Samsung has officially announced an update to its smartwatch software, One UI 8 Watch, which will be available for several models in the Galaxy Watch lineup. This update emphasizes health and wellness features designed to assist users in cultivating healthier habits.

Enhanced Sleep Tracking with Bedtime Guidance

One of the notable additions in One UI 8 Watch is the 'Bedtime Guidance' feature, which aims to improve users' sleep quality. This function will analyze users' past sleep patterns and lifestyle choices to recommend optimal bedtimes. Additionally, it will send reminders to help users stick to these recommendations.

Samsung elaborates that this feature will monitor sleeping behavior over recent days to calculate a bedtime that maximizes alertness for the following day. Furthermore, during sleep, the Galaxy Watches will track vascular system stress levels, identifying any excessive fluctuations, as these values should typically decrease during rest. However, this particular capability will only be available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra and newer models.

Galaxy Watch as a Running Coach

To enhance fitness experiences, Samsung is introducing a running coach feature within One UI 8. This feature is designed to provide tailored intensity training and injury prevention exercises, particularly targeting beginners. The running coach will also offer real-time guidance and motivation, similar to the 'Workout Buddy' feature available in watchOS 26.

In addition, the software will create personalized training programs based on users' fitness levels to help them achieve their personal goals. To utilize this feature, users will first need to complete a running performance test to determine their fitness level. This running coach functionality will be accessible only on the Galaxy Watch 7 series and newer models.

New Antioxidant Index Feature

Another innovative addition is the 'Antioxidant Index', which uses the smartwatch's sensors to measure carotenoid levels from green and orange fruits and vegetables in the user's skin. According to Samsung, this measurement only takes five seconds. Antioxidants play a critical role in neutralizing free radicals, potentially preventing chronic diseases and promoting healthy aging.

Similar to other features, the Antioxidant Index will not be compatible with all Galaxy Watch models; it will only be available on the Galaxy Watch Ultra or subsequent models. Users must remove the watch to conduct this measurement, placing their thumb on the watch's rear sensor.

Limited Update Availability for Galaxy Watch 4

In the United States and South Korea, Samsung has initiated a beta program for the new watch software. However, not all models will receive the update; only the Galaxy Watch 5 series and newer are eligible for the beta installation. This suggests that the Galaxy Watch 4 series, launched in 2021, may not be updated to the new One UI version. This limitation aligns with Samsung's shorter update policy for smartwatches, which is typically three years compared to the seven-year update promise for many smartphones.

Samsung has been approached for clarification regarding the Galaxy Watch 4 series' status. It is confirmed that the upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series, set to launch in July, will include the new software version from the outset.