Samsung is now rolling out a new update to its older Galaxy Watch models that brings even more health and fitness features as well as some new watch faces. These features were first released for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, with Samsung now looking to bring a similar level of functionality and support to some of its older smartwatches.
While the launch of a new model of a device is exciting and tempting for consumers, not everyone will upgrade to the newest version. Despite this, it is not unusual for manufacturers to abandon older devices following the release of newer ones. Of course, there are some brands that are committed to keeping their older devices supported for as long as possible. In some cases, this results in additional features being ported over from newer models to older ones via a software update.
The new software update is rolling out to the Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, Galaxy Watch Active 2, and Galaxy Watch 3, all of which don't yet run the new One UI Watch. According to Samsung, the update adds the option of a higher sensitivity for Fall Detection to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3. The higher sensitivity makes it possible for these watches to detect a fall even if the wearer is standing still. Samsung has also added support for the new Samsung Health Monitor app to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 and Galaxy Watch 3. The app launched with the Galaxy Watch 4 series and is currently available in 42 markets.
New Watch Faces For All
In addition to the improved health features, there are also ten new watch faces available on all of the older Galaxy watches. While all of these watch faces are from the Galaxy Watch 4 series, the “Big Number” and “Active” faces should be particularly familiar as they are ones often used in promotional materials. Some of the watch faces are customizable, allowing the user to choose different colors for the background or text. In the case of the Animals watch face, choosing between a cat, monkey, rabbit, or sheep. Another feature available to all models is the updated Group Challenge. With this, the user can add friends or family members to a challenge, either as a team or as individuals competing against one another. Information about a team or individual's performance can then be seen on the watch.
It is worth noting that Samsung says the update will first arrive for owners of the Bluetooth versions of these smartwatches before then rolling out to the LTE versions as well. Samsung also states that the latest Galaxy Wearable app and Galaxy Watch plugin versions are also required.
Source: Samsung