Samsung Electronics Australia today announced the Samsung Health Monitor application will launch in Australia providing access to blood pressure tracking and TGA[1]-approved electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring via its latest Galaxy Watch series[2].

From September 10, Australians will have access to on-demand ECG and blood pressure readings on Samsung’s latest wearables, the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic. These are the first Samsung smartwatches available in Australia to offer both blood pressure and ECG monitoring.

The Samsung Health Monitor app with access to blood pressure and ECG monitoring will also become available on the Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Watch Active2 via a software update in the coming months[3].

ECG monitoring on compatible Galaxy watches is registered as a medical device with the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) when connected to a compatible Galaxy smartphone[4]. ECG tracking allows users to take an electrocardiogram reading, displaying heart rhythm as either atrial fibrillation (AFib) or sinus rhythm.

Mark Hodgson, Head of Content and Services, Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics Australia: “We know that Australians want access to the very best in health technology to not only allow them to keep track of their fitness goals, but critically, to be aware of their general health and wellbeing.

“We believe our Galaxy Watch and Samsung Health Monitor App offer a comprehensive and importantly, an accessible solution to help millions of Australians to help them improve and maintain their general health and wellbeing.”

ECG Tracking

It is estimated that around 33.5 million people worldwide are affected by Atrial Fibrillation (AFib)[5], a common form of abnormal heart rhythm. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was the underlying or associated cause of over 14,000 deaths in Australia—9.0% of total deaths[6].

The electrocardiogram function works by recording the heart’s electrical activity via a sensor on the compatible Galaxy Watch. Users simply need to open the Samsung Health Monitor app while seated comfortably, and ensure the watch is fitted firmly to the wrist. Next, rest the forearm on a flat surface and lightly place a fingertip from the opposite hand on the top button on the smartwatch for 30 seconds. The app will then measure the users heart rate and rhythm, which will be displayed as either a Sinus Rhythm (a normal, regular heartbeat) or AFib (when the heart beats irregularly). Users can also export this data to PDF[7].

The ECG app feature was successfully included in the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) in Australia as a Class lla medical device. Devices undergo a rigorous approval process to be included in the ARTG to ensure that the safety of the device is acceptable and performs as intended, confirming the Essential Principles[8] which is a set of fundamental design and manufacturing requirements for medical devices.

Blood pressure measurement

High blood pressure affects one-in-three people aged 18 and over in Australia and two-thirds of Australian adults with high blood pressure go undiagnosed[9]. This is commonly linked to brain, kidney and heart diseases, and if left untreated, it can lead to stroke and heart failure[10].

The blood pressure monitoring feature on the Galaxy Watch helps users to track their general health by allowing them to measure blood pressure conveniently from their smartwatch.

To enable this feature, Samsung Galaxy users will need to install the Samsung Health Monitor application[11] onto their Galaxy smartphone[12] and connect it to their compatible Galaxy Watch[13].

To monitor blood pressure on the Galaxy Watch device, users will need to first calibrate with a traditional cuff[14]. They will then be able to tap to “Measure” the blood pressure anytime, anywhere. The device measures blood pressure through pulse wave analysis, which is tracked with the Heart Rate Monitoring sensors. The program then records the relationship between the calibration value and the blood pressure change to determine the blood pressure[15]. To ensure accuracy, users are required to calibrate their device at least every 28 days. Once the calibration and set-up process is completed, users can access this information and export measurements to PDF.

Galaxy Watch4 and Watch4 Classic

Samsung’s latest Galaxy watch series also introduces a range of general health and well-being solutions including Body Composition (BIA) with key measurements like skeletal muscle mass, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage. It also offers sleep tracking that is designed to detect the sounds of a person’s snores and get their blood oxygen level while they sleep to provide Sleep Scores to help users get a better night’s sleep.

To ensure that help is never too far away in the event of a fall, Galaxy Watch4 includes fall detection, which helps identify a potential fall and can send an SOS notification to your chosen emergency contacts[16].

These smartwatches also come packed with an array of fitness and wellness features to track a users daily activities and help them stay motivated to be their best.

Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic will be available to purchase in Australia from September 10, 2021. Both watches showcase a sleek, iconic silhouette, with thinner cases than previous generations—and a variety of straps and customisable watch faces.

Galaxy Watch4 – a modern, minimalist option designed for versatile all-day use – will come in 40mm and 44mm, starting at AUD $399 for Bluetooth versions and AUD $499 for LTE models. The Galaxy Watch4 Classic has a a timeless smartwatch design with the fan-favourite rotating bezel. This watch will start at $549 for Bluetooth versions and $649 for LTE models and will be available in 42mm and 46mm variants in Black and Silver.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, please visit:

• Galaxy Watch4: https://www.samsung.com/au/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch4-green-lte-sm-r875fzgaxsa/
• Galaxy Watch4 Classic: https://www.samsung.com/au/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch4-classic-silver-lte-sm-r885fzsaxsa/

[1] In Australia, medical device marketing approval is obtained by including the device on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG), maintained by the Australian Government’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). ECG has been approved by the TGA and is registered as a medical device on the ARTG. The BP App is intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. It is not intended for use in detection, monitoring, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or disease. The measurements are for personal reference only. Samsung recommends you consult a medical professional for advice. For accurate BP readings, a calibration is required every 4 weeks by BP monitor & arm cuff.

[2] Samsung Health Monitor App and ECG and BP features are available only on compatible Galaxy Watch devices when paired with Samsung Galaxy phones with Android 7 or above.

[3] Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Watch Active2 coming soon. Date to be shared closer to availability.

[4] Please refer to footnote 1. Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Android 7 or above.

[5] Chugh SS et al. Worldwide epidemiology of atrial fibrillation. Circulation. 2014 Feb 25; 129(8): 837-47.

[6] Sourced from Australian Institute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/atrial-fibrillation-in-australia/contents/deaths-from-atrial-fibrillation

^[7] The ECG feature is intended to create, record, store, transfer, and display a single channel electrocardiogram (ECG), similar to a Lead I ECG for adults 22 years and older. The ECG feature is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The ECG feature is not intended for users with other known arrhythmias. If an irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation is detected, consult a doctor. If you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, or other cardiovascular conditions, do not rely on the notification of the device and consult a doctor. FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. IF SYMPTOMS PERSIST, WORSEN OR CHANGE UNEXPECTEDLY, TALK TO YOUR HEALTH PROFESSIONAL.

[8] Sourced from TGA: https://www.tga.gov.au/sme-assist/medical-devices-regulation-introduction

[9] Sourced from Australian Insititute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure/contents/high-blood-pressure

[10] Sourced from Australian Insititute of Health and Welfare: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure/contents/high-blood-pressure

[11] App is free of charge. Data and download fees may apply.

[12] Samsung Galaxy smartphones with Android 7 or above.

[13] Compatible with Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active2

[14] Third-party cuffs are sold separately, available from major retailers.

^[15] Blood pressure feature only to be used by adults 22 years and older. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, monitoring, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or disease. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.

[16] Galaxy Watch cannot detect all falls. Intense physical activity can trigger Fall Detection feature Sending SOS calls and messages requires network connection and smartphone pairing. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment of any medical condition or disease. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Fall Detection must be switched on and your Location must be enabled to share with your Emergency contact.

Samsung Electronics announced today at Unpacked the Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live. Galaxy Watch3 is a next-generation smartwatch that combines timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge health and wellness features. Galaxy Buds Live are the newest shape of true wireless earbuds, boasting a stylish and ergonomic design paired with premium audio technology.

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live are convenient tools for maintaining your lifestyle and daily routines, especially in the current climate. Both devices are seamlessly integrated into the wider Galaxy ecosystem to help you live healthier, communicate better, and get the most out of your technology.

“Wearables are among the fastest-advancing technology sectors, and the pace of progress is only accelerating. In recent months, we’ve seen immense growth in the market as people turn to smartwatches and earbuds to help them thrive in the ‘Next Normal’”, said Dr. TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics. “Since introducing our first smartwatch just seven years ago, we have become a leader in wearable innovation. Today, we’re laser-focused on building on this momentum to offer new and differentiated experiences – combined with the bold design and advanced technology that our customers have come to expect.”

Galaxy Watch3: Manage Your Life with Advanced Health Technology

Galaxy Watch3 boasts all the craftsmanship of a luxury timepiece, while being comfortable enough to wear all day. Sporting a timeless design, this watch is built with premium materials like stainless steel and high-quality leather — and for the first time, Galaxy Watch3 will also be available in a titanium model that’s both durable and elegant. Galaxy Watch3 also features the popular rotating bezel from previous watch models, which merges form with function. With just a turn of the bezel, you can easily toggle between widgets, open apps and scroll through notifications. Compared to the original Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch3 is 14% thinner, 8% smaller and 15% lighter¹ — combined with a larger display. You can also customize your watch face to perfectly reflect your personal style. You can choose from over 80,000 watch faces in the Galaxy Store, or design your own. A library of 40 different complications allows you to personalize your watch face with the information that’s most important to you.

With each new iteration, Galaxy Watch capabilities have expanded, and now, Galaxy Watch3 will offer new experiences in health and wellness monitoring. The Blood oxygen (SpO2) feature will soon measure and track oxygen saturation over time, for fitness and wellness purposes². Galaxy Watch3 will also be home to the new Samsung Health Monitor app once launched, which will include blood pressure (BP) monitoring³ and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings in markets where these features have been authorized⁴. To ensure that help is never too far away in the event of a fall, Galaxy Watch3 comes with a new feature that detects falls, which identifies a potential fall and can send an SOS notification to your chosen contacts⁵.

Beginning a fitness routine can be difficult, but Samsung’s running form tool is here to help. Running analysis⁶ will be able to offers real-time feedback during your runs, as well as six-factor post-workout reports, which help improve form, boost performance, and reduce injury. To track your cardio progress as you go, you will soon be able to easily access VO₂ max readings⁷, which offer insight into your oxygen uptake. Even when you’re at home, you have access to a full-service fitness studio with Samsung Health, which features a library of more than 120 different video workouts. Simply select a workout routine on your Galaxy smartphone, cast it onto your Samsung Smart TV⁸, and your Galaxy Watch3 will take care of the rest and automatically track the workout. Because recovery is just as important as the exercise, Samsung has been developing its sleep management offering since it was first introduced back in 2014. Now, Galaxy Watch3 offers brand new sleep score and insights to help you get better rest.

In addition, seamless compatibility between the Galaxy Watch3 and other Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy Note20, amplifies your mobile experiences. You can set automatic reply options for both messages and images, and easily view emoticons and photos directly from your wrist. You can also effortlessly control your mobile experience; play your favorite music from your phone with the rotating bezel; and use simple hand gestures⁹, like clenching and unclenching your fist to receive a call, or rotating your wrist to mute alarms or incoming calls. For those who spend extended periods away from their phone, LTE models are also available, allowing you to take calls and messages, stream your favorite playlists, and access your favorite apps on-the-go.¹⁰

Galaxy Buds Live: Tune into Every Moment

Galaxy Buds Live defy conventional design — with one-of-a-kind aesthetics, they’re like nothing you’ve ever seen or worn before. Samsung has reconfigured traditional earbud design, laying out internal components horizontally instead of vertically. That way, the earbuds don’t protrude from your ears, providing a more natural appearance. This ergonomic, tip-less design conforms to the shape of your ear, making them comfortable enough to wear all-day. You can further customize your fit with two sizes of wingtips.

Galaxy Buds Live were engineered to bring your sound to life. Combining AKG’s sound expertise with Samsung’s legacy of hardware innovation, Galaxy Buds Live offer a truly immersive audio experience. With a 12mm speaker and bass duct, the audio sounds deep and rich, allowing you to enjoy music the way the artist intended. With three microphones and a Voice Pickup Unit, your earbuds home in on your voice and ensure you always come through loud and clear on the phone. These earbuds feature Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) for open type¹¹, allowing you to tune out distractions like passing cars and loud laundry machines, while still being able to tune into important announcements and conversations.

Galaxy Buds Live offer a convenient and connected listening experience, compatible with a range of devices. Seamlessly switch between compatible devices — no disconnecting and reconnecting required. And when paired with the latest Galaxy devices, you can open your world to new possibilities. Record crystal clear audio for your video on the Galaxy Note20 by using Galaxy Buds Live as a wireless microphone. Use ‘Game Mode’¹² to reduce audio latency – with Galaxy Note20’s Dynamic AMOLED 2X display, you can enjoy a more immersive gaming experience. You can also easily share music with friends — without compromising sound quality — using the new Buds Together¹³ feature.

For more convenient navigation, Galaxy Buds Live feature an intuitive touch-based PUI (physical user interface)¹⁴ for touch control, as well as Bixby voice wake-up¹⁵, which allows you to navigate music, open apps, and send messages hands-free and eyes-free. Plus, Galaxy Buds Live come with long-lasting battery life. When fully charged, your earbuds can support up to 6 hours of playback, and the charging case allows you to enjoy an additional 15 hours over multiple charges¹⁶. And when you need to top up on charge quickly, you can gain 1 hour of play time with just 5 minutes of charging¹⁷.

Availability¹⁸

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live are available in select countries starting from August 6, 2020, and will expand to more markets.

Galaxy Watch3 is available in 41mm and 45mm, both available in LTE and Bluetooth variants.  Galaxy Watch 41mm variant will be available in Mystic Bronze and Mystic Silver, while the Galaxy Watch 45mm variant will be available in Mystic Silver and Mystic Black.

The Galaxy Watch Titanium variant will be available later this year.

The Galaxy Buds Live will be available starting, August 6, and will come in Mystic Bronze, Mystic White, and Mystic Black.

For more information about Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live, please visit:

Galaxy Watch3: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-watch3/

Galaxy Buds Live: https://www.samsung.com/global/galaxy/galaxy-buds-live/

Galaxy Watch3 and Galaxy Buds Live Specifications^19 20

¹ Measurements taken from the 45mm model; will vary by model and size.

² This device and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease. SpO2 feature is not available at the time of launch, will become available during Q3 2020. Feature will require a software update. Feature currently not available in Algeria, Angola, Canada, France, Iran, Libya, Japan, South Africa or Thailand.

³  To ensure accuracy, users should calibrate their device every four weeks with a traditional blood pressure cuff.

⁴  The Blood Pressure and ECG features are currently available in South Korea, both cleared by South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

⁵ Fall detection recognizes falls when engaged in dynamic motion, not when still. Requires network connection to notify emergency contact. GPS accuracy may be affected by obstructions to satellite signal such as buildings.

⁶ Running analysis will not be available at the time of launch, will become available during Q3. Feature will require a software update.

⁷ VO₂ max feature is not available at the time of launch, will become available during Q3 2020. Feature will require a software update.

⁸ Availability may vary on previous Samsung Smart TV models, 2019 or newer.

⁹ Ability to turn on Gesture controls is available in the ‘Labs’ menu of the Galaxy Wearable app.

¹⁰ 4G LTE standalone connectivity only available on Samsung Galaxy Watch3 LTE version. Standalone voice calling on LTE version requires initial pairing with eligible Samsung Galaxy device and separate qualifying wireless plan. Your carrier may not support standalone voice calling, or support may be available only in certain areas. Please check with your carrier for more information. Standalone functionality limited if the paired phone is not powered on nor connected to a wireless network.

¹¹ Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) on Galaxy Buds Live received UL Verification for cutting background noise by up to 97% in low frequency bands. Features including Active Noise Canceling are enabled through a Bluetooth connection or the Galaxy Wearable app on Android, available through the Galaxy Store or Google Play Store, and the Galaxy Buds app on iOS devices, available through the App Store.

¹² Requires Android P OS or higher & Gaming Optimizing Service ver. 2.1.02 or above; running on Samsung Scalable Codec. Available in the Labs menu of the Galaxy Wearable app.

¹³ Scanning feature is available on all devices supporting One UI 2.5 or later, including the Galaxy Note20 and Tab S7/S7+; the sharing feature is available on all devices supporting One UI 2.1 or later.

¹⁴ Users can customize their tap shortcuts in the Settings of the Galaxy Wearable app.

¹⁵ Availability may vary by market.

¹⁶ Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions such as function settings, playback file type, and Bluetooth signal strength.

¹⁷ Charging time is based on the battery of earbuds being less than 30% when they start to charge.

¹⁸ Availability may vary by market.

¹⁹ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.

²⁰ Availability may vary by market or operator.

²¹ This device and related software are not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions, or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.

²² Actual battery life may vary and depend on usage conditions such as function settings, playback file type, and Bluetooth signal strength.

²³ Charging time is based on the battery of earbuds being less than 30% when they start to charge.

²⁴ Some features may not be available on non-Samsung devices. Compatible devices may vary by market, operator or device brand.