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Samsung delivers important features for the Galaxy Watch 3 a few days after the launch


First update for the Galaxy Watch 3 released. (Photo: Samsung)


Bringing earlier than expected Samsung a first update for his brand new wearable, the Galaxy Watch 3. With this, the watch can now measure the blood oxygen percentage and much more.

A new smartwatch with a large portfolio of promised benefits is only semi-attractive. Samsung probably thought that too and therefore preferred some of the features planned for the fourth quarter of 2020. With an over-the-air update of around 80 megabytes, the South Koreans are bringing interesting fitness and health features to the Galaxy Watch 3, which was only introduced on August 5th.

Blood oxygen and VO2 max measurements delight the athlete

The showrunner of the current update is likely to be the activation of the SPO2 sensor, which now allows the oxygen percentage in the blood to be measured. This is done with a form of pulse oximetry that uses a pulse of light to detect how much oxygen is circulating in the blood. Values ​​between 95 and 100 percent are considered normal; if the value falls below 90, the cause should be investigated. Falling values ​​are about normal when an athlete climbs great heights. This is why the value is often referred to as the acclimation value.

Samsungs Galaxy Watch 3 in Mystic Black. (Foto: Samsung)

For cardio athletes, the introduction of the VO2-Max determination, which brings the update for the watch, should be even more interesting. Increasing values ​​can be equated with increasing fitness. The monitoring of the VO2-Max belongs to the absolute standard for running and other endurance athletes. The update brings an improved analysis function especially for runners. After all, in addition to the VO2 max, specific values ​​such as the step frequency and other parameters are important for assessing the specific run.

Sleep tracking now with a clear score

The Watch 3 has been able to track sleep since its market launch. However, the update brings the so-called sleep score with it. With an easily understandable number between 0 and 100, it should show how the past night is to be assessed. This is a parameter that makes it easier for less experienced users of sleep trackers in particular to develop a feeling for the measured sleep quality, which would normally have to be determined from a whole range of parameters, above all the proportions of the various sleep phases in relation to the heart rate .

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 in action. (Photo: Samsung)

What is not there

With this, Samsung has already made good deliveries for its Galaxy Watch 3. However, the update does not yet have the ECG function on board. The approval process is likely to drag on here. Later – similar to the Apple Watch – it will be possible to use a single-channel electrocardiogram to determine signs of atrial fibrillation. The function is now welcomed by more and more cardiologists. It is true that the single-channel EKG is far too narrow for a well-founded assessment. However, it is useful for an initial suspected diagnosis.

To match: Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 is here


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