Tag: Samsung Galaxy Watch

  • Fitbit Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitor and Dual Sensor

    Fitbit Smartwatch with Blood Pressure Monitor and Dual Sensor

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fitbit is now owned by Google (Alphabet) but continues to develop new sensor technology for its wearables.
    2. The recent patent outlines a combination of optical measurement and traditional pressure measurement for enhanced blood pressure readings.
    3. The new wearable may apply pressure to the skin to improve measurement accuracy.
    4. Competing smartwatches, like the Samsung Galaxy Watch and Huawei Watch D, already use different methods for blood pressure monitoring.
    5. Fitbit is focusing on enhancing its products with new features and technologies despite the competitive market.


    Fitbit is now a part of Google, or more precisely, Alphabet. Despite this change in ownership, the company is still developing a fresh sensor for its wearable devices, as shown in a recent patent filing. However, just because a new technology has been officially patented doesn’t guarantee that it will end up in a smartwatch or any product that you can buy. It’s also expected that Fitbit is looking into new features to enhance its main products.

    New Sensor Technology

    The patent in question doesn’t just cover a single sensor; it outlines a mix of different measurement techniques. This combination is intended to enhance the accuracy and dependability of the readings. Fitbit intends to merge two existing methods for measuring blood pressure in wearables and smartwatches: optical measurement and traditional pressure measurement that listens to the heartbeat sounds. The patent even details how the wearable might exert pressure on the skin itself.

    Current Market Comparisons

    Both techniques for measuring blood pressure are already present in the smartwatch industry. For instance, certain Samsung Galaxy Watches (starting at $229 on Amazon) can optically gauge blood pressure, but this requires it to be calibrated with a specific blood pressure monitor. In contrast, the Huawei Watch D uses an inflatable cuff that is quite similar to a typical wrist blood pressure monitor. This device listens for the Korotkoff sounds in relation to the external pressure applied to blood vessels, which allows it to determine the familiar systolic and diastolic values.

    In conclusion, Fitbit is actively pursuing advancements in its wearable technology, as evidenced by its latest patent, while the competition continues to offer various methods for blood pressure monitoring.

    Source:
    Link

  • Samsung Galaxy Watch Shows Time of All Planets in Solar System

    Samsung Galaxy Watch Shows Time of All Planets in Solar System

    Samsung has collaborated with the European Space Agency (ESA) to introduce a unique feature for Galaxy Watch users, enabling them to view time not only for Earth but for all planets within our solar system. This partnership has led to the development of a new set of watch faces, each dedicated to a specific planet to showcase real-time data for that particular celestial body.

    Galaxy Time watch face launched

    The latest addition, named Galaxy Time, is now accessible on WearOS-powered Galaxy smartwatches, making it compatible with various Samsung smartwatch models, starting from the Galaxy Watch Series 4 and onwards.

    Owners of compatible smartwatch models can easily install the watch face directly from the Google PlayStore. Samsung Germany announced the release of Galaxy Time on March 31, although its availability might vary based on users' geographical locations.

    Exploring planetary timekeeping

    There are a total of eight distinct Galaxy Time watch faces, corresponding to the eight planets in our solar system. Each planet's clock system is unique, as time behaves differently due to various factors such as speed of rotation and orbit around the Sun. To ensure accuracy, Samsung has joined forces with the European Space Agency to guarantee precision in the time data presented by Galaxy Time.

    Apart from displaying time, this innovative watch face offers additional valuable information, including the planets' distance from the Sun and Earth, the number of moons they have, their current position, and the ongoing season on each respective planet. The original concept for Galaxy Time is credited to Leo Burnett (Germany), a collaborator on past projects like the Samsung Galaxy S8 campaign.

    The European Space Agency (ESA) provides essential data related to planetary rotation and revolution, while the design for the Galaxy Time watch faces was finalized by Metadesign, a brand agency based in Berlin.

  • FDA Approves Samsung Galaxy Watch for Sleep Apnea Detection

    FDA Approves Samsung Galaxy Watch for Sleep Apnea Detection

    Samsung has received FDA approval to introduce a sleep apnea detection feature for Galaxy Watch users in the United States. This makes Samsung the first smartwatch maker to gain such approval by the FDA. The company, however, already got approval for this feature in South Korea back in October 2023.

    Monitoring Sleep Apnea with Galaxy Watch

    Sleep apnea is a chronic condition that prevents a person from breathing while asleep. This can lead to reduced sleep quality and an increased risk of serious health issues like heart disease. It’s incredibly common but often undiagnosed.

    While Samsung remained tight-lipped on the exact method it will use for detection, the Galaxy Watch is equipped with the necessary sensors to monitor factors associated with sleep apnea. For instance, the watch can accurately detect changes in blood oxygen levels and heart rate, which should be pretty useful for the feature to work.

    Collecting Data for Analysis

    Users will need to wear the watch while sleeping for at least two nights within a ten-day timeframe to collect sufficient data for analysis. You can then view the results on the Samsung Health Monitor app. Also, it’s important to note that the feature is only for adults over 22 who haven’t already been diagnosed with sleep apnea.

    Sleep apnea detection is a valuable addition to the Galaxy Watch’s suite of health monitoring features. While not a substitute for formal diagnosis, it could be life-saving by detecting sleep apnea proactively.

    Apple’s Efforts and Availability

    Apple is also said to be working on a sleep apnea detection feature for its smartwatch. However, the company might face obstacles due to ongoing legal restrictions regarding its SpO2 sensor.

    Nonetheless, the feature will be rolled out to Galaxy Watch users in the United States later this year. However, it is likely to be available only on newer models like the Galaxy Watch 5 and 6 series.