With over 25 years of experience in the medical field and now as Head of Digital Health team at Samsung Electronics, I spend a lot of time contemplating how technology can truly drive progress in healthcare, rather than being just another innovation for innovation’s sake. That’s why I’m very excited about AI as it offers new ways to address many of society’s health problems by simplifying complexity and at scale.

In our ongoing work to reimagine healthcare, Samsung is leveraging advanced AI algorithms and extensive technical expertise to develop solutions like Energy Score. This feature quantifies physical and mental energy levels through multiple health indicators including sleep, heart health and physical activity. Our vision is to include more comprehensive metrics like nutrition, mental health and additional mobile usage patterns to provide a holistic view of users’ health status, powered by AI.

Our goal is to support proactive health management, lowering healthcare burdens on individuals, families and communities at large. I strongly believe that AI will revolutionise the digital health industry and simplify the wellness journey for everyone. As a global tech leader, Samsung is uniquely equipped to make this a reality with our mix of technology innovations and a growing ecosystem of partners.

To understand how Samsung’s AI ecosystem is poised to transform the future of wellness, Samsung Newsroom observed the second Tech Forum session, titled “The Role of Technology for a Healthier Life.”

▲ (From left to right) Dr. Vanessa Hill, Dr. Hon Pak, Dr. Patrick O’Connor, Emily English and Dr. Kyu Rhee

Healthy Living Starts With a Holistic Approach

 Moderator Dr. Vanessa Hill, an award-winning science communicator and sleep scientist, started the discussion by providing insights into the practical utility of today’s health technology.

While advancements such as wearable devices, health apps and telehealth platforms have made health management more accessible, the sheer volume of information can lead to confusion — making it easy to overlook critical insights amid an overwhelming sea of data.

▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor from the University of Georgia

“The issue is not the amount of data but the fragmentation,” said Dr. Patrick O’Connor, a professor in the Department of Kinesiology at Mary Frances Early College of Education, University of Georgia. “The key is to bring the scattered data together to create a comprehensive understanding, as health requires a holistic approach due to the interconnectedness of so many factors.”

“As a sleep scientist I know the importance of gathering health data around the clock. Identifying abnormalities in metrics like heart rate, temperature or even snoring during sleep is key to not only unlocking better sleep, but better overall health,” said Dr. Hill, who emphasized that sleep is the foundation of holistic health.

Personalized Care Through Various Health Metrics and Continuous Tracking

The discussion also explored the importance of adding new health metrics to track, and monitoring those metrics in a continuous manner.

▲ Dr. Kyu Rhee from the NACHC

“Continuous health monitoring of physical activity, sleep, nutrition and stress should become new, additional vital signs for users and health professionals,” said Dr. Kyu Rhee, President and CEO of the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC). “Combining this essential health data with clinical data powered by AI insights has the potential to transform the health system by improving health outcomes, reducing healthcare costs, and empowering patients, their caregivers and healthcare teams.”

▲ Dr. Hon Pak from Samsung Electronics

One health metric receiving a substantial amount of attention from both Samsung and the digital health industry in general is blood glucose.

“Blood glucose is an area Samsung has been deeply invested in, and we’ve made significant progress in developing CGM-integrated nutrition coaching as well as enhancing non-invasive technologies for tracking blood glucose levels,” said Dr. Hon Pak, Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Health Team, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics, sharing the company’s roadmap for blood glucose management and end-to-end (E2E) healthcare experiences. “These advancements are all part of our work to deliver more proactive solutions to everyone, helping lower healthcare burdens on people, their families and society at large.”

▲ Emily English, a BSc nutritionist

“There isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to health and nutrition, it’s a journey that requires a holistic understanding of yourself,” said Emily English, a BSc nutritionist. “Wellness technology is helping provide a full 360-view of your life. New solutions that offer easy access to health metrics like blood glucose will offer a more holistic understanding of our bodies and revolutionize the way we manage our everyday health.”

Ushering in the Era of Personalized Health Insights

The discussion touched on how AI can translate tracked health data into actionable and meaningful insights.

▲ The Tech Forum discussion on Health AI

In an effort to consolidate disparate data onto a single platform, Samsung has collaborated with Dr. O’Connor’s research team to develop Energy Score — a feature that enhances the digital healthcare experience. “New AI-enabled features like Energy Score have become a jumping off point for broader health innovations,” explained Dr. Pak. Calculated based on health indicators such as activity levels, sleep, heart rate during sleep and heart rate variability during sleep, Energy Score exemplifies how wearable devices and AI can support a holistic and personalized approach to health and wellness management.

▲ Dr. Patrick O’Connor describes Energy Score.

“Monitoring overall readiness might benefit from minimally invasive brain sensing technology,” said Dr. O’Connor. “Today, we are able to leverage non-invasive technology, the available science and AI to generate an Energy Score, helping translate complex data into an intuitive and understandable index.”

Dr. Pak also teased Samsung’s upcoming plans to expand the AI capabilities of Energy Score to include nutrition, mental health and even mobile usage patterns — offering users deeper and more comprehensive insights into their overall well-being.

The Health AI session underscored the importance of a holistic approach to health management, highlighting the potential of personalized health experiences powered by continuous health monitoring. As AI becomes an indispensable partner in modern wellness, Samsung’s innovative technology is set to drive a new era of tailored and comprehensive health solutions.

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 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 features[2] of Galaxy Watch, the Galaxy Watch FE features a stylish design with durability. 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, MX Business at Samsung Electronics. “We’re excited to add the new Galaxy Watch FE to our wearables portfolio, offering more people access to personalised 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 bands[3] 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 customise their watch, while the one-click band also makes it easy to switch the band to mix and match to meet their style. Galaxy 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 personalised 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 coaching[5] 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 Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN)[7] feature to proactively monitor heart rhythms suggestive of atrial fibrillation (Afib). In addition, users can get deeper understanding of their heart health by monitoring Blood Pressure[8] 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 analyse overall performance to maximise 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 Zone[10] helps users to set their own goals based on their physical capabilities.

Galaxy Watch FE helps users achieve their health goals and stay motivated. Body Composition[11] 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 Ecosystem[12]

As with every Galaxy Watch series, the FE offers seamless connected experiences between 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 Controller[14] to mode switch, 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 driver’s license or student ID on their smartwatch for a truly all-in-one digital wallet.

Availability[16] 

Galaxy Watch FE will be available globally beginning from 19 June 2024 and it will be available in Malaysia market 19 July 2024 onwards. The Galaxy Watch will be available for purchase online at RM799. During the promotional period from 19 July 2024 to 31 August 2024[17], you can score an additional RM150 off when you purchase the Galaxy Watch online on Samsung website with every purchase of selected Samsung devices.

To learn more about Galaxy Watch FE, please visit: https://www.samsung.com/my/watches/galaxy-watch/galaxy-watch-fe-40mm-pink-gold-bluetooth-sm-r861nidaxme/

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] Galaxy Watch FE RM150 off promotion is limited to first 300 purchasers. On a first-come, first-served basis and while stocks last. Terms and conditions apply.

[18] Color availability may vary by market.