Wearables
Google Pixel Watch gains support for SpO2 (blood oxygen saturation) tracking
Google seems to bring SpO2 monitoring support on the Pixel Watch. Recently, a Pixel Watch user reported that the Watch is showing SpO2 or Blood Oxygen Saturation on the Fitbit Today app. Along with the information, the user has also shared pictures of tracking SpO2.
Through the images, you can see that the SpO2 feature is located below your sleep score at the bottom of the feed and provides a percentage for your last sleep session on Google Pixel Watch. By opening this option, you can see a new page for SpO2 with more details.
To be mentioned, the SpO2 or Oxygen Saturation sensor measures your blood oxygen saturation, in other words, we can say the amount of oxygen you have in your blood.
Pixel Watch only offers Estimated Oxygen Variation (EOV) under the Restoration section since launch. The Heart Metrics dashboard shows no recent data for SpO2 or skin temperature but now it looks to be changing.
At the moment, it’s unclear how SpO2 works on the Pixel Watch, and it wasn’t seen on any of the devices checked today. Earlier this week, the June 2023 update was released without any major changes, while the Fitbit app on the watch is yet to receive the update.
Wearables
Future Samsung Galaxy Watch to feature different type of strap mechanism
Samsung exploring a different type of strap mechanism for Galaxy Watch. A new patent submission reveals the company’s plans to introduce a new way that is easier to attach, adjust, and secure the band to your wrist.
91mobiles spotted a new Samsung patent, which talks about a different type of strap mechanism on the Galaxy Watch. Samsung’s watches already offer a quick-release mechanism to change straps, but it will be even easier in the future.
Titled “WEARABLE DEVICE INCLUDING STRUCTURE FOR ASSISTING ASSEMBLY,” the wearable-centric patent reveals a new type of strap design, which could make Galaxy Watches of the future much easier to use.
The patent shows a strap with three components and there’s a core made up of two fastening portions, one of which moves and one of which is static.
The strap consists of two halves of a band, a frame that connects them to the core, and grooves that help secure the connection between the two.
The patent doesn’t point to any tentative release timeline for the new strap mechanism. While the information is limited, the image shows the new design would make it easier to attach and detach watch bands at a moment’s notice.
In addition, the design also suggests that the bands stay securely fastened to your watch when you’re wearing it. The new mechanism would enable bands to fit more comfortably and crucially, offering more accurate fitness tracking.
Samsung has recently launched the Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra. The next-gen wearables could be introduced in the second half of the next year. It is not certain that the Watch 8 will debut the patented strap design mechanism.
Wearables
Google embarked on Wear OS 5.1 journey amid slow One UI 6 Watch rollout
Google has confirmed the release of Wear OS 5.1, the latest version of its wearable operating system. This new update is based on Android 15, which changes how Wear OS works. Meanwhile, Samsung has just started the official One UI 6 Watch rollout based on Wear OS 5 for Galaxy Watch 6 after a long beta testing.
Wear OS 5.1 builds on Wear OS 5, which was based on Android 14. Google announced the update in a developer post and suggested that developers test their apps on the new version using the Android emulator.
Google has confirmed the Wear OS 5.1 update but it is not yet available for physical devices like smartwatches, including the Pixel Watch. It’s likely that Wear OS 5.1 will eventually come to devices but there’s no exact date yet.
Notably, Private Space feature support is not available with Wear OS 5.1. This feature was introduced with Android 15 on phones and tablets and caused problems when used with Wear OS watches. Notifications that were meant to stay private were showing up on the smartwatch, even if they shouldn’t have. Google acknowledged this issue and decided to remove the feature from Wear OS 5.1 instead of trying to fix it. We can expect that in upcoming updates.
Currently, if you want to try out Wear OS 5.1, you’ll need to use the Android emulator, as the update isn’t available on any smartwatches yet. The official rollout date for this new version is still unknown, but it’s expected to reach devices in the future.
On the other side, Samsung started rolling out the Galaxy Watch 7 series feature based on Wear OS 5 to the Galaxy Watch. It is expected that more Galaxy Watch models will get this major update in the coming days or weeks. Samsung will also start developing its One UI Watch update based on Wear OS 5.1 soon. Stay tuned for more details as Google continues to develop Wear OS 5.1.
Official One UI 6 Watch update live for Galaxy Watch 6 series in the US
One UI
It’s Official: Samsung One UI 6 Watch Update Rollout Starts Today
Samsung finally started the Stable One UI 6 Watch update rollout today. The company revealed all the eligible Galaxy Watch models for the update. There are many new features, Galaxy AI advancements, and functional improvements.
The Stable One UI 6 Watch update update will first rollout to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 series and then become available sequentially to previous generations. Feature availability and support may vary by market, carrier, model, and paired device.
Pay attention, the One UI 6 Watch is based on Google’s Wear OS 5. It aims to expand Watch 7 and Watch Ultra features to previous generations of Galaxy Watch including the Watch 6 series, Watch 5 series, Watch 4 series, and Watch FE.
The best features of One UI 6 Watch update:
Sleep Tracking
You will get a deeper and more accurate understanding of sleep with a detailed analysis powered by an advanced AI algorithm and new sleep metrics.
Sleep Apnea
- It helps users proactively spot potential signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea.
Race
- Monitor progress in real time when running or cycling with Race.
Workout Routine
- This feature lets users combine various exercises and create personalized routines.
Energy Score
- Users can better understand their physical and mental conditions through an intuitive score calculated from various health metrics.
New Watch Faces
- The One UI 6 Watch also brings a handful of new watch faces namely Spatial Number, Simple Digital and Ultra Info Board.
- Simple Digital watch face reflects a minimalist design
- Ultra Info Board watch face to check info at a glance without sacrificing style
Must Read:
While the One UI 6 Watch update contains Galaxy AI features, Samsung does not make any promises, assurances, or guarantees as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the output provided by AI features.
It is also advised that users should not treat any health-related info accessed through the Galaxy Watch as medical advice. Medical advice from a physician is highly recommended in case of any health-related sign shown on your wrist device.