In mid-July, Samsung revealed the One UI 8 Watch for its Galaxy Watch series, introducing a range of new health features. During this announcement, the company indicated that a beta program would soon commence for Galaxy Watch 5 and subsequent models in markets including the US and Korea. However, two weeks later, the beta firmware has yet to be launched.
That said, Samsung appears to be close to a release, as new health features from One UI 8 Watch have begun appearing in the Samsung Health app. According to reports from SamMobile, four new health features with the One UI 8 Watch — including Antioxidant Levels, Bedtime Guidance, Running Coach, and Vascular Load — have been detected in the Samsung Health app on devices like the Galaxy S23 Ultra using stable One UI 7. Additionally, these features have also surfaced on other models such as the Galaxy S23+ with the recent software patch.
The presence of a ‘Labs’ label indicates that these features are still in the beta testing phase. Currently, users can avail themselves of a $50 Samsung credit applicable to preorders for the upcoming foldable devices. In the context of health metrics, the Antioxidant index feature employs the Galaxy Watch’s BioActive Sensor to measure carotenoids — antioxidants found in certain foods — present in the user’s skin, yielding a score out of 100.
The Bedtime Guidance feature aims to optimize alertness by recommending an ideal bedtime after analyzing sleep patterns over three days. Looking ahead, Samsung is expected to launch the stable versions of One UI 8 Watch and One UI 8 with the new Galaxy Watch 8 series during its Unpacked event on July 9. The stable Wear OS 6 for earlier Galaxy Watch models is anticipated to be released in late July or August.
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