Galaxy Watch: Get More Done, Hands-Free

With Gemini on your Galaxy Watch, you can get hands-free assistance using natural voice commands to stay productive on the move. When running on the treadmill at the gym, simply ask Gemini to “Remember I’m using locker 43 today” so you can focus on your workout without a second thought. Or when you receive an important email while your hands are tied up carrying groceries, just ask Gemini to “Summarize my last email” for a quick overview. Gemini handles these requests across your apps, letting you quickly glance at the response and get right back to what you’re doing.

▲ With Gemini, Galaxy Watch users can stay productive without breaking stride.

Galaxy Buds: Seamless Device Interaction

When used with Galaxy Buds, the Gemini experience becomes even more seamless. By using voice or pinch and hold controls, you can activate Gemini on your Galaxy Buds and smoothly interact with your Galaxy smartphone. So when you are lacing up your running shoes before a jog, just ask Gemini, “What’s the weather for my run today?” without having to reach for your phone. With Gemini, a more intelligent Galaxy experience is at your fingertips.

Samsung’s air conditioners feature the ‘Good Sleep’ mode, helping people have pleasant sleep throughout the night by adjusting the temperature according to sleep stages. This mode has now been upgraded to allow users to connect their air conditioners with their Galaxy Watch series and Galaxy Ring, and have the ‘Good Sleep’ automatically activated when they fall asleep.[1]

 The Effect of Temperature on Good Sleep

While often overlooked, the influence of a suitable ambient temperature on sleep is immense. The common experience of waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat or shivering in cold, is relatable for most people. This year, as a result of global warming, various regions across the globe experience unusual temperature patterns, with nights growing even warmer relative to days. As a result, numerous individuals struggled to get quality sleep, adversely impacting their daily routines and overall mood.

The difficulty and frustration people go through when having trouble sleeping are also reflected in air conditioner sales. Samsung’s air conditioner sales results in Korea showed that sales increased on hot days, but among those hot days, it especially peaked when tropical nights had persisted for consecutive days. People were highly agitated when their sleep was disturbed by heat, indicating a need for more suitable sleeping temperatures. Based upon the observation, Samsung decided to develop a mode on its air conditioners to help people get better sleep during the night.

The key point in this mode however, was that the optimal temperature for sleep is not fixed for the entire period that a person sleeps. This is why although many set their air conditioner to the ‘optimal’ temperature before going to bed, they still wake up. It varies according to the sleep stage a person is at – whether a person is falling asleep, in deep sleep, or waking from sleep. The team, in 2015, partnered with Kyunghee University to find the optimal temperature for each sleep stage, and develop an adequate algorithm for the air conditioner.

How it Functions

The ‘Good Sleep’ mode fluctuates the indoor temperature over a course of a person’s sleep cycle. Sleep consists of 5 stages – wake, REM (Rapid eye movement), and 3 stages of NREM (Non-rapid eye movement sleep). Each stage of sleep includes variations in brain wave patterns, eye movements, and body temperature. These five stages make up one complete sleep cycle which typically lasts about 90 minutes. Throughout the night, this cycle repeats itself approximately four to six times.

The ‘Good Sleep’ cycle adjusts the indoor temperature according to the stage. First, when a person falls asleep, temperature is quickly lowered within 5 minutes to immediately create a pleasant environment. The temperature is kept low consistently during the next 90 minutes to facilitate deeper sleep. Starting from 90 minutes, the air conditioner increases the temperature to prepare for the deeper stages of sleep – N2 and N3. In these stages, body temperature and blood pressure fall the most, indicating that outer temperature needs to be warmer. Temperature is increased within two degrees above target level to prevent awakening due to cold sensation.

Throughout the eight-hour sleep cycle, alternating periods of lighter REM sleep and deeper NREM sleep occur. The ‘Good Sleep’ mode continually modifies the temperature throughout the night, adjusting it approximately three times. Approaching the end of sleep, temperature is kept high, but gentle wind is blown to create a refreshing atmosphere.

Algorithm for Good Sleep Mode, under condition of Target temperature 24 °

In WindFree air conditioners, the Good Sleep mode works with WindFree cold air, and for normal models, air is blown out to meet the target temperature.

Automation with Galaxy Wearables

By connecting with the Galaxy Watch series or Galaxy Ring[2], users can seamlessly enjoy the benefits of the Good Sleep mode without manual adjustments via remotes. Upon purchasing either device, users can enable automatic activation and deactivation of the air conditioner through settings. Once configured, whenever the wearable detects that the user has begun sleeping, it initiates the Good Sleep mode accordingly. If the air conditioner was previously turned off, it will be switched on with the appropriate target temperature for Good Sleep. Alternatively, if it is already running but set too cold, it will adapt to a more comfortable sleeping temperature.

Samsung first attempted this connection back in 2018, before wearables had developed into a steady market like now. Members of the product planning team and software team pioneered collaboration of wearables and home appliances. However, it was only in 2023 when this service properly took place as a feature. By then, the wearable market itself had grown, and it had matured enough so that users even wore the devices to bed. Kyungju Lee, who took part in the project 6 years ago and now leads product planning for Room Air Conditioners, says, “We could see just by looking at friends and family around us, that the interest people had in the quality of their sleep had increased immensely. We felt that we needed to re-launch the feature we’d attempted in 2018. The right timing had come.”

[1] Available for Room Air Conditioners – AR**B******, AR**C******, AR**D****** with Wi-Fi. Requires mobile phones above Galaxy S22, and wearable devices above Galaxy Watch4 series or Galaxy Ring.

Must download SmartThings/Wearable/Samsung Health apps available on Android and iOS devices. A Wi-Fi connection and a Samsung account are required. Devices must be signed in with the same Samsung account.

[2] Possible through models above Galaxy Watch4 series and Galaxy Ring

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

Samsung Electronics, together with the University of Michigan, today announced that the University of Michigan Human Performance & Sport Science Center (HPSSC) — renowned for its integrated and comprehensive sport, exercise, and human performance-related research and education — has validated the high accuracy of Samsung Galaxy Watch’s fitness tracking features.

HPSSC’s Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR) found a significant correlation between Galaxy Watch and the clinical and sport science reference devices’ measurement of heart rate, sweat loss, VO₂ max and body fat percentage measurements, validating the reliability of Galaxy Watch’s monitoring capabilities. This partnership demonstrates how the collaboration between the two organizations makes advanced and precise fitness solutions to more people.

The MiPR studies verified the accuracy of Galaxy Watch’s fitness tracking features by monitoring key metrics from elite runners, including:

• Heart rate: As the most commonly checked health metric during workouts, heart rate measures how hard the heart works during physical activity. Findings show an excellent 90% correlation with electrocardiogram equipment while running, the gold standard in heart rate measurement.
• Sweat loss: Sweat loss estimates the amount of fluid lost during physical activity and helps guide proper hydration after workouts. The study found a 95% correlation for Galaxy Watch in assessing sweat loss over varying distances ranging from 2.5 km to 20 km.
• VO₂ max: Understanding how much oxygen the body absorbs during a workout helps individuals assess their fitness levels and set optimal goals and limits. The study demonstrated an 82% correlation, indicating acceptable alignment between Galaxy Watch and clinical-grade diagnostic equipment.
• Body fat percentage: Measuring a person’s body fat percentage allows for a better understanding of physical health and fitness than tracking body weight alone. Galaxy Watch readings showed a 95% correlation with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) results, the standard diagnostic test for body composition using low-dose X-rays.

“We’re proud to be recognized by the renowned Michigan Performance Research Laboratory — their skilled researchers and expertise in wearable technology give us confidence in the accuracy of the Galaxy Watch’s fitness tracking capabilities,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We are committed to delivering precise and insightful fitness tracking experiences through strategic partnerships and advanced research.”

“Our partnership with Samsung exemplifies the power of combining industry-leading expertise with pioneering independent research at the academic level,” said Co-PIs Adam Lepley, MiPR director and associate director of HPSSC research. “Together, we can advance scientific discovery and provide information back to consumers that will enhance the use of Samsung’s technology. This synergy underscores the power of uniting academic excellence with industrial innovation, and we are grateful for this collaboration.”

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Samsung to ensure that innovations in wearable technology are accessible and accurate across all segments of the population,” said Kenneth Kozloff, HPSSC co-director. “HPSSC and MiPR are eager to unveil these outstanding outcomes that solidify our commitment to enhancing heart rate and health monitoring and are look forward to future collaborations.”

The following tips can enhance your fitness journey with the Galaxy Watch series, from setting personal goals to post-workout recovery:

• Body composition¹: Get a comprehensive snapshot of your body, including body fat percentage, body water content and skeletal muscle mass. Set personalized goals based on your current body status and track your progress.
• Personalized heart rate zone: Creating a personalized heart rate zone tailored to your activities allows you to align your health and wellness objectives, and train at optimal intensity levels according to your physical capabilities.
• VO₂ max²: Gain deeper insight into your fitness levels by analyzing how much oxygen your body uses during physical activity. VO₂ max is widely regarded as the best indicator of cardiovascular endurance.
• Sweat loss: After a run, measure your sweat loss and re-hydrate appropriately after each workout based on data​ for improved recovery.

About HPSSC and MiPR.

The Human Performance & Sport Science Center supports and grows integrated and comprehensive sport, exercise, and human performance-related research and education across the University of Michigan. Through innovative and cross-disciplinary projects, HPSSC seeks to translate sport and exercise research discoveries into communities of all types, ages, and abilities. HPSSC’s Michigan Performance Research Laboratory (MiPR) helps elite athletes and everyday exercisers achieve their personal best. The MiPR team investigates the biomechanics and physiology of human movement to optimize function, enhance injury resiliency, and ensure lifelong health. Learn more at hpssc.umich.edu and hpssc.umich.edu/performance-lab.

¹ Body Composition is only supported in Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series and later released Galaxy Watch models. Body Composition should not be used if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices, or if you are pregnant. Any health-related information accessed through the device and application should not be treated as medical advice. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old. The measurements are for your personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice.
² Accurate VO2 max reading requires running outdoors for at least 20 minutes with GPS on; consult user manual before use.

Samsung Electronics today announced the release of Galaxy Watch FE,¹ a new addition to the Samsung smartwatch lineup designed to extend Samsung’s advanced and holistic wellness experience to even more users. Incorporating the groundbreaking hardware performance and advanced health and fitness monitoring features² of Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch FE features a stylish design and durable design. This new smartwatch is ideal for those looking to begin their journey to improve their overall wellness with comprehensive insights.

“At Samsung, we strive to bring health and fitness monitoring capabilities to as many people around the world as possible, helping them to make the changes needed to improve their wellness daily and help them reach their goals,” said Junho Park, VP and Head of the Galaxy Ecosystem Product Planning Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to add the new Galaxy Watch FE to our wearables portfolio, offering more people access to personalized health insights that empower them to be motivated and stay healthier day and night.”

Style and Durability That Powers Everyday Wellness

The Galaxy Watch FE, available in a size of 40mm, offers a refreshed look and feel based on the iconic design of the Galaxy Watch series. It comes in three colors — Black, Pink Gold and Silver — with new watch bands³ featuring distinct blue and orange stitching, enhancing the design and providing a stylish device that complements any look. In addition, Galaxy Watch FE offers a variety of new watch faces that allow users to customize their watch, while the one-click band also makes it easy to switch the band to mix and match to meet their style. Galaxy Watch FE features a Sapphire Crystal glass offering superior durability, which provides users with protection against scratches during day-to-day use.

Making Every Day Healthier and More Motivated

Equipped with Samsung’s advanced BioActive Sensor, Galaxy Watch FE provides an array of powerful fitness and wellness functions that deliver personalized and actionable tips around the clock. To support better sleep for a good start to each day, Galaxy Watch FE offers a variety of advanced sleep features,⁴ from monitoring sleep patterns to sleep coaching⁵ and helping to create a sleep-friendly environment.⁶ Plus, users can monitor their holistic heart health with a pack of heart health monitoring features. Galaxy Watch FE offers HR Alert to detect abnormally high or low heart rates and the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN)⁷ feature to proactively monitor heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (Afib). In addition, users can get a deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring Blood Pressure⁸ and ECG.⁹

Users can track more than 100 different workouts along with their progress right from their wrist. For runners, advanced running analysis helps users not only analyze overall performance to maximize efficiency but can also provide insights and guidance to help prevent injury so they can keep moving toward their goals. For a more optimal running experience, Personalized Heart Rate Zone¹⁰ helps users set their own goals based on their physical capabilities.

Galaxy Watch FE helps users achieve their health goals and stay motivated. Body Composition¹¹ provides comprehensive body and fitness data as indicators to track progress. In addition, users can receive motivational messages throughout their wellness journey to keep improving.

Experiences Powered by the Galaxy Ecosystem¹²

As with every Galaxy Watch series, the FE offers seamless connected experiences between Samsung Galaxy devices. Users can quickly and easily locate their phone when disconnected from their Watch with Find My Phone.¹³ Remotely control your connected Samsung smartphone camera with Camera Controller¹⁴ to switch mode, change angle or zoom right from the wrist. Galaxy Watch FE supports Samsung Wallet,¹⁵ meaning users can pay for purchases as well as access identification cards such as their driver’s license or student ID on their smartwatch for a truly all-in-one digital wallet.

Availability¹⁶

Galaxy Watch FE will be available globally this summer. To learn more about Galaxy Watch FE, please visit: www.samsungmobilepress.com, news.samsung.com/global or www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch.

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 Sold separately. Availability of watch bands may vary by market or carrier.
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 Requires sleep data of at least 7 days, including 2 days off
⁶ Available on smart devices that are registered to SmartThings. Requires the latest version of Samsung Clock and SmartThings mobile apps.
⁷ The IHRN feature is only available in select markets. Available on Wear OS devices version 4.0 or later. 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. 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.
⁸ 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 Blood Pressure 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.
⁹ 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.
¹⁰ 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.
¹¹ 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.
¹² Availability of certain apps/features may vary by market, carrier or connected device.
¹³ The feature requires the user’s watch to be paired with their phone and to be signed into the same Samsung Account. Availability may vary by market and connected device.
¹⁴ Camera Controller is supported on Galaxy Watch4 and later released Galaxy Watch models when paired with Galaxy S9 series and later. Camera Controller zoom feature is available on Samsung Galaxy Watch4 series and later released Galaxy Watch models that are paired with a Galaxy S series, Galaxy Note series and Galaxy Z series smartphone running One UI 5.1 or above with Camera Controller support.
¹⁵ The availability of Samsung Wallet and its features may vary by market and paired smartphone.
¹⁶ Availability may vary by market or carrier. Supported models, colors, sizes and bands may vary depending on market or carrier.
¹⁷ Color availability may vary by market.
¹⁸ Measured without health sensors
¹⁹ Measured without band
²⁰ Actual battery life may vary depending on network environment, usage patterns and other factors.
²¹ 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.
²² LTE connectivity only available in LTE models.
²³ Galaxy Watch FE 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 Watch FE 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.
²⁴ 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.

Samsung opened the wearable device era by commercializing the world’s first watch phone in 1999. Since then, the company has continued to lead the market by introducing products such as smartwatches, fitness trackers and wireless earphones.

From the world’s first watch phone to Galaxy Ring, learn about the history of Samsung’s innovative wearable devices in the infographic below.

Samsung Electronics held its annual Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) today in San Francisco, bringing together developers, creators and designers to explore seamless, connected experiences powered by Samsung.

During the event, Samsung shared more about its commitment to creating simplified, game-changing customer experiences, including the company’s updated vision for SmartThings as it evolves from a connectivity platform to an enabler of smarter lifestyles. From deeper integration with Bixby to seamless connectivity with Matter-compatible devices, SmartThings is creating a richer, more open world that empowers all users to streamline their connections and their daily lives.

“At Samsung, we continuously innovate our devices, platforms and services to be simpler and more convenient. I am proud to share the next generation of our work, like SmartThings, to further our collaboration with partners and developers,” said Jong-Hee (JH) Han, Vice Chairman, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division at Samsung Electronics. “As technologies become more complex, we will always search for ways to make life easier, more connected, and more flexible, so our consumers can focus on what matters most.”

Connecting Platforms and Devices With Calm Technology

Samsung’s vision of seamless connectivity is inspired by the philosophy of Calm Technology — where devices instantly work together, so consumers can save time on setup and get right into the experience. To realize this vision, Samsung reimagined SmartThings and its connected services and partnerships, including Samsung’s Hub Everywhere, extending its capabilities to the entire smart home with audio and visual data as well as SmartThings Energy, SmartThings Pet and SmartThings Cooking. Samsung also partnered with Philips Hue to integrate Philips Hue Sync right into Galaxy devices so smart home lighting can match with music.

The seamless experience will extend beyond Samsung’s ecosystem through SmartThings’ integration with Matter and Samsung’s membership in the Home Connectivity Alliance. Google and Samsung have worked together to enable users to find and link their devices across platforms by building multi-admin feature on Matter devices. The collaboration will bring more devices and users into the connected home in the future.

Bixby has been integrated more deeply with SmartThings, a tool for developers to build more intelligent voice user interface experiences. As Samsung’s representative voice assistant platform, Bixby has evolved to become the on-device AI solution able to control individual Galaxy devices, as well as the cross-device experience throughout the Samsung ecosystem. With the new Bixby Home Studio, developers can now build differentiated, customized experiences for the SmartThings platform. In addition, Bixby will be even more widely available to users with support for Latin American Spanish, starting in November.

As the smart home is becoming more advanced, Samsung is introducing a new security paradigm, enabling Samsung devices to protect each other. Samsung Knox Matrix¹ is a private blockchain based platform that turns eligible Samsung devices into a shield to protect users’ entire device ecosystem — from Galaxy devices to TVs and home appliances. Plus, users can customize personal privacy settings with the new Security and privacy dashboard, which scans for vulnerabilities, recommends security updates and gives users data management options to keep privacy and security top of mind.

Personalized Services for Better Experiences

In the past year, Samsung TV Plus — Samsung’s free, ad-supported streaming TV and video (FAST) platform available on Samsung Smart TVs² and mobile devices — reached 100% growth in viewership,³ and projects three billion hours streamed by the end of the year. To build on this momentum, Samsung TV Plus has expanded its offering by adding partnerships with Lionsgate and Vice Media, providing 8K video on demand. Samsung TV Plus has also gone through a redesign, to reflect its extraordinary variety of content with more than 1,600 channels across 24 countries. Samsung TV Plus is the premium choice for a seamless ad experience, where stream stitching makes ad playback simpler than ever.

After 10 years of service, Samsung’s Tizen operating system (OS) continues to offer best-in-class user experiences. The Samsung Gaming Hub brings better, faster and more convenient access to gaming on Samsung Smart TVs, provided by industry-leading partners, such as Xbox, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Utomik and Amazon Luna. Samsung Gaming Hub bridges expertise in hardware and software to integrate features like AI Upscaling and multitask functions to make gaming on Samsung Smart TVs an immersive, optimized experience.

Tizen OS is also expanding to offer NFTs support with partners like Art Token, laCollection and Nifty Gateway. For B2B customers and developers, Samsung is providing B2B APIs specific to industries and use cases like Syncplay, which allows content to be synchronized and played in multiple signages. Tizen is also introducing SALT, a new content conversion solution to display the highest-quality HDR10+ content on supported TVs.

Your Galaxy, Your Way With One UI 5

By introducing the new One UI 5, Samsung has empowered users to easily customize their device’s look and feel, while enhancing productivity and providing amazing experiences across devices and platforms. One UI 5 brings more personalized experiences with custom-built Modes and Routines, and a Dynamic Lock screen that displays multiple visuals on your phone, your Galaxy Watch and other One UI 5 devices. With the new Bixby Text Call feature, Bixby Voice will answer calls on your behalf and share typed messages with the caller, speaking aloud as if you had answered. One UI 5 also introduces new daily health solutions to help track health and wellness in one place. This includes the Samsung Privileged Health SDK, which enables developers to build apps that leverage the BioActive Sensor on the Galaxy Watch.⁴

Future-Forward Investment and Research

Samsung Research is looking beyond today’s horizon to innovate for a better tomorrow, full of relentless innovation and open collaboration. Samsung Research is making its robot arm manipulation code available on GitHub, enabling academics, researchers and developers to examine new ideas in robotic manipulation.

The team at Samsung Research was also inspired by the new wellness features Samsung has introduced, particularly on the Galaxy Watch5. To find new use-cases leveraging these features, Samsung Research is working with universities and healthcare institutions that will explore areas like heart health, stress, blood pressure, lung health and neuroscience. As a result, Samsung is offering a full stack SDK — the Samsung Health Stack — which will jumpstart research into important health fields and spark new development.

Samsung invites developers, creators, partners and more to join in on its commitment to open collaboration and seamless experiences. For more information about the Samsung Developer Conference (SDC) 2022, please visit developer.samsung.com.

¹ Starting as early as late 2023, Samsung Knox Matrix will be initially available on selected Samsung devices. Support for other manufacturers’ products will follow later.

² Samsung TV Plus is available for selected Samsung Smart TVs only.

³  Viewership from September 2021 to August 2022 compared to viewership from September 2020 to August 2021

⁴ Available on Galaxy Watch4 series and Galaxy Watch5 series.

Sleep is a reset for the mind and body. A good night’s sleep strengthens both physical and cognitive health and helps people better perform tasks that require long periods of concentration. Being well rested can, for example, help people work more productively, drive more safely and think more clearly.

Given the impact that the pandemic had on our daily habits, it is worth exploring how our sleep may have changed as a result.

Let’s take a closer look at how sleep duration and efficiency changed across the globe since the start of the pandemic through the sleep patterns of global Samsung Health users.

Sleep Duration Versus Efficiency: Why It Matters

When it comes to sleep, longer duration does not necessarily mean better quality. For the purpose of this analysis, duration refers to the amount of time in bed trying to sleep, while sleep efficiency measures the percentage of time in bed that we actually spend sleeping.

While changes in lifestyle habits during the pandemic saw individuals globally sleeping longer, there seems to be no correlation between sleep duration and sleep efficiency.

In fact, despite people in all countries enjoying longer sleep times on average than before the pandemic, we actually experienced an overall decrease in sleep efficiency.

What’s more, the results varied by sex. While both males and females are resting more than they were prior to the pandemic, males are not only seeing a longer increase in sleep duration, they are also seeing a larger decrease in sleep efficiency compared to females.

Age is another factor providing interesting insights. While all age groups slept longer, sleep efficiency in fact decreased as age increased. The exception here is people between the ages of 20 and 39, who actually experienced a jump in sleep efficiency. Furthermore, this age group was the only one showing a significant increase in both duration and efficiency.

How the Pandemic Changed Regional Sleep Habits

We also undertook a deep dive into the 16 countries where individuals use Samsung Health the most to see how sleep habit trends varied by region. While all 16 countries saw an increase in sleep duration — with people, on average, waking up later than they used to — the effect on sleep efficiency was mixed.

Region-specific changes in global sleeping habits can be seen as follows:

• While sleep duration remained the longest — both pre- and post-pandemic — in France, the country’s sleep efficiency decreased.
• Users in Korea recorded one of the biggest increases in sleep duration and efficiency during the pandemic but still remained under the global average.
• The U.S. saw the biggest dip in sleep efficiency out of all the regions measured.
• While Germany saw the highest global sleep efficiency scores before the pandemic, it has since witnessed one of the most significant decreases in sleep efficiency.
• Argentina recorded the highest sleep efficiency following the start of the pandemic.
• While Indonesia was the region with the lowest sleep efficiency before the pandemic, this distinction now belongs to Vietnam. Furthermore, out of the 16 countries studied, Indonesia saw the highest increase in sleep efficiency from pre- to post-pandemic levels.
• Indonesia also saw a wake-up time delay of 11 minutes on average following the start of the pandemic. It was and remains the region recording the earliest wake-up times.
• Mexico is the region that has seen the biggest change in wake-up and sleep times. Going-to-bed time changed by 11 minutes on average, and wake-up time was delayed by 17 minutes.

How You Can Improve the Quality of Your Sleep

It is often said that healthy sleep for the average adult is 8 hours a night.¹ However, as the results show, sleep quality may also be an important factor to consider. Sleep tracking is one way we can better understand our sleep patterns to ensure that we are getting a better night’s sleep.

Many Galaxy customers take advantage of this, with 50% of Galaxy Watch users keeping track of their sleep at least once a week. Of those, 40% do so more than three times a week.² In order to manage your sleep better, take a look at these tips for using the Galaxy Watch series³ and consider adopting some to ensure each night of sleep is as restful as possible.

• Keep track of your sleep patterns: Sleep Score provides you with detailed data on when you enter deep sleep, REM sleep, and how your sleep and wake-up times vary.
• Understand your sleep quality better: With Blood Oxygen monitoring and Snore Detection, you can learn more about your sleep patterns as well as your overall health.
• Try a sleep training program: With Sleep Coaching, receive a tailored sleep guide program based on your actual habits, represented by one of eight dedicated sleep symbol animals, in order to help you understand and improve your sleep.
• Set up an ideal sleep environment: Given that where you sleep is just as important as how, consider adding an auto-setting on the temperature and light controls in your home to ensure the environment is ideal for rest.

¹ The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours of sleep per night for the typical adult.

² Based on Samsung Health weekly active users with Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5.

³ Availability may vary depending on market, model and the paired smartphone.

– John Lopos, CEO, National Sleep Foundation

In today’s busy world, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle of our lives. We understand the benefits of prioritizing sleep, but the to-do list is never-ending and can cause our stress levels to go up.

This has been highlighted in a recent study from one of the world’s leading sleep organizations, the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), finding that during the pandemic, more people in the US have been sleeping longer, but the quality of that sleep has suffered.

In fact, the NSF believes one of the biggest challenges facing the public is the need to keep prioritizing sleep for our health and well-being. Embracing the continuously growing category of sleep technology can help. From smart environmental controls to smart sleep tracking, cutting-edge and evolving technologies are reinventing and improving the sleep experience for the public. Sleep technology is coming to the industry forefront as consumer brands — like Samsung — are prioritizing sleep-related capabilities within their products.

To find out more about the impact sleep technology can have on improving sleep health, we sat down with NSF CEO John Lopos to take a closer look at the intersection of sleep and technology.

Managing Routines and Tracking Progress

According to the NSF’s 2022 Sleep in America^® Poll, there’s a significant opportunity to improve daily activities that are associated with positive sleep and health outcomes. Eating your meals at a consistent time, the amount of physical activity completed in the day, and even the level of light exposure during the day and around bedtime, all impact sleep health and are manageable.

The NSF has specific guidelines and recommendations for positive sleep health, and this, Lopos said, is where “technology can be a thread that runs through our sleep experience. It helps us as a reminder, a facilitator, a communicator and a tracker, and can play a role in helping meet the NSF’s recommendations for better sleep — both while awake and asleep.”

Keep up with your daily workout routine with Galaxy Watch4 for a good night’s sleep

Controlling Your Sleep Environment

The right kind of light exposure during the day and night can make the difference between a good night’s sleep and a restless night. With nearly 60 percent of Americans saying they look at screens very often or somewhat often in the hour before bed or while in bed before sleep, it’s no wonder sleep quality is on the decline as light from phone, laptop and TV screens can significantly impact sleep.

And while technology can be the culprit when used inappropriately, like viewing screens too close to bedtime, it can also be part of the solution. “As people prepare for sleep, technology can help establish a sleep-friendly environment, help with a wind-down process that makes people feel more calm and relaxed, and then — and this is important — take its place in the background without disrupting a person’s sleep,” noted Lopos. A good example of this is the SmartThings functionality¹ which allows users to program a pre-set time to turn off the bedroom TV and turn down the lights as part of a bedtime routine to help prepare them to sleep and create better sleeping conditions throughout the night.

Easily control your bedroom lightings with SmartThings to create a sleep-friendly environment

Adjusting Sleep Patterns

While sleep technology can play a meaningful role and help with long term health benefits, it can also help users adjust sleep patterns in the near term. Whether “springing forward” or “falling back”, Daylight Saving Time can have a significant impact on sleep. To help prepare, the NSF provides a number of tips including prioritizing natural daylight exposure, adjusting your clocks the night before the time change, and in the week leading up to a clock change, going to bed a little earlier each night to adjust your sleep schedule. The NSF also encourages the practice of relaxation techniques to help get a good night’s sleep every day, including during a time change disruption. The Galaxy Watch4 and the Samsung Health app can help with this by empowering users to manage their mindfulness through its breathing, meditation and stress monitoring capabilities.²

Monitor your stress level with Galaxy Watch4 and follow through the breathing guide to prepare your body for a better sleep

Better Sleep Today and Tomorrow From Samsung

It’s with this understanding of the power of sleep technology that Samsung has introduced features on the Galaxy Watch4 that are empowering users to track and meet wellness goals and help users work toward a better night’s sleep.

For example, the new sleep coaching program on the Galaxy Watch4 helps users achieve better sleep habits and achieve their sleep goals.² The Samsung program assigns one of eight sleep symbol animals representing the user’s sleep type after tracking sleep patterns over seven days and completing two related sleep surveys. Then, it guides users through a four-to-five-week coaching program that includes missions, checklists, guidance and reports to support users as they work towards improving their sleep health.

With wearable devices now a regular part of many people’s lifestyles today, tracking and understanding elements of sleep are more common than ever — and the NSF wants to see even more access to sleep technology, believing that the sleep technology industry is going to ride new waves of collaboration and knowledge sharing. “We’re going to see even more integration across wearable and connected devices, lifestyle and wellness platforms and home goods,” Lopos affirmed. “People’s choices and feedback will confirm there’s lots of room for products and services that use sleep technology.”

The future of sleep technology is promising, and Samsung is committed to developing and enhancing their sleep offerings and capabilities with the sleep expertise of the National Sleep Foundation.

To learn more about the Galaxy Watch4 series or the National Sleep Foundation, please visit:

Galaxy Watch4: www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch4

Galaxy Watch4 Classic: www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch4-classic

National Sleep Foundation: www.thensf.org

This improved standard builds upon Samsung’s previous promise to provide up to three generations of upgrades and ensures millions of Galaxy users have access to the latest features for security, productivity, better usability and more, for as long as they own their device. Available on select Galaxy S series, Z series and A series smartphones, as well as tablets, Samsung is planning to scale this effort across its various product ranges within the Galaxy ecosystem and works closely with partners to deliver Android OS upgrades through Samsung One UI. Samsung also provides up to four years of upgrades to One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung, ensuring that users can enjoy the latest Galaxy Watch experiences.

In addition to offering extended One UI upgrades, Samsung will now provide up to five years of security updates to help protect select Galaxy devices. These updates — when paired with Samsung’s award-winning defense-grade security platform Samsung Knox — give Galaxy devices more secure end-to-end protection against potential security threats. On top of that, Samsung Galaxy Enterprise Edition customers will receive a one-year license for Samsung Knox Suite solutions to easily deploy and manage devices with access to a dashboard that tracks security updates and more.

Eligible Galaxy devices with four generations of One UI and five years of security updates¹ include:

• Galaxy S Series: Galaxy S22, S22+, S22 Ultra as well as Galaxy S21, S21+, S21 Ultra, S21 FE and upcoming S series devices
• Galaxy Z Series: Galaxy Z Fold3, Galaxy Z Flip3 and upcoming Z series devices
• Galaxy A Series: upcoming select A series devices
• Galaxy Tablets: Galaxy Tab S8, S8+, S8 Ultra and upcoming Tab S series devices

Eligible Galaxy devices with up to four years of One UI Watch and Wear OS Powered by Samsung² include:

• Galaxy Watch: Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic and upcoming Galaxy Watch series devices

“We work hard to bring our Galaxy users innovative mobile experiences that are built to last. And many of our customers are choosing to keep their devices for longer, whether they love their specific smartphone model or want to help contribute to a more sustainable world,” said TM Roh, President and Head of MX Business at Samsung. “Today we are taking our commitment to innovation one step further with up to four generations of One UI upgrades to ensure our users enjoy the best possible mobile experience for longer.”

Samsung puts the utmost importance on providing Galaxy users with the latest mobile experiences possible as long as hardware specifications for upgrades are met and the experience can be optimized. Galaxy devices not eligible to receive four generations of One UI upgrades are still supported with up to three generations of One UI upgrades.

For more information about Samsung software updates, please visit: www.samsung.com/us/support/answer/ANS00077582/

For security update information, please visit: security.samsungmobile.com/securityUpdate.smsb

¹ Availability and timing of One UI upgrades and features may vary by device model and timing of Android OS upgrades.

² Availability and timing of One UI Watch upgrades and features may vary by device model and timing of Wear OS upgrades.

Samsung Electronics today announced a new update to the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, continuing its commitment to helping users reach their health and wellness goals and express their personal style. Users can expect new improvements like advanced interval training designed for any cyclist or runner, a new sleep coaching program and new body composition¹ insights. Galaxy Watch4 users will now have even more ways to customize their look with upgraded watch faces, and a new line of stylish straps.

“We understand the growing needs of smartwatch users, and are committed to guiding our Galaxy Watch4 series community on their unique wellness journeys with our latest update,” said Janghyun Yoon, Executive Vice President and Head of Software Platform at Mobile eXperience Business, Samsung Electronics. “We are excited to continue this effort as part of our wider initiative to redefine holistic wellness through expanded experiences and new innovations.”

Motivation To Move                                                                                                                  

The latest body composition update gives users even more insight into their health progress. Samsung Health will also be providing body composition insights powered by Centr,² a digital fitness program curated by Chris Hemsworth, to help users transform their health, fitness and mindset. In addition, Galaxy Watch4 users will receive a 30-day trial³ for full and unrestricted access to Centr. 

Whether you’re just looking to get active or training for an upcoming race, Samsung’s new interval target feature for runners and cyclists lets them pre-set the duration, distance and number of sets for their workout. From there, Galaxy Watch4 guides them through a custom intensity training session with a series of high-intensity workouts interspersed with low-intensity workouts, making for an impactful and targeted workout every time.

We are continuing our collaboration with top-ranked apps⁴ like adidas Running and Strava to help users power through their exercise.

Work Towards a Better Night’s Sleep

Building on Galaxy Watch4’s robust sleep tracking capabilities, the new sleep coaching program helps users develop better sleep habits. By tracking sleep patterns over seven days and completing two related sleep surveys, the program assigns one of eight sleep symbol animals representing the user’s sleep type. Then, it will guide users through a four to five week coaching program that includes missions, checklists, sleep-related articles, meditation guidance and regular reports to support users as they work towards improving their sleep quality.

When it comes to waking up refreshed, a peaceful and quiet environment is key to achieving a healthy rest as well. Galaxy Watch4 recognizes when users fall asleep and automatically turns off Samsung SmartThings enabled lights to help create better sleeping conditions.⁵

Deeper Insights for a Healthier Heart

Combined with the advanced BioActive Sensor technology and Samsung Health Monitor app,⁶ Galaxy Watch4 measures both blood pressure⁷ (BP) and electrocardiogram⁸ (ECG), allowing users to monitor their heart health anytime and from anywhere. Since the first introduction in 2020, Samsung Health Monitor app is currently available in 43 markets globally, expanding to 11 more in March, including Canada, Vietnam and South Africa.

Greater Selection of Matching Straps and Watch Faces

The new Galaxy Watch4 update makes the wearable experience even better, from the inside out. Users can further customize their watch face with additional colors and digital clock fonts that make the watch truly their own. Also, new strap colors⁹ such as burgundy and cream, and the new fabric band and link bracelet will be available for a more personalized look.

Committed to Expanding Compatibility Within the Android Ecosystem

In 2021, Samsung and Google introduced co-developed Wear OS Powered by Samsung, bringing smoother connections across Android devices and seamless access to more apps via Google Play including Google Maps, Google Pay and YouTube Music. Coming soon through an additional update, users will be able to stream music over Wi-Fi or LTE from the YouTube Music app on their Galaxy Watch4. This means that users can leave their phone behind and still enjoy their favorite artists as they work out on-the-go.

Additionally, Google Assistant will be available on Galaxy Watch4 series in the coming months. With access to both Bixby and Google Assistant, consumers will be equipped with advanced voice assistant functionality to meet their various needs.

Users can also now install their favorite smartphone apps¹⁰ on their Galaxy Watch4 during initial setup with one tap, creating a seamless experience across devices right out of the box.

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This software update will be available via the Galaxy Wearable app for Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic starting the day of the Unpacked – February 10^th KST. Users can purchase the new watch straps beginning late February.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic,¹³ please visit:

Galaxy Watch4: www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch4

Galaxy Watch4 Classic: www.samsung.com/galaxy-watch4-classic

¹ Intended for general wellness and fitness purposes only. Not intended for use in detection, diagnosis, or treatment of any medical condition or disease. The measurements are for the user’s personal reference only. Please consult a medical professional for advice. Do not measure your body composition if you have an implanted pacemaker or other implanted medical devices. Do not measure your body composition if you are pregnant. Measurement results may not be accurate if you are under 20 years old. Availability of this feature may vary by market.

² Insights powered by Centr will only be available in English at launch.

³ 30-day free trial offer is available for new Centr customers signed up through Samsung Health on Centr.com only. Subscriptions are charged after the 30-day free trial has ended and will auto-renew at the end of each subscription period. Customers can cancel auto-renew at any time.

⁴ Downloadable via Google Play Store. Availability may vary by market.

⁵ Requires the latest versions of Samsung Clock mobile app (v. 12.1.10.5), Samsung SmartThings mobile app (v. 1.7.59.23) and SmartThings Framework mobile app (v1.4.1). Available on smart devices that are registered to SmartThings.

⁶ Requires Samsung Galaxy Smartphone with Android 7 or later and Samsung Health Monitor app which is available only at the Samsung Galaxy app store. Due to country restrictions in acquiring approval/registration as a medical device, Samsung Health Monitor app only works on watches and smartphones purchased in the countries where service is currently available.

⁷ The Blood Pressure feature is only available in select markets, not available in the US. To ensure accuracy, users should calibrate their device every four weeks with a traditional blood pressure cuff. The BP app 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.

⁸ The ECG feature is only available in select markets. The ECG app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment. The ECG app is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than atrial fibrillation or users under 22 years old. Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified healthcare professional.

⁹ Sold separately. Availability may vary by market.

¹⁰ Limited to watch-compatible apps downloaded via Google Play Store. Requires the latest version of Google Play Store on your connected device.

¹¹ Availability may vary by market or carrier. The update will initially be available on Bluetooth versions, and will roll out to LTE versions later.

¹² App update requires smartphone running Android 8.0 or higher with more than 1.5GB of RAM and the latest version of Samsung Health mobile app (v.6.21)

¹³ All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, components, performance, availability, and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.