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Roaring HarmonyOS watch growth is potential threat to Wear OS, Samsung!

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Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro

Huawei’s HarmonyOS smartwatch is growing quite fast in China. Counterpoint Research, in its latest report, predicts that Huawei smartwatch sales will further grow in the country, seizing a whopping 61% market share in 2024, up from 48% last year.

Whenever Huawei grows, it comes as a red alert for global tech titans like Apple and Samsung. As the company now has its own operating system, Google is also on the list of affected vendors. HarmonyOS is also aiming to cross China’s boundaries right after reaching the app ecosystem milestone.

Samsung and Google’s collaboration continues to benefit the Wear OS ecosystem. Whether it’s Watch OS Format or third-party app support, both companies are effectively investing in the ecosystem. Meanwhile, Huawei’s growth in Europe would hurt Samsung, Apple and Google too.

Huawei’s HarmonyOS-powered smartwatches are popular in China. Local consumers who don’t prefer Apple’s watchOS opt for HarmonyOS watch rather than Google’s Wear OS. Apart from innovations, this growth is powered by the sentiments of Chinese citizens.

Huawei Watch GT 2 Pro

Image: Huawei

Last year, the overall HarmonyOS shipments grew almost 2x, surpassing Apple’s WatchOS. HarmonyOS’ shipment share is further estimated to reach 61% in China in 2024, up from 48% in 2023, Counterpoint Research report highlights.

The report predicts growth for the entire smartwatch ecosystem including Wear OS and WatchOS. However, Huawei’s resurgence is a potential threat to Google’s Wear OS and Samsung’s Galaxy Watch segment – the same way as HarmonyOS Vs Android smartphones.

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Huawei is pushing the boundaries of innovation with next-gen features in wearables. The company’s recent smartwatch offers a satellite SOS feature, which is one of its kind in the industry. At the same time, HarmonyOS is smart, smooth, and fluid that readily attracts users.

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Wearables

Samsung XR Headset gives you smartphone-like control over camera access

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Samsung XR Camera

Samsung’s Project Moohan XR headset has attracted a lot of attention, especially after last month’s hands-on video showcased its exciting features. However, one of the main privacy concerns is how Samsung XR headset handles camera permissions, mainly when it comes to third-party apps.

As XR headsets can see everything around us, privacy is a big concern. Notably, the Samsung XR headset uses a system similar to Android smartphones when it comes to managing camera access. It gives users control over which apps can see what’s happening around them.

A Google spokesperson shared that the Android XR system, which the Moohan headset runs on, will let third-party apps use the headset’s cameras, but only with the user’s permission. This is similar to how Android phones ask for permission before any app can access the camera to give users more control.

Samsung XR Headset Camera Access

Source – MKBHD

On XR devices, apps can ask for access to either the front or rear cameras. If an app asks for the rear camera, it will see the world around the user. If it asks for the front camera, the app will see an avatar of the user instead.

The avatar is created by apps or services on the headset that generate the stream using user-tracking data from OpenXR APIs, such as head, hand, eye, and facial movements. This tracking data is collected by the headset’s inward-facing cameras, which track the user’s movements and facial expressions.

Samsung’s Project Moohan XR headset is designed with privacy in mind. It allows users to control which apps can access the cameras, just like Android phones do. We’re still waiting for more details about the headset’s price and release date. Stay tuned for more information.

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Wearables

Samsung unveils safe and fun Galaxy Watch for Kids mode

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Samsung has introduced a new feature called Galaxy Watch for Kids mode, which is created to help parents stay connected with their children while keeping things safe. This new mode lets kids use a smartwatch to call and text, but only with trusted contacts.

Collaborated with Google, Samsung makes Galaxy Watch for Kids mode possible. The Galaxy Watch for Kids works on Android-based Wear OS devices. It is available for customers using AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile services.

Galaxy Watch for Kids mode includes GPS tracking, so parents can always know where their kids are. Also, Parents can control the watch by using Google’s Family Link app. This lets them approve or block apps that their kids can download.

Samsung Galaxy Watch kids mode

If an app is already installed, parents can even block it. There’s also an option to limit the watch’s features during school hours, so kids won’t be distracted in class.

To keep children engaged, Samsung has added 20 new “teacher-approved” apps. These apps, from brands like Barbie, Crayola, and Marvel, are designed to be both fun and educational. They help kids stay active and excitingly learn new things.

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The Galaxy Watch for Kids mode is only available on the Galaxy Watch 7 LTE. If you have an older Galaxy Watch, you won’t be able to use these features. However, the company hasn’t confirmed the expansion of this feature yet.

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Wearables

Samsung’s Pointer Mode may soon let Galaxy Watch users control TVs with hand gestures

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 update

Samsung is reportedly working on a new feature that could make controlling your TV easier using just your Galaxy smartwatch. The feature named Pointer Mode is under development for Wear OS-based Galaxy Watch models.

SmartThings app recently received a new update with version 1.3.12.9 for Galaxy devices. Through the APK teardown via AssembleDebug, Pointer Mode has been found for Galaxy Watch devices. This feature will likely be exclusive to Galaxy smartwatches.

Once it’s available, users will be able to control their TV by shaking their wrist to turn on Pointer Mode. After that, different hand gestures will help you navigate your TV.

Galaxy Watch Pointer Mode

The codes of the Pointer modes reveal several gestures to control TVs through hands. For example, making a pinch gesture could change the channel, while making a fist could take you back to the previous channel. If you double-clench your fist, you might go to the home screen. You can also move your wrists back and forth to play/pause.

These simple gestures would make it easy to control the TV without needing to use a physical remote, just need to direct with your hand. The new feature is especially helpful for anyone who loses their remote often or doesn’t want to get up to change the channel.

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Pointer Mode will be different from another similar feature coming to the SmartThings app for smartphones later this year. The phone app will allow users to control their TV using a touchpad or by pointing the phone directly at the TV to move a cursor.

If Pointer Mode comes to Samsung Galaxy watches, it could be a convenient way to control your TV directly from your wrist. Stay tuned for more information.

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Wearables

Samsung Galaxy XR to offer 3-button navigation

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Samsung XR Camera

Samsung’s new XR headset, Project Moohan, is ready to compete with Apple’s Vision Pro. Earlier this month, Samsung revealed its first Galaxy XR, powered by Google’s new Android XR platform. A piece of new information shows that the Samsung XR headset could feature three-button navigation.

Google recently showed that Android XR features gesture navigation. This system combines Android’s usual three-button controls with a new, button-free approach. It is also expected to feature in the Samsung XR headset.

When you raise your hand, a diamond-shaped button appears. To press it, you pinch your thumb and forefinger together. After doing this, three buttons show up – a circle for the launcher, a triangle for the back, and a square for recents. You simply slide your hand over a button to select it and release the pinch.

Samsung XR three button navigation

Image via Google

This navigation system is simple and easy to use, as it builds on Android’s familiar controls. Google is making sure the basics are easy for users to understand.

Aside from this, Google to offer Find My Device support for Android XR devices and other Better Together features. Following Samsung’s Galaxy XR reveal, Google announced the launch of Android XR, developed in collaboration with Samsung and Qualcomm.

Samsung Galaxy XR to feature Google’s Find My Device

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Wearables

Samsung (Galaxy) Switch could be name of the upcoming XR glasses

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Samsung XR Camera

Samsung recently revealed its new XR headset, which has been developed under the project name Moohan. In collaboration with Google and Qualcomm, the Galaxy XR is set to offer advanced virtual and augmented reality experiences. Now, a new report indicates that the name of the Samsung XR headset could be Samsung Switch.

While Moohan is just the project name, Samsung has now filed for a trademark under the name Samsung Switch. At first, we might think this is related to their Smart Switch app, but the trademark details suggest something else.

In the trademark documents, Samsung has described it as a product for headsets, virtual reality glasses, augmented reality displays, and other XR devices. This gives a strong hint that Samsung Switch could be the name of Samsung’s new XR glasses or a series of similar devices.

It’s also possible that the filed product will be called Galaxy Switch, following Samsung’s usual naming style for popular products like the Galaxy smartphones, and tablets. The trademark has been filed with the European EUIPO and the UK UKIPO. We may soon see similar registrations in the U.S. and South Korea.

The launch of the Samsung Switch is expected in 2025, though it won’t likely happen at the same time as the release of the Galaxy S25 phone. However, some reports that Samsung may tease the XR headset at Galaxy Unpacked Event 2025. Stay tuned for more information.

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