Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 recently got a massive upgrade that could challenge the Apple Watch 6.
Earlier today, the Seoul-based tech giant announced that the Galaxy Watch 3 is getting the long-awaited ECG support. Samsung previously said that it intended including the feature to its health-centered smartwatch. The tech giant kept its word and made the available feature starting today.
With the latest upgrade, Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 users can take ECG readings using the new ECG Monitor app. This particular app is accessible through the Health Monitor app on Samsung Galaxy phones only. Users can measure the ECG readings using the Galaxy Watch 3 with the Monitor app classifying these readings as either as AFib or sinus rhythm.
@SamMobiles Tizen 5.5 available also in USA https://t.co/lsaZwzir7N (so now, Germany, Korea and USA have Active2 on Tizen 5.5) Also, Watch3 in USA is receiving ECG https://t.co/MDnsR0MZfN (BUT, look at the update disclaimer... only Galaxy smartphones?) — Albert Ribas (@albert_ribas_) September 23, 2020
Additionally, Samsung also allows users to write extra notes apart from the readings provided by the Monitor app. The new Galaxy Watch 3 update is 47 MB in size with the R840XXU1BTHA firmware version. Samsung disabled the ECG feature on the Galaxy Watch 3 at launch, so the latest update massively improves the functionality of the wearable.
Samsung Galaxy Unpacked for the Fans starts in 3, 2, 1... Tune in to watch the unveiling of the all-new Galaxy made for fans: https://t.co/XlFknP20fn#SamsungEvent pic.twitter.com/N5biu6Ic5V — 91mobiles (@91mobiles) September 23, 2020
It is worth mentioning that the ECG feature is only available to Galaxy smartphones running on Android 7.0 connected to the smartwatch. The same feature is also available on Galaxy Watch 2 through a new firmware update version, R820XXU1CTH8. A couple of weeks ago, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 received some Galaxy Watch 3 features.
However, the initial release was limited and not available in all regions. With the new update, Galaxy Watch Active 2 owners in the U.S. could now enjoy the Tizen 5.5. Apart from this, the update adds V02max readings, better notifications, Fall Detection feature, AR Bitmoji/Emoji support, and advanced running analysis.
The latest update allows the Galaxy Watch 3 and Active 2 to join the small but growing list of smartwatches that features EKG function. Apple first introduced the feature in 2018 in Apple Watch Series 4/ Fitbit Sense also got FDA clearance for its very own EKG app.
Meanwhile, Samsung revealed the price and release date of the Galaxy Watch 3 Titanium. The smartwatch costs $599.99 and is scheduled to arrive on October 2. The new titanium model is the same as the stainless steel model that was introduced to the market earlier in 2020, aside from the case material and the matching titanium bracelet.
