The latest update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 weighs around 47MB and carries a firmware version R840XXU1BTHA. You can check if the update is available for your smartwatch from the Galaxy Wearable app on your smartphone.
Not just the Galaxy watch 3, Samsung’s Galaxy Watch Active 2 can also be updated using the app on a connected device. The good news for Galaxy Watch Active 2 owners in the USA is that Tizen 5.5 is now available for download.
“Beginning September 23, users will have access to yet another next-generation feature, such as on-demand electrocardiogram (ECG) readings coming to Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active2,” Samsung said in a press statement.
Galaxy Watch 3 significant upgrade
The Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 can now administer electrocardiograms (ECG) to detect signs of atrial fibrillation. However, only Galaxy Watch users with Galaxy smartphones can use the new ECG app upgrade.
ECG readings can save lives by clueing the user into potential heart problems. So, this is a good market for Samsung since the company needed to keep up with the likes of Fitbit and Apple in the smartwatch market this year.
It appears that the new ECG app will operate similarly to Apple’s feature. After opening the Health Monitor app, you’ll be advised to put your arm on a flat surface. And then, it will ask you to place your finger on the top button.
The Galaxy Watch will then identify you as having either a Normal Sinus Rhythm or atrial fibrillation. Once the reading is completed, you can log symptoms like dizziness or fatigue. You’ll also be able to send a PDF report to your healthcare provider.
The latest update for the Galaxy Watch 3 weighs around 47MB and carries a firmware version R840XXU1BTHA. On the other hand, the new Galaxy Watch Active 2 firmware update takes version R820XXU1CTH8 and weighs 290MB.
Can anyone experience this new upgrade?
Many people use Samsung’s wearable products, even though they are iOS users. That is good news since the Korean company’s watches are compatible with iPhones through the Samsung Galaxy Watch app.
The catch here is that, at least for now, the ECG app will only be available on selected Samsung phones. If you have an Android Nougat or higher phone, you are safe. Meaning, you can upgrade your Galaxy Watch and experience the ECG app.
However, if you own one of these watches paired to a non-Samsung Android phone or an iPhone, you’re out of luck. If you’re looking for a smartwatch with an FDA-approved ECG reader that should work with lower Android phones and iPhones, you might want to consider Fitbit Sense.
Images used courtesy of Mike O’Brien/YouTube Screenshot.