One UI Watch 5 borrows from phones, lets you create app folders
Samsung's One UI Watch 5 update brings new features to older Wear OS Galaxy smartwatches, including the ability to organize apps in folders for improved accessibility and organization.
Topics
Posted 9/6/2023, 12:26:00 PM
sammobile.com
Relevant topic timeline:
The main topic of the article is the availability of emergency features on different smartwatch brands.
The key points are:
1. Apple Watch offers fall detection, emergency SOS calls, and satellite messaging for emergencies.
2. Google Pixel Watch offers emergency SOS calls and fall detection, but only the LTE version allows direct contact with emergency services.
3. Garmin watches offer emergency contacts, emergency assistance calls, and satellite messaging through InReach devices.
Samsung is rolling out the One UI 5.1.1 update globally for older Galaxy devices, including foldable phones, tablets, and smartwatches. The update brings new features such as multitasking capabilities, sleep management features for watches, and smartphone camera control for older Galaxy Watches.
The main topic is the review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.
The key points are:
1. The Galaxy Watch 6 offers minor upgrades in performance, display, and design compared to its predecessors.
2. The Galaxy Watch 6 Classic features a rotating bezel and a more stylish appearance, but sacrifices battery life.
3. The watch has some inaccuracies in GPS tracking and health sensors, but offers useful heart rate monitoring and fitness features.
Google's second Pixel Watch, the Pixel Watch 2, will come pre-installed with Android 13 (Wear OS 4) and will feature Qualcomm's Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip. The new smartwatch is rumored to have a lightweight aluminum body and a slightly larger battery capacity compared to its predecessor.
The latest update to One UI Watch 5 has replaced the movement reminder animations on Galaxy smartwatches with a new minimalist design featuring arrows and a green checkmark, which some may consider to be of lower quality compared to the previous version.
Samsung's One UI 5 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch 4 series brings new features and improvements, including the July 2023 security patch, personalized heart rate zones, and the ability to pair the watch with a new phone without a factory reset.
The Wear OS 4 update for Samsung's Galaxy Watch series introduces the ability to create app folders within the app drawer, allowing for better organization and ease of use. However, it is uncertain if this feature will be included in Google's Wear OS 4 update.
The latest update to the Google Pixel Watch app requires users to sign in to their Google account, likely in preparation for the Pixel Watch's Wear OS 4 update, which will allow users to pair their watch with a new phone without resetting it, and also includes UI improvements such as displaying the user's account avatar and a new "Your watches" button for easier management of multiple watches.
Samsung and Thom Browne have collaborated to release the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Watch6 Thom Browne Edition, combining fashion and technology for a sophisticated and stylish look.
Samsung's One-Click watch bands for the Galaxy Watch are prone to detaching, causing concerns for some users with a raised wrist bone, although the issue only affects a limited number of customers, who can opt for alternative third-party bands or older pin-based straps.
Samsung has started rolling out the One UI 5.1.1 update to the Galaxy Z Fold 2 in the US, bringing in new features such as app switching, Flex Mode enhancements, Quick Share improvements, better sleep tracking in Samsung Health, and more.
Apple's watchOS 10, launching on September 18, introduces a facelift to the platform by emphasizing widgets and simplifying multitasking.
Apple has announced that watchOS 10, which includes new features such as widgets, redesigned system apps, and advanced workout features, will be available starting September 18 for Apple Watch Series 4 and newer models.
The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 offers modest upgrades from its predecessor, focusing on expanded health tracking features such as personalized sleep coaching and heart rate zone training, but those with previous models may not need to upgrade. The watch also boasts a sleeker design, longer battery life, and comparable features to other leading smartwatches.
Huawei's Watch GT 4 is the company’s most accomplished smartwatch yet, featuring a fashion-focused design and an impressive set of features that rival the best Android smartwatches on the market.
The Apple Watch has transitioned from a luxury fashion accessory to a highly popular health and fitness tracker, leading the global smartwatch market with 22% of shipments in Q2 2023.
The Apple Watch Series 9 offers a significant upgrade with a faster processor, brighter screen, enhanced tracking, and the ability to control functions with a tap, but those with older models may not need to upgrade as the watchOS 10 operating system update is coming to most older models, bringing new fitness features such as live cycling activity, Bluetooth support for cycling accessories, compass and map support for hikers, and a mindfulness app update.
Xiaomi is set to release the Watch 2 Pro, its first Wear OS smartwatch in three years, which will directly compete with other established smartwatches such as the Galaxy Watch6, Pixel Watch 2, and TicWatch Pro 5.
Samsung's dominance in the smartwatch market may soon be challenged by upcoming Wear OS-based smartwatches from Google, OnePlus, and Xiaomi, including the Google Pixel Watch 2 with improved hardware and features like a skin temperature sensor.
The Galaxy Watch 6 is the first smartwatch with WearOS 4 and offers a range of features, making it a smooth operator.
Garmin is expected to release the Vivoactive 5, a new smartwatch with an AMOLED display and improved battery life, making it a strong contender against the Apple Watch Series 9.