Latest news with #OneUI8Watch
Android Authority
11 hours ago
- Android Authority
The Galaxy Watch 8 series is here, and this is the model I'd buy
Samsung's latest wearables have officially landed, sporting a unified look and smarter software. As expected, the launch doesn't reinvent the proverbial wheel, but this year, it does reshape it. The Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and a subtly updated Galaxy Watch Ultra all adopt a cushiony squircle case design. They also introduce a refined One UI 8 Watch experience built on Wear OS 6, leaving shoppers to choose between the sleeker base model, the fan-favorite rotating bezel on the Classic, or the rugged ambition of the Ultra. For me, it's a close call between practicality and personality, and the bezel might just win again. Which new Samsung Galaxy Watch would you buy? 0 votes Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 NaN % Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic NaN % Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (refreshed) NaN % None NaN % New to the stable This year, Samsung's wearables have gone all in on the squircle. The cushion-shaped case introduced with the Galaxy Watch Ultra is now standard across the Watch 8 lineup, bringing a more cohesive visual identity. I've already voiced my skepticism around the shape, so I won't harp, but yeah, it was a choice. All three watches also feature an updated dynamic lug system, which Samsung claims should provide more comfort as well as accuracy. The Galaxy Watch 8 is now 11% thinner than last year's model, with a peak display brightness of 3,000 nits, and still comes in 40mm and 44mm sizes in Silver or Graphite. The Watch 8 Classic, meanwhile, is back in a single 46mm case (Black or White) and brings with it the beloved rotating bezel, which is still the most satisfying way to interact with a smartwatch UI. It also borrows the Quick Button from the Ultra, offering faster access to workouts or custom actions. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Finally, the Galaxy Watch Ultra returns with some light touch-ups, namely a new Titanium Blue colorway, and a bump in storage to match the 64GB found on the 8 Classic. It remains the most rugged and feature-dense option in the lineup, with a large display, long battery life, 10ATM water resistance, dual-frequency GPS, and serious outdoor chops. At $649, though, it's a pricey pick if you don't need all the extras. All three models ship with One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6, and the user experience is identical no matter which model you buy. The new Now Bar makes multitasking smoother, while stackable tiles and a refreshed apps folder help cut down on menu digging and endless swiping. All three models ship with One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6. Samsung's health features also see meaningful updates this year. Sleep coaching now includes bedtime recommendations and passive heart rate tracking (after three nights of baseline data). A new Antioxidant Index gives a five-second reading of carotenoid levels, meant to inform dietary choices. Runners get a more intelligent coaching suite with real-time feedback and personalized training plans. Notably, in an era where others are locking features behind subscriptions, the whole platform is still free. The devices all launch with Gemini preloaded out of the box. Which one would I buy? Hadlee Simons / Android Authority The real question is which watch fits your wrist and your priorities. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is undeniably capable, with the largest battery, most durability, and outdoor-focused features like a siren, triathlon mode, and functional threshold power for cyclists. But it's also large, expensive, and this year, light on changes. Unless you need its rugged toolkit, it's hard to justify the price bump over the others. Honestly, I'd be tempted to snag last year's model at a discount. That leaves the Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. The standard Watch 8 is thin, light, and comes in a size that better fits smaller wrists. I do wish it stayed circular, but the overall aesthetic is clean and modern. For a minimalist daily wearable, it's more than capable. I'd choose the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic for the most distinctive experience Samsung offers. Yet, the Classic wins my heart again. The rotating bezel remains unmatched for navigating Wear OS without smudging the display, and the added Quick Button now onboard only solidifies the device's user-friendly build. Yes, it's bigger and more expensive, but it's the one I'd wear every day. It's also the one that best separates itself from other Wear OS options, like the Google Pixel lineup. If you value simplicity and a smaller size, the base model is the smarter buy. If you want the most complete, distinctive experience Samsung offers this year, go with the Classic.
Android Authority
11 hours ago
- Android Authority
Samsung launches an all-squircle Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic with Wear OS 6!
TL;DR Samsung has officially launched the Galaxy Watch 8 series, including a base and Classic model. The smartwatches adopt the squircle shape of the Ultra lineup and feature a redesigned One UI 8 Watch software experience. Priced starting at $349 and $499, respectively, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic are available now for preorder. Samsung has officially announced its latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 8 series, and it's all about refinement. The new lineup borrows heavily from the design language of the Ultra and introduces a handful of key software upgrades along the way. Think thinner cases, brighter screens, and more storage across the board, plus the usual laundry list of health upgrades, some welcome design tweaks, and yes, Gemini AI. The series includes the standard Galaxy Watch 8 and the returning Watch 8 Classic, complete with its fan-favorite rotating bezel. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic: Design C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Love it or hate it, the squircle-shaped cushion case from the Galaxy Watch Ultra is now standard across the entire Watch 8 lineup, giving all three Samsung smartwatches a more cohesive design. The 8 series watches are sleeker than ever, as the standard Watch 8 is 11% thinner than its predecessor. Each also boasts a brighter display, with peak brightness jumping from 2,000 to 3,000 nits. Shoppers can still grab a base model in 40mm or 44mm sizes, with Silver and Graphite colorways. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic returns in White and Black, but this time it's limited to a single case size. Most importantly, though, the rotating bezel makes its welcome return on the Classic, along with the Quick Button previously reserved for the Ultra. C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Both models also feature a new Dynamic Lug System for swapping bands, which, according to Samsung, should afford the watches 11% more accurate heart rate tracking. Unfortunately, it also means older Galaxy Watch straps won't work on the new devices. Instead, you'll need to pick from Samsung's new range of athleisure, fabric, hybrid, and sport bands. Software and features Hadlee Simons / Android Authority Samsung's software experience centers on One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6, which brings a refreshed interface and a few genuinely useful tweaks. The standout addition is the new 'Now Bar,' which makes multitasking faster and turns the watch face into a more functional control center. The redesign also introduces a Featured apps folder for quicker access to your most-used tools, and new multi-info tiles that let you stack widgets, finally cutting down on excessive side swiping. Watch One UI 8 introduces a refined software experience featuring a Now Bar and Featured apps folder. There's also plenty happening on the tracking front this year. Sleep coaching gets an update, including tailored recommendations for bedtime, and sleep-based heart monitoring, which kicks in after you log three nights of baseline data, is now available. Samsung has also introduced a new 'antioxidant index,' which is designed to help users make healthier food choices. For athletes, new running coach features are smarter and still free inside the Samsung Health app, highlighting that Samsung has punted the subscription trend yet again (for now, at least). Running coach details include personalized guidance for training, improvement tracking, and real-time feedback. Then there's Gemini, Google's AI assistant, which Samsung says is 'built-in' to the Watch 8. Whether that means true on-watch intelligence or just tighter phone integration isn't clear yet. The device's also boast Gemini, Google's AI Assistant. Under the hood, Samsung has bumped up battery capacity across the board by about 8%. The Galaxy Watch 8 comes with 325mAh (40mm) and 435mAh (44mm) batteries, while the Watch 8 Classic gets a 445mAh cell. The pricier model also received an upgrade in storage, and now boasts 64GB, allowing more room for apps and data. The base model remains with the same 32GB offered in last year's models. Specs At a glance, the two devices offer nearly identical experiences. Dig into the full specs of each model below. Galaxy Watch 8 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Dimensions and weight Galaxy Watch 8 40mm: 40.4 x 42.7 x 8.6mm 30 g 44mm: 43.7 x 46 x 8.6mm 34 g Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 46mm: 46.4mm x 46mm x 10.6t 63.5g Materials Galaxy Watch 8 Case: Aluminum Armor Front: Sapphire Crystal Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Case: Aluminum Armor Front: Sapphire Crystal Display Galaxy Watch 8 40mm: 1.34-inch Super AMOLED, Full color, Always On Display 438 x 438 resolution 44mm: 1.47-inch Super AMOLED, Full color, Always On Display 480×480 resolution 3,000 nits peak Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 1.34-inch Super AMOLED, Full color, Always On Display 438×438 resolution 3,000 nits peak Processor Galaxy Watch 8 Exynos W1000 5 cores 3nm process Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Exynos W1000 5 cores 3nm process RAM Galaxy Watch 8 2GB Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 2GB Storage Galaxy Watch 8 32GB Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 64GB Battery Galaxy Watch 8 40mm: 325mAh 44mm: 435mAh WPC-based wireless charging Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 445mAh WPC-based wireless charging Connectivity Galaxy Watch 8 Bluetooth 5.3 LTE Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5GHz) NFC GPS dual frequency (L1+L5) Glonass Beidou Galileo Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Bluetooth 5.3 LTE Wi-Fi (2.4 & 5GHz) NFC GPS dual frequency (L1+L5) Glonass Beidou Galileo OS Galaxy Watch 8 Wear OS 6 One UI 8 Watch Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Wear OS 6 One UI 8 Watch Sensors Galaxy Watch 8 Samsung BioActive sensor (Optical Bio-signal sensor, Electrical Heart Signal, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) Temperature sensor Accelerometer Barometer Gyro sensor Geomagnetic sensor Light sensor Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Samsung BioActive sensor (Optical Bio-signal sensor, Electrical Heart Signal, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis) Temperature sensor Accelerometer Barometer Gyro sensor Geomagnetic sensor Light sensor Durability Galaxy Watch 8 5ATM IP68 MID-STD-810H Galaxy Watch 8 Classic 5ATM IP68 MID-STD-810H Compatibility Galaxy Watch 8 Compatible with Android 12.0 or later with more than 1.5GB of memory No iOS support Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Compatible with Android 12.0 or later with more than 1.5GB of memory No iOS support Colors Galaxy Watch 8 Graphite, Silver Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Black, White Galaxy Watch 8 vs Galaxy Watch 7 C. Scott Brown / Android Authority The Galaxy Watch 8 series doesn't rewrite the playbook, but it delivers some solid, incremental upgrades over the Watch 7 series. The devices pack double the storage, a noticeably thinner chassis, and brighter displays across the board. They also shift to a unified squircle design with a new band system that adds a sleek hardware touch (albeit at the cost of backward compatibility). Internally, the 8 series features ambitious health tracking additions, including sleep-based heart monitoring and an eyebrow-raising 'antioxidant index.' The addition of Gemini AI also marks a philosophical shift toward smarter, more proactive wearables, though we'll need more clarity on how deeply it's integrated. Altogether, the Watch 8 is less about reinvention and more about refining the formula that made the Watch 7 a solid all-rounder. If you're not sold on the squircle design, sticking with the Watch 7 Classic might be the smarter move. Pricing and availability C. Scott Brown / Android Authority Galaxy Watch 8 40mm (Wi-Fi): $349.99 $349.99 Galaxy Watch 8 44mm (Wi-Fi): $379.99 $379.99 Galaxy Watch 8 40mm (LTE): $399.99 $399.99 Galaxy Watch 8 44mm (LTE): $429.99 $429.99 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Wi-Fi): $499.99 $499.99 Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (LTE): $549.99 The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $349.99 for a Wi-Fi-only 40mm model, while the Watch 8 Classic begins at $499.99. LTE versions are available for each model at an additional $50 cost. Preorders for the entire Galaxy Watch 8 lineup are available now. The devices launched alongside the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, which is also available now for preorder, priced at $649.99. Notably, the Ultra did not get a spec bump besides added storage or a redesign beyond a new Titanium Blue color. Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Wi-Fi) Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 (Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Wi-Fi) Bright display • Powerful health features • Gemini built-in MSRP: $349.99 Brighter display, better battery life The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 offers a new 'squircle' look, with new band attachments, backed by new software, a 50% brighter display over last year's model, and a slightly larger battery. The watch is available in four configurations: a 40mm display in Wi-Fi or LTE and a 44mm display in Wi-Fi or LTE. See price at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 40mm Wi-Fi Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Wi-Fi) Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Wi-Fi) Rotating bezel • Bright display • Best software features MSRP: $499.99 Going squircle, still Classic The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic continues the Classic lineage but with a squircle redesign. Available in Wi-Fi and LTE, with a 3,000 nit display and big 445mAh battery, enjoy all of the best Samsung smartwatch software experiences in style. See price at Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Wi-Fi See price at Amazon Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Wi-Fi Got a tip? Talk to us! Email our staff at Email our staff at news@ . You can stay anonymous or get credit for the info, it's your choice.
Android Authority
11 hours ago
- Android Authority
Wear OS 6 is here, but your Pixel watch isn't getting it first
TL;DR The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are the first smartwatches to ship with stable Wear OS 6. Samsung's new wearables run One UI 8 Watch based on Google's latest platform. It's unclear if all Wear OS 6 features, like dynamic color theming, are included on Samsung's version. Samsung has one-upped Google by being the first to roll out the stable version of Wear OS 6. The newly launched Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic are the first smartwatches to come with the latest version of Google's wearable platform right out of the box. While Google recently launched the first developer preview of Wear OS 6, the final version has yet to arrive on Pixel Watches. Google previously said this would happen in the 'coming months,' but we still don't have a clear answer for when Pixel Watch owners will get the new stable software. Meanwhile, Samsung is skipping the wait with its new Galaxy Watch 8 lineup, which runs One UI 8 Watch based on Wear OS 6. What exactly this means in terms of features is still a bit of a mystery. In the developer preview of Wear OS 6, we saw a slew of design upgrades thanks to the new Material 3 Expressive language. Wear OS 6 is full of curved buttons, fluid animations, bigger Quick Settings icons, and a dynamic theming system that matches your watch's interface to your chosen watch face. However, it's unclear how much of this is present in Samsung's One UI 8 Watch. That said, one feature confirmed to be part of One UI 8 Watch is the revamped Tiles UI. Instead of the usual circular or square layouts, Samsung now uses rounded rectangle tiles, something we also spotted in the Wear OS 6 preview. One UI 8 Watch also comes with a Featured Apps folder for quicker access to your most-used apps and multi-info tiles that let you stack widgets. Samsung tends to customize Wear OS with its One UI Watch layer, so some of Google's changes may be absent or tweaked to fit Samsung's style. There's no confirmation yet if dynamic theming or Google's preset color palettes (like Peony, Jade, and Indigo) are available on these new Galaxy Watches. Google is also developing useful features for Wear OS 6, such as Water Lock mode and a better always-on display experience. We hope to hear more about these as Samsung's new watches start reaching users or when Google shares additional rollout details for the software. We'll have more answers for you when we have the new smartwatches in for review.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
5 days ago
- Business Standard
Tech Wrap July 4: One UI 8 Watch, Huawei Watch Fit 4 series, Google Veo 3
Samsung One UI 8 Watch features. Huawei Watch Fit 4 series launched. Google Veo 3 in India. Samsung tri-fold Galaxy G Fold preview. PlayStation to release Helldivers 2 game on Xbox Tech Wrap July 4 BS Tech New Delhi Samsung announces new health features for One UI 8 Watch Samsung has announced the release of new health-tracking features with its One UI 8 Watch software update, which is currently in the beta testing phase. The South Korean consumer electronics maker is expected to launch its next generation Galaxy Watch line-up at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, likely comprising Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. The new features will be rolled out to the new models first, and then later to older generation models. Huawei has launched the Watch Fit 4 series smartwatches in India, comprising the Watch Fit 4 and the Watch Fit 4 Pro. The company said the smartwatches are powered by its advanced health algorithms, feature a 1.82-inch AMOLED display, support over 100 workout modes, and offer up to 10 days of battery life. Huawei positions these wearables as ideal companions for fitness, wellness and everyday productivity. Google has begun rolling out Veo 3, its advanced text-to-video generation model, to Gemini app 'Pro' subscribers globally, including users in India. The update was confirmed by Josh Woodward, VP of Google Labs and the Gemini app, who announced on X that the feature is now accessible to all Pro-tier users worldwide. Samsung could be ready to showcase its first tri-fold smartphone at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event, scheduled for July 9. According to a report by Android Authority, the device might feature a unique wing-style unfolding mechanism, distinct from the Huawei Mate XT's 'Z'-shaped tri-fold design. Samsung's approach is said to centre around a cover display built into the middle panel, with the display folding inward from both sides. Xbox and PlayStation appear to be collaborating more closely to broaden game availability across platforms. A number of Xbox exclusive games have been making their way to PlayStation, but now, Sony's gaming division is sending its first exclusive game to Xbox– Helldivers 2. The said game will become available to Xbox Series X and S consoles starting August 26 and will cost $39.99. Super Plastronics Pvt Ltd (SPPL), Kodak's official brand licensee in India, has launched the Kodak QLED 4K smart television powered by JioTele OS. This marks Kodak's first smart TV under the JioTele OS platform and the second overall from SPPL, which had earlier introduced a Thomson-branded model in February this year. Chinese smartphone brand Honor has announced that it will be launching its X9C 5G smartphone in India on July 7. Ahead of the launch, the company has revealed some key specifications of the device, including its processor, storage options, display and camera details. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1, the smartphone will feature a 108MP primary camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS). Technology giants Samsung and OnePlus are set to host their respective product launch event next week. OnePlus will hold its Summer Launch Event on July 8, while Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled for July 9. OnePlus' line-up will include the new Nord 5 series smartphones as well as the Buds. On the other hand, Samsung is expected to launch its next generation Galaxy Z-series foldables, Galaxy Watches, and might even preview its maiden tri-fold smartphone. Apple's iOS 26 is set to introduce a new spam filtering feature for iMessage, aimed at reducing interruptions by automatically detecting and silencing unwanted texts. According to a report by 9to5Mac, the feature will move suspected spam messages from unknown senders into a separate section, keeping the main inbox clean. American video game publisher, Rockstar Games, has rolled out a fresh update to GTA Online this week in celebration of the US Independence Day, offering players in-game bonuses, limited-time cosmetics, and a wide range of vehicle and property discounts. The update is now live and runs through July 9.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
6 days ago
- Health
- Business Standard
Samsung announces new health features for One UI 8 Watch: Check what's new
Samsung has announced the release of new health-tracking features with its One UI 8 Watch software update, which is currently in the beta testing phase. The South Korean consumer electronics maker is expected to launch its next generation Galaxy Watch line-up at the Galaxy Unpacked event on July 9, likely comprising Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic. The new features will be rolled out to the new models first, and then later to older generation models. At the centre of this upcoming update are features like bedtime guidance, vascular load, running coach, and antioxidant index. Some Galaxy Watch users in South Korea and the US can try these features early through an ongoing beta programme. Indian users will be able to get their hands on it after the launch of the Galaxy Watch 8 series only. Beyond new Galaxy Watch models, Samsung is also expected to launch its next generation foldable smartphone range at the Unpacked event. This could include Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7, Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 7 FE, and the company's maiden tri-fold dubbed Galaxy G Fold. New features in One UI 8 Watch: Eligibility and availability The new health tools will be available on Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch models, and on existing models such as the Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra, as part of the One UI 8 Watch update. A beta version of the update is currently open to users in select regions (South Korea and the US) who have a Galaxy Watch 5 or newer. Samsung One UI 8 Watch: What's new Bedtime guidance: Helps you maintain a consistent sleep schedule by recommending the best time to sleep, based on your last three days of sleep data. It uses sleep pressure and circadian rhythm analysis to suggest a bedtime that supports better alertness the next day. Vascular load: Measures how much stress your blood vessels are under while you sleep — an early indicator of heart health. It also connects this data to lifestyle factors like sleep quality, exercise, and stress. Running coach: Assesses your running ability with a 12-minute test and assigns a fitness level from one to 10. Based on the result, it creates a tailored plan to help you train for a 5K, 10K, half or full marathon, with level progression as you improve. Antioxidant index: Uses a light-based sensor to measure carotenoid levels — antioxidants linked to healthy ageing — in your skin. The feature shows how habits like diet impact your antioxidant score over time, encouraging better nutrition. Galaxy Watch 8 series: What to expect The Galaxy Watch 8 series is set to debut with Gemini AI integration and upgraded health features, including a vascular load monitor and a personal AI health coach offering real-time wellness feedback. As reported by Android Central, the line-up will consist of six models, with the Classic version expected to adopt a squircle shape and bring back the rotating bezel. The smartwatches could be powered by the Exynos W1000 chipset, paired with 2GB RAM, and may feature AMOLED displays capable of reaching up to 2,000 nits brightness. Running One UI 8 Watch, the new devices will also include adaptive charging, gesture controls, and updated watch face options. Blood glucose monitoring remains in development and is unlikely to launch with this generation.
