Samsung Tips Improved SOS Features, Heart Rate Zones for Galaxy Watch

pcmag.com:

Samsung today revealed its One UI 5 Watch, which is expected to provide a more personalized and intuitive health experience, as well as more robust emergency service features, when it reaches Galaxy Watch devices later this year.

Previously, the SOS feature on Samsung's smartwatches let people notify emergency contacts, but this update will allow direct communication to an emergency service number like 911 for access to your location and medical information. Fall detection, meanwhile, is now activated by default for those 55 and up. (A similar function recently rolled out to Google's Pixel Watch.)

Samsung also teased "personalized heart rate zones" for the watch's running tools, a feature that rolled out for Apple's watchOS 9 last year. The device will analyze your skill level and set one of five optimal workout intensity levels: warm up, fat burn, cardio, hard training, or max effort. "This enables users to set their own goals based on their ability," Samsung says.

Galaxy Watch Pro owners, meanwhile, will get additional benefits, starting with an expanded Route Workout, which now supports running and walking, alongside previously available hiking and cycling options.

Samsung also promises a "more complete sleep experience" on One UI 5 Watch, including access to Sleep Coaching on the watch and a paired phone, and easy access to a sleep score on your device, with metrics like sleep phases, snoring hours, and blood oxygen levels.

One UI 5 Watch will first roll out to the upcoming Galaxy Watch series later this year. Starting in May, Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 4 series users in the US can register to try out a beta version via the Samsung Members app.

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