monitoring changes in blood oxygen concentration during sleep and analyzing whether there is oxygen deficiency. ▲The BioActive optical sensor in Galaxy Watch4 and later models monitors changes in blood oxygen saturation during sleep. The detection principle involves using the watch's BioActive optical sensor to track relative decreases in blood oxygen saturation during sleep. Sufficient data (at least two days of recording within a 10-day period) is used to determine if the user shows signs of sleep apnea. The Sleep Apnea Index (AHI) is used to identify the number of breathing pauses per hour during sleep, distinguishing between "asphyxia" (apnea) and "low-level breathing" (weak breathing). For example, an average of more than 15 breathing pauses per hour indicates moderate to severe sleep apnea. ▲The detection principle involves using the watch's BioActive optical sensor to track relative decreases in blood oxygen saturation during sleep. Sufficient data (at least two days of recording within a 10-day period) is used to determine if the user shows signs of sleep apnea...

Samsung announced that its "Sleep Apnea Detection" feature in its Samsung Health Monitor app has been officially approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) and is now available in the Taiwan market. This new feature supports Galaxy Watch4 series and later models, requiring a Galaxy smartphone running Android 12.0 or later. Users can enable this health monitoring function after updating the Samsung Health Monitor app. Detecting potential risks, the feature can monitor moderate to severe symptoms over two nights and four hours. According to Samsung, sleep apnea is a common but easily overlooked sleep disorder. During sleep, patients may experience pauses in breathing, leading to interrupted blood oxygen supply and decreased sleep quality. In the long term, it may increase the risk of complications such as high blood pressure, arrhythmia, and even stroke. This approved sleep apnea detection function is primarily for users aged 22 and older who have not yet been diagnosed with sleep apnea. With just two nights of continuous monitoring for at least four hours each time, the Galaxy Watch can detect moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea using its built-in optical blood oxygen sensor, helping users detect potential health risks early. The Galaxy Watch8 introduces an antioxidant index and is the first to feature Wear OS 6 and Gemini. In addition to sleep apnea detection, Samsung emphasizes the AI ​​intelligence and health monitoring functions continuously integrated into the Galaxy Watch series, making it like a health hub on your wrist. Beyond the existing "Sleep Score" (analyzing sleep cycles, supporting snoring detection, and providing an electronic sleep coach) and "Vascular Load" monitoring, the latest Galaxy Watch8 series introduces an "Antioxidant Index" function. This function claims to quickly measure the concentration of carotenoids in the user's skin within 5 seconds and provides practical dietary improvement suggestions. Notably, the Galaxy Watch8 series is also the first to feature Wear OS...

As previously rumored, Samsung updated its wearable devices at the Galaxy Unpacked 2025 event, launching upgraded Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic models, and adding new color options to the previously released Galaxy Watch Ultra. ▲Samsung launches upgraded Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic models. Maintaining the same processor and sensors as their predecessors, new features are added through algorithm upgrades. However, the main upgrades to the Galaxy Watch8 and Galaxy Watch8 Classic are in their appearance, thickness, and weight. The built-in BioActive sensor, which measures more specific data such as blood vessels and blood concentration using ultraviolet light, and the Exynos W1000 processor built using Samsung's 3nm GAA process remain the same as the previous generation. The main upgrades are through algorithm upgrades to add more body data measurement functions, thereby providing a new user experience with sleep quality tracking and running suggestions. ▲From left: Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra in a new color. ▲Maintaining the same BioActive sensor and Samsung Exynos W1000 processor as the Galaxy Watch6, the new features primarily offer differentiated functionalities through algorithms. However, although the sensor and built-in processor remain the same as the previous generation, Samsung states that the new features will only be available initially on the Galaxy...

Samsung has announced the availability of an arrhythmia notification feature on its Galaxy Watch series in Taiwan, enabling potential heart disease patients to more effectively track their heart rhythm. The arrhythmia notification feature has been approved by the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is officially available in Taiwan starting today. Supported devices include Galaxy Watch4 series and later smartwatches, and Galaxy smartphones running Android Pie or later. After a software update, when used in conjunction with the manual ECG monitoring function, it can actively track heart rhythms related to atrial fibrillation (AFib) from the wearer's wrist, making it easier for potential heart disease patients to monitor their heart rhythm. In addition to tracking heart rhythm, the Galaxy Watch series can also analyze sleep patterns and assist in developing healthy sleep habits through an electronic sleep coach, assess physical fitness through a body energy index, and monitor metabolic health under the influence of diet and lifestyle using an advanced glycation end products (AGE) index tracking function.

Previously touted as a game that could be played while sleeping by using a smartphone or the separately purchased Pokémon Go Plus accessory, Pokémon Sleep can now also track sleep patterns using commercially available smartwatches. Currently supported smartwatches include Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Google Pixel Watch, and Fitbit. Apple Watch requires the Health app on the iPhone to link with Pokémon Sleep, while Android smartwatches require the Health Connect app and must also link with the Fitbit or Samsung Health app. After data synchronization, users can record their sleep patterns while wearing the smartwatch and sync the data to Pokémon Sleep, attracting different Pokémon based on their sleep patterns.

As previously rumored, Samsung has also adopted titanium as a material for its new Galaxy Watch Ultra, designed for advanced sports use, and has also launched the Galaxy Watch 7, positioned as the successor to the Galaxy Watch 6. ▲The new Galaxy Watch Ultra is made of titanium, and the new Galaxy Watch 7 is launched simultaneously. Both watches use the Exynos W1000 processor built with Samsung's 3nm GAA process, enabling faster execution and improved power efficiency. The Galaxy Watch Ultra features a titanium bezel, available in Titanium Silver, Titanium Gray, and Titanium White, and is designed for advanced sports use, suitable for environments ranging from -20°C to 55°C and altitudes from -500 meters to 9000 meters. It features a 1.5-inch, 480 x 480 resolution Super AMOLED display with a 47mm diameter, supports always-on display, and is protected by sapphire crystal glass. It also has 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. ▲The Galaxy Watch Ultra is positioned for advanced sports use, capable of operating in environments ranging from -20°C to 55°C and at altitudes from -500m to 9000m. Its built-in 590mAh battery provides approximately 100 hours of battery life in power-saving mode, 48 hours in sports mode, and 60 hours in always-on display mode. It also supports wireless fast charging. Furthermore, the watch is 10ATM water-resistant and IP68 dust-resistant, meeting the MIL-STD-810H US military standard, making it suitable for underwater diving. However, unlike Apple, Samsung does not offer additional marine diving assistance features. Galaxy...

Samsung has officially unveiled the Galaxy Watch FE, an entry-level smartwatch that had been the subject of much speculation. A Bluetooth-connected version is confirmed for release in July, while an LTE-enabled version will launch in October. Similar to previous Galaxy FE series phones and tablets, the Galaxy Watch FE adopts the design of the Galaxy Watch series, but is only available in a single 40mm size and lacks a physical bezel. Instead, it uses touch controls and a side-mounted main button for operation, resulting in a cleaner overall look. It is available in black, silver, and rose gold, with a sapphire crystal screen for protection. Despite its entry-level positioning, the Galaxy Watch FE still offers over 100 sports data measurements and can analyze running data to provide improvement suggestions. It also features ECG, heart rate, and sleep quality monitoring, and supports Samsung Wallet and Find My Phone functionality. When paired with a Galaxy phone, it can remotely control the camera shutter from the watch. Other features include an Exynos W920 dual-core processor running at 1.18GHz, a 1.2-inch circular Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 396 × 396, always-on display capability, 5ATM and IP68 water and dust resistance, and compliance with US military standard MIL-STD-810H protection. It also boasts 1.5GB of RAM and 16GB of storage, a 247mAh battery that supports WPC-compatible wireless charging, and runs Wear OS, a collaboration between Samsung and Google, with the One UI 5 Watch interface. The suggested retail price for the Galaxy Watch FE will start at US$199.99, while the price in Taiwan has not yet been confirmed.

Earlier this year, Samsung launched Galaxy AI applications with the Galaxy S24 series, expanding the smartphone user experience through artificial intelligence. Samsung has also previewed that upcoming foldable screen phones will incorporate even more Galaxy AI features. ▲ (Image/Taken from Reddit forum page) Samsung stated that to promote Galaxy AI applications, significant technological resources have been invested in R&D centers in Poland, China, India, and Vietnam. This has expanded Galaxy AI's language support and catered to different regional cultures and localizations. Galaxy AI will provide a completely new smartphone experience, including faster information organization, easier communication, and adding more content to photos, while ensuring information privacy and security when using the phone. Samsung also emphasized its collaboration with companies including Google, combining mobile and cloud computing to support a wider range of AI applications. Furthermore, Samsung previewed its upcoming foldable screen phone, which will feature the most AI applications and be designed to meet the needs of different users, creating more application possibilities through the combination of hardware and software. Earlier, promotional images of the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Galaxy Z Flip6 unexpectedly appeared on Samsung's official website in Kazakhstan. The Galaxy Z Fold6 will continue the design of the Galaxy Z Fold5, but with a more square shape and a noticeably wider body. Previous rumors suggested that the Galaxy Z Fold6 will feature a lighter body design, weighing only 239 grams, with a 6.3-inch outer screen and a 7.6-inch inner screen when unfolded. A higher-end Galaxy Z Fold6 Ultra may also be launched, while the Galaxy Z Flip6 is expected to have a larger capacity battery, increasing to 4000mAh. A new Galaxy Watch smartwatch and the Galaxy Ring smart ring announced earlier this year may also be unveiled at the same time.

South Korean media outlet Pulse reports that Samsung has recently begun internal discussions about combining artificial intelligence with health tracking features, seemingly including the ability to track blood sugar data using wearable devices. While the specific technology Samsung will use to detect blood sugar changes and assess the wearer's health has not yet been revealed, it may be used in the upcoming Galaxy Watch7 series. Currently, most smartwatches on the market can record heart rate changes, electrocardiograms, blood oxygen levels, and sleep quality. Adding blood sugar measurement functionality is clearly a feature many wearable devices are developing. For example, there have been numerous reports that Apple plans to launch a non-invasive blood sugar measurement function, eliminating the cumbersome process of obtaining small blood samples through a blood glucose meter, making it easier for users to record blood sugar levels. If Samsung can be the first to implement non-invasive blood sugar measurement, it is expected to attract more people to purchase its smart wearable devices, and may even become a product used by many patients who need to control their blood sugar levels. Samsung is rumored to be holding its second-half Unpacked event on July 10th, possibly in Paris, France. In addition to a new foldable screen phone, the company may also unveil new smart wearable devices, including the new Galxy Watch 7 series and new true wireless earphone accessories.

Samsung announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved its sleep apnea detection feature for the Galaxy Watch, making it the first company in the U.S. to grant approval for this feature on a smartwatch (Note: Withings received approval to add this feature to its sleep tracking pad in 2020). Prior to this, Samsung had already received approval in South Korea to offer this feature on its devices. This U.S. approval is expected to attract more users to monitor their sleep using the Galaxy Watch. The feature will detect sleep apnea in users aged 22 and older via Galaxy Watch or Galaxy phone, determining whether moderate or severe obstructive sleep apnea occurs over two nights of sleep monitoring. However, to use this feature, users must track their sleep for more than four hours over the past 10 days to obtain sufficient data to determine if they have sleep apnea. Samsung plans to launch this feature in the U.S. in the third quarter of this year through the Samsung Health Monitor app. According to statistics from the National Sleep Foundation, sleep apnea is a common chronic disease affecting approximately 25% of men and 10% of women in the United States. It involves breathing cessation during sleep, which affects sleep quality, leading to increased daytime fatigue and potentially causing cardiovascular diseases such as high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmia, and stroke.