The Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR) — ESSI’s core research lab — will oversee an eight-month study that uses the Galaxy Watch series to estimate the VO₂ max and sweat loss of participants as they run. The study will compare reference data¹ against smartwatch data from both indoor (treadmill) and outdoor running trials of different distances, from 2.5km to 20km.

Photo copyright: Regents of the University of Michigan. Eric Bronson/Michigan Photography

Runners at all levels grapple with sweat loss, dehydration and heat management, particularly during the summer months. Samsung and University of Michigan teams hope the study’s findings will further enhance smartwatch technology, giving runners more accurate measurements of their health metrics to help solve these issues.

Samsung chose the MiPR lab for this study given its established relationships within the wearable tech industry and running community, as well as the unique skill sets of its researchers. Co-PIs Adam Lepley, associate director – research; Alexandra DeJong Lempke, associate director – academics; and Ken Kozloff, co-director of ESSI, bring expertise in sports medicine, running-related injury, and performance, wearable tech, and applied/translational research. The ESSI MiPR lab has collaborated with the University of Michigan Athletic Department, multiple professional sports organizations, and industry leaders to derive meaningful insights from wearable technology that can be applied to sport and exercise.

“Samsung is committed to providing more meaningful health insights via our collaborations with industry leaders and academic institutions,” said Hon Pak, Vice President and Head of the Digital Health Team, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to partner with the University of Michigan’s Exercise & Sport Science Initiative — expert in the fields of fitness and sports health — in an effort to bring even more meaningful insights to those runners who rely on the Galaxy Watch series for accuracy and personalized motivation.”

“For the Michigan Performance Research Laboratory, the opportunity to work with Samsung, and leverage the advanced sensors and health and wellness trackers from one of the most popular smartwatches, gives added credibility to our research,” said Kozloff. “It’s exciting to participate in a study that positively impacts our community, and we’ve had an overwhelming response from subjects looking to learn more about themselves that they can apply to their training.”

Participant enrollment and data collection are already underway thanks to an enthusiastic response from local runners. “Ann Arbor is home to a robust running community, with community-based runners up to Olympic contenders,” Kozloff says.

The recently launched Samsung Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic feature personalized fitness coaching, advanced sleep management and health monitoring to keep users motivated and focused on their goals.² For runners, the new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature³ provides five optimal running intensity levels based on individual physical capabilities, empowering them to set goals based on their own ability. Additionally, Track Run helps runners record their runs while on a running track. During a run, Galaxy Watch provides in-depth analysis including asymmetry, regularity and ground contact time to help improve performance and reduce injury.

¹ Galaxy Watch’s VO₂ max and sweat loss measurements were compared with CPET (Cardiopulmonary exercise testing) and weight change respectively.
² Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier, or the paired device.
³ To update the ranges of each Heart Rate zone for running based on cardiopulmonary capabilities, it is required to run outdoors more than 10 min with constant speed of 4km/h or faster.

Eva Cremers is a 3D illustrator and animation director from the Netherlands. Her playful, graphic computer-generated imagery (CGI) style perfectly complements the Galaxy Watch6 series’ bigger, brighter display and upgraded interactive interface.

Samsung Newsroom sat down with Eva to discuss her design journey with Samsung and how her Galaxy Watch6 characters can become trusty sidekicks around the clock.

Unpacking the Collaboration

Q1. Could you share your experience working with Samsung on the Galaxy Watch6 project? What was your creative process?

Certainly! This partnership with Samsung for the Galaxy Watch6 series was a wonderful experience. I was asked to design a range of fun and quirky characters that users could choose from. These characters were designed with various activities in mind, such as listening to music or engaging in sports, and I was able to experiment with creating personality traits for each character in my own style.

It began as most projects do — with lots of sketches exploring different characters and brainstorming how to illustrate different activities to make them interactive with the user. From there, I closely collaborated with the Samsung team to fine-tune every detail, from color palettes and textures to lighting effects and character animations to optimize the experience to the Galaxy Watch6.

Q2. Can you tell us about your and Samsung’s roles in this collaboration? How did this collaboration stand out from your previous experiences?

In this partnership, Samsung and I had distinct roles. My job was to design a bunch of unique characters for the Galaxy Watch6 series while Samsung brought expertise in the watch’s technical capabilities to guide me on what was possible. The team gave me lots of room to be creative, and it was so much fun to see my characters in a new setting!

This collaboration was different in the sense that I was creating characters that people could take with them wherever they went. I really had to think about how to design characters that felt universal and appealed to a broad audience.

Designing for the Galaxy Watch6 Series

Q3. You’ve created five characters for the Galaxy Watch6’s watch faces: Ball, Frog, Flower, Heart and Abstract. What makes each of these characters unique?

The Ball character is perfect for sports enthusiasts. It’s full of energy and bounce, making it an ideal companion for your runs. Then, there’s Frog — a cool character, but keep an eye on your battery level as he gets tired when it runs low! For nature lovers, the Flower character is always in sync with the weather outside, giving you a heads-up on what’s happening outdoors. The Heart character is a music aficionado, so just put on some tunes and watch it groove! Lastly, Abstract is a special character that stands out from the others — it’s bold, graphic and colorful. Abstract even reacts to incoming messages, giving users a dynamic and visual way to stay connected.

Q4. What inspired you to create these characters?

I’ve always been inspired by old cartoons and classic characters. I love characters that are full of life!

For these particular characters, I found inspiration in imagining all the ways people use their watches throughout the day. The Galaxy Watch6 series’ versatile capabilities really sparked ideas about what the characters could do and how they would appear. For example, there is an energetic basketball helping you exercise and a drained frog serving as a low-battery alert.

Q5. Tell us more about the design process. What posed the greatest challenge? How did you feel after viewing the finished product?

The design process presented its own challenges, considering I had to work on a small scale and ensure that the character movements seamlessly fit within the watch screen. Despite these hurdles, I was thrilled when I completed the project. I love seeing my characters out in the world and knowing that people will carry them everywhere!

It’s so easy to hang out with these characters on the new Galaxy Watch6 series. The watch face features a higher resolution and larger display, meaning users can see the characters come to life onscreen in a more vibrant and vivid way.

Q6. How do your designs reflect Samsung’s vision of personalization?

These designs perfectly reflect Samsung’s commitment to personalization. They allow users to choose from a variety of characters that cater to diverse interests — whether it’s music, sports or nature. These characters allow users to find a character that reflects their personality, along with many other watch faces options available for the Galaxy Watch6 series. Through these watch faces, I believe even more users will be able to tailor their wearable experiences. Users can also meet these characters in their Galaxy Z Flip5. Users can even match their watch face designs with the Galaxy Z Flip5’s Flex Window to create a more cohesive, personalized look.

What’s Next?

Q7. What does this collaboration with Samsung mean to you? What are your next steps?

I have a soft spot for projects that people can wear or interact with. Seeing so many individuals sporting my design on their wrists is huge! I always want my characters to help people express themselves, and this collaboration accomplished that. As users incorporate the Galaxy Watch6 series into their daily routines, it’s fulfilling to think that my designs might add an extra layer of happiness to their lifestyles whether they’re building healthier habits or improving their sleep cycles.

Looking ahead, my goal remains the same — to create work that brings smiles and spreads joy in all kinds of ways. For my next projects, I wish to continue designing playful worlds where people have fun. I absolutely loved this collaboration, and I hope to be working more with Samsung in the future!

Eva Cremers’ delightful character designs for the Galaxy Watch6 series seamlessly blend creativity with technology, enriching the wearable experience for millions of Galaxy users. To learn more about the Galaxy Watch6 series’ purposeful design upgrades and other enhancements, stay tuned to Samsung Newsroom.

Samsung Electronics Middle East & North Africa (MENA) launched the Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition, the first-ever limited-edition Galaxy Watch dedicated to the region. Inspired by MENA’s explorers and innovators, this device symbolizes the region’s legacy of contributions to the sciences — particularly astronomy and mathematics.

Among the first of several limited-edition collections of watches, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition aims to bridge the past with the future and honor the groundwork laid by historical pioneers. Inspired by the region’s explorers and astronomers, the Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition is a tribute to those committed to the sciences and crafted for those who dare to explore. The limited-edition watch’s timeless design features a rotating Black Astro bezel in 47mm. Available in select MENA markets,¹ the exclusive offer includes an additional Fabric Band, Astro Edition collectibles and access to Samsung’s VIP exclusive promotion store.²

The contemporary Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition is reminiscent of an astrolabe in its design and software features, with a compass on the dial serving as a nod to the ancient device. In addition, the watch enables users to track movements of the sun and moon right from their wrist. The inclusion of a solar tracker pays tribute to the sun’s central role in the astrolabe’s astronomical observations, mirroring the sun’s daily journey from sunrise to sunset.

Blending historical accuracy and modern aesthetics, the limited-edition watch amplifies inspiration from the historical tool with its astro-inspired bezel and the integration of advanced technology that show time, direction, and solar and lunar phases.

“Samsung’s Galaxy Watch6 Classic Astro Edition is a testament and tribute to the Middle East’s innovators and their historical prominence in the fields of mathematics, science and innovation, while simultaneously setting the stage for the region’s future pioneers,” said Omar Saheb, Regional Marketing Director at Samsung Electronics MENA. “Samsung strongly believes in the region’s potential and prominent status as a global hub for innovation. This exciting launch not only marks another milestone in technological advancement but also underscores our anticipation for the myriad of ways the MENA region will continue to shape the future of technology.”

¹ Available in Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and the U.A.E.
² Exclusive offer may vary by market.

Samsung Electronics today announced the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic,¹ designed to help users build healthier habits every day and through the night.² Galaxy Watch6 series packs holistic health offerings and powerful performance in a refined and sleek design, boasting a slimmer bezel, a larger and more vibrant display and more interactive user interface.³ Both models also allow users to access a greater selection of versatile watch faces as well as new band options that empower them to meet their goals.

“With the new Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, we are delivering on our commitment to democratize advanced health monitoring tools, now offering easier access right from the wrist,” said TM Roh, President and Head of Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics. “From sleep and fitness coaching to nutritional insights, Samsung is providing new and convenient ways to help users gain understanding and take action for better health and wellness, every day and every night.”

Personalized Guidance for a Healthier You — Starting With Sleep⁴

Galaxy Watch6 series provides meaningful insights that can lead to positive changes around the clock, offering personalized and actionable tips, advice and encouragement. Recognizing that better health begins with better sleep, Samsung is helping users optimize their night in the same way they optimize their day by focusing on three key elements of better sleep: understanding personal sleep patterns, building better habits and establishing a sleep-friendly environment.

Building on leading-edge sleep and wellness features, Galaxy Watch6 series now offers in-depth analysis of Sleep Score Factors⁵ — total sleep time, sleep cycle, awake time, plus physical and mental recovery — to help users understand the quality of sleep received each night. More individualized Sleep Messages,⁵ co-developed with the National Sleep Foundation, also provide users with detailed feedback about their sleep health each morning. Additionally, Galaxy Watch6 offers Sleep Consistency showing how consistent the user’s sleep and wake times are, and a designated Sleep Animal Symbol representing their sleep type.⁶

Enhanced Sleep Coaching⁶ enables users to put sleep insights into action with tailored instructions, tips and reminders accessible on both their wrist and paired smartphone. When it’s time for bed, Galaxy Watch6 can help set the perfect sleep environment by automatically changing the settings of connected home electronics⁷ and turning on Sleep Mode across the user’s watch and phone⁸ to mute notifications, dim screens and even to activate the invisible LED infrared sensor on the watch to deliver valuable health insights without additional light distractions.

Fitness features get more personalized to keep users motivated throughout their journey. Body Composition,⁹ with key physical measurements like skeletal muscle, basal metabolic rate, body water and body fat percentage, provides a complete snapshot of the user’s body and fitness, offering a tailored approach to set goals, track progress, and guide through personalized fitness and now nutritional tips via a new partnership with Whisk.¹⁰

A new Personalized Heart Rate Zone feature analyzes individual physical capabilities¹¹ and defines five optimal running intensity levels to help users set their own goals based on their ability — from burning fat to high intensity workout. In addition to over 100 existing workout trackers, the newly added Track Run records the user’s runs on a track, while Custom Workout allows users to build and track their personalized workout routine.

Added to existing blood pressure¹² and electrocardiogram¹³ monitoring, the new Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification¹⁴ feature helps users understand their heart health more comprehensively by checking for heart rhythms suggestive of Atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the background — even while asleep.¹⁵ Galaxy Watch6 can also enable users to track skin temperature during the night to give valuable insights including menstrual cycle tracking.¹⁶ And Fall Detection¹⁷ can gauge a fall, whether occurring during exercise, when standing still, or even while sleeping if users happen to fall out of bed. Once a fall is detected, your watch will automatically alert an emergency service number or pre-selected contacts.

Refined Design, Perfectly Yours

Elevating the wearable experience, Galaxy Watch6 series offers all new designs that provide better viewing, greater power and a wider selection of more customizable and comfortable options.³

Reading and writing is easier on the 20% larger display,¹⁸ showcasing more text on screen and a larger keyboard¹⁹ — all while maintaining a comfortable size. A more vibrant, higher resolution display³ boasts a peak brightness of 2,000nits, coupled with an Always On Display brightness adjustment feature, allowing users to see and do more even under bright sunlight. Powered by the enhanced processor and memory, Galaxy Watch6 delivers smoother and faster interactions.³

Galaxy Watch6 and Watch6 Classic come with a 30% slimmer bezel and a 15% thinner rotating bezel respectively,²⁰ enhancing the beauty of the signature circle frame. Galaxy Watch6 series features new stylish, interactive and informative watch faces that make the most of the large display, while new one-click bands allow users to easily mix and match watch bands. With over 704 unique combinations, users can design their perfect watch on Samsung.com.²¹ For example, a new lightweight Fabric Band²² and Sleep Coaching watch face pair perfectly to help you gain informative sleep insights in comfort.

Galaxy Watch6 series comes with a larger battery and reduced battery consumption²³ to support its larger and brighter display. With just eight minutes of quick charge, users can add an additional eight hours, perfect for tracking their sleep during the night.²⁴

Maximizing Your Experience Right From Your Wrist²⁵

Galaxy Watch6 series brings greater capabilities to the wrist of every user. The new Samsung Wallet²⁶ on Galaxy Watch6 combines Samsung Pay with Samsung Pass to incorporate more of the user’s wallet — including IDs, event tickets and boarding passes as well as credit cards and membership cards — in their watch. Enhanced Gesture Control allows users to conveniently manage their watch using simple gestures for greater accessibility and ease, letting them set their own shortcuts and now access apps and functions touch-free.

WhatsApp makes it easier for Galaxy Watch users to stay connected with friends and family, all without getting out a phone. Starting from this fall, users can stay productive right from their watch with new apps from Google Calendar and Gmail, which will be exclusively available on Wear OS. They can also track fitness progress or nutritional data more easily with Peloton and MyFitnessPal updates, and coming soon, enjoy additional streaming options with Audible. Additionally, with the introduction of a new Skin Temperature API — a part of the Samsung’s Privileged Health software development kit (SDK) — partners will soon have access to advanced infrared technology for more accurate measurements to bring a whole new world of possibilities to users. A newly launched Thermo Check app takes advantage of the new API, allowing users to measure the temperature of their favorite meal or the ocean before a lap swim, contact-free.

Together with other Samsung devices, Galaxy Watch6 series expands user experiences even further. The upgraded Camera Controller enables remote control of a paired Galaxy Z Flip5 camera²⁷ to switch modes and zoom. Samsung Smart TV²⁸ or Galaxy Tab S9 shows the user’s progress in real time with a guided fitness or mindfulness program on the large screen. Users can also automatically toggle the connection of Galaxy Buds2 Pro between Samsung devices via Auto Switch. Should users happen to misplace their phone, Galaxy Watch6 series can now pinpoint its location through Find My Phone with map support.²⁹

And as always, personal data on the watch remains secure thanks to the Samsung Knox security platform.

Availability³⁰

Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic are available for pre-order in select markets from July 26, with general availability starting August 11.

Galaxy Watch6 is an ultimate daily driver with a modern and minimalist design. It comes in 44mm in Graphite and Silver and in 40mm in Graphite and Gold. For a more premium, timeless timepiece design, look no further than Galaxy Watch6 Classic featuring our fan-favorite rotating bezel — available in Black and Silver in 43mm and 47mm.

If you’re an adventure seeker looking for durability, performance and style, Galaxy Watch5 Pro remains a great option and now comes with even more enhanced GPS exchange format (GPX) features.³¹ Conquer a new route with the GPX File Database, which enables users to simply search and access recommended routes, while Route Workout now supports running and walking alongside the previously available hiking and cycling.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic, or design your own watch, please visit: www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/global or www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch.

Galaxy Watch6 & Galaxy Watch6 Classic Product Specifications

¹ Availability may vary depending on market, model and the paired smartphone. 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.
² Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, treatment, monitoring or management of any medical condition or disease. Any health-related information accessed through the device and/or application should not be treated as medical advice. Users should seek any medical advice from a physician. Certain features may vary by market, carrier, or the paired device.
³ Compared to Galaxy Watch5 series.
⁴ Sleep features are intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.
⁵ Displayed on a paired smartphone.
⁶ Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off.
⁷ Available on smart devices that are registered to SmartThings. Requires the latest version of Samsung Clock and SmartThings mobile apps.
⁸ Supported on a Galaxy smartphone running One UI 5 or above.
⁹ Body composition should not be used if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices, or if you are pregnant. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old. Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only.
¹⁰ Supported in English and Korean.
¹¹ To update the ranges of each HR zone for running based on cardiopulmonary capabilities, it is required to run outdoors more than 10 min with constant speed of 4km/h or faster.
¹² The Blood Pressure feature is only available in select markets. To ensure accuracy, users should calibrate their device every four weeks with a traditional blood pressure cuff. The BP feature cannot diagnose hypertension, other conditions, or check for signs of a heart attack. It is not meant to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional.
¹³ The ECG feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.
¹⁴ The IHRN feature is only available in select markets. It is not intended to provide a notification on every episode of irregular rhythm suggestive of AFib and the absence of a notification is not intended to indicate no disease process is present. It is not intended for users with other known arrhythmias.
¹⁵ The features are supported via the Samsung Health Monitor app. Availability may vary by market or device. Due to market restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a Software as a Medical Device (SaMD), it only works on watches and smartphones purchased in the markets where service is currently available (however, service may be restricted when users travel to non-service markets). This app can only be used for measuring in ages 22 and over.
¹⁶ Due to country restrictions in obtaining approval/registration as a medical device, the feature only works on phones and watches purchased in the countries where service is currently available. Not intended for contraception. If you are currently taking hormonal birth control or undergoing hormonal treatment that inhibits ovulation, this service will not be useful for tracking ovulation. Predictions may vary depending on the proper use of your watch, input data, environmental conditions, etc. Intended for users 18 years old and above. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the predictions made without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.
¹⁷ To notify an emergency contact, a network connection is required. GPS accuracy may be affected by obstructions to the satellite signal, such as buildings.
¹⁸ The screen size comparison is based on Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm) and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Small (43mm). Compared to Galaxy Watch5 Small (40mm) and Galaxy Watch4 Classic Small (42mm) respectively. Based on Galaxy Watch6 Large (44mm) and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Large (47mm), the screen size comparison is 16%.
¹⁹ Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm) and Galaxy Watch6 Classic Small (43mm) show 33 percent more in text of notification and 13 percent increase in keyboard size when compared to Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic respectively.
²⁰ Galaxy Watch6 Small (40mm) offers a 30 percent thinner bezel than Galaxy Watch5 Small (40mm), while Galaxy Watch6 Classic provides a 15 percent thinner rotating bezel than Galaxy Watch4 Classic.
²¹ Available on samsung.com in selected markets. The number of combinations available may vary depending on the market.
²² Sold separately. Availability of watch bands may vary by market or carrier.
²³ Compared to Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic respectively.
²⁴ Testing conducted by Samsung using pre-released version of Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic (BT & LTE), each paired to a Samsung phone; all devices tested with prerelease software, Galaxy Watch Magnetic Fast Charging USB C Cable (EP-OR900) and Samsung 25W USB C Power Adapter (EP-TA800). Charge time varies with region, settings, usage pattern and environmental factors; actual results may vary. Samsung 25W USB C Power Adapter (EP-TA800) sold separately.
²⁵ Availability of certain apps/features may vary by market, carrier or connected device. Subscription fees may apply for some apps.
²⁶ The availability of Samsung Wallet and its features may vary by market and paired smartphone.
²⁷ Supported on Galaxy S9 and later models.
²⁸ This feature requires pairing a Galaxy Watch series with a compatible 2021 Smart TV or above. Availability may vary by market, model and connected devices.
²⁹ The feature requires the user’s watch to be paired with their phone and to be signed into the same Samsung Account.
³⁰ Availability may vary by market or carrier. Supported models, colors, sizes and bands may vary depending on market or carrier.
³¹ GPS function requires internet connection. Can be used on LTE models without paired smartphone. Non-LTE models require Bluetooth connection to paired smartphone.
³² Measured without health sensors.
³³ Measured without band.
³⁴ Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
³⁵ Wear OS Powered by Samsung works with phones running the latest version of Android (excluding Go edition and phones without Google Play Store). Supported features may vary between platforms and markets with compatibility subject to change.
³⁶ LTE connectivity only available in LTE models.
³⁷ Galaxy Watch6 series is water resistant to up to 50 meters in depth for 10 minutes under the 5ATM rating. It is not suitable for diving or high-pressure water activities. If the device or your hands are wet, they must be dried thoroughly prior to handling. Galaxy Watch6 series provides ingress protection (IP68) against dust and fresh water to a maximum of 1.5 meters for up to 30 minutes. Refer to user manual for further information, including care/use instructions.
³⁸ Device activation is only available after connecting to a smartphone that supports Google Mobile Services. Compatible devices may vary by market, carrier or device brand.