Latest news with #SamsungHealth
Digital Trends
6 hours ago
- Health
- Digital Trends
I tried sleep coaching on Galaxy Watch 8. Here's why you should too
I've used many of the best smartwatches, but when it comes to sleep, few companies offer the same Sleep detail and insight that Samsung does. Sleep has been core to the Samsung Health strategy since the Galaxy S4 in 2013, which introduced basic sleep tracking and led to the behemoth that is Samsung Health today. Many companies offer some level of sleep tracking, but fewer offer detailed analysis, and none provide the same detail as Samsung does. A key differentiator of Samsung Health's Sleep offering is Sleep Coaching, and the use of Sleep animals to offer relatable and actionable insights. Recommended Videos While reviewing the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic over the past few weeks, I tried Samsung's sleep coaching, and within a couple of weeks, my sleep animal has already improved. Having also used Samsung's Sleep Coaching in the past, I'm also surprised by how much my sleep quality has improved over the past few years. Why Sleep Animals are a great concept Samsung first debuted Sleep Animals in a software update to the Galaxy Watch 4 in early 2022, but the earlier version lacked some of the core insights and impact that the latest version provides. Although the insights have improved, the Sleep Animals and their core meaning haven't changed. There are eight in total, split across four levels, with several factors that determine which animal and level you are. The goal is to improve your sleep and raise it to Level 4, otherwise known as the Lion. Here are the eight animals and their core interpretations: Level 4: Lion — healthy sleep patterns, consistent timing, sleeping deeply enough — healthy sleep patterns, consistent timing, sleeping deeply enough Level 3: Penguin — Getting enough sleep and a consistent time, but waking up too often — Getting enough sleep and a consistent time, but waking up too often Level 3: Walrus — Sleeping at consistent times, but not long enough or waking up often — Sleeping at consistent times, but not long enough or waking up often Level 3: Mole — Getting enough sleep without waking often, but at inconsistent times — Getting enough sleep without waking often, but at inconsistent times Level 2: Deer — Sleeping at regular times but tossing and turning or waking up often — Sleeping at regular times but tossing and turning or waking up often Level 2: Hedgehog — Sleeping for long enough, but spending too much time awake — Sleeping for long enough, but spending too much time awake Level 2: Alligator — Not enough total sleep, waking up too often, and inconsistent timing — Not enough total sleep, waking up too often, and inconsistent timing Level 1: Shark — Lack of sleep time, tossing and turning throughout, and inconsistent timing Many of those characteristics will be familiar to most people, and as I've found, Samsung's Sleep Coaching is surprisingly effective at gamifying your sleep. Why Sleep Animals are impactful I like Samsung's sleep animals because they help users understand the various sleep metrics the Galaxy Watch 8 can measure. Rather than having to look at data and deduce findings yourself, Samsung's Sleep Coaching and Animals make it easy for anyone to understand how they're sleeping, and crucially, how to improve their sleep. Sleep Coaching focuses on improving your sleep holistically, rather than trying to focus your attention on one specific metric. As part of the sleep coaching, you receive daily actionable insights on various areas to focus on. These aren't specific metrics but rather core themes such as sleeping at a consistent time, getting consistent sleep, and tips for relaxing before you sleep. Each of these includes a video that briefly explains why this metric matters and how to improve it further. Sleep Coaching is a great way to help users understand why they should improve their sleep, set a goal to achieve (in the form of a sleep animal), and learn how to achieve that goal. As you progress through the levels, it provides a welcome sense of achievement, while also improving a key metric around your health. Meet my old, and new, Sleep Animals When I tested my Sleep Animal in December 2023, I was the Shark as each key characteristic described me. I slept infrequently and for short periods, was always tired, and generally felt lethargic in daily life. I'm testing my sleep animal now; I've made considerable progress and have now achieved Penguin status. Some of this is due to actionable insights provided by the various Samsung wearables I've used over the past couple of years. However, all of the improvement is due to the underlying knowledge about sleep learned from Samsung Health. Had you asked me, I would have guessed that I'm either a deer or a mole when asleep, but the penguin result has surprised me. It's also inspired me to achieve Lion status, and I'm eager to see how long it takes to reach this milestone. Given I'm fairly concerned about my sleep, hopefully this means I'll sleep more deeply and better as well. Why you should try the Galaxy Watch 8 series Any of Samsung's recent Galaxy Watch wearables should feature Sleep Coaching in some form, but if you want the most detailed data — and therefore, the best insights — you'll want to consider the Galaxy Watch 8 or Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. Both of Samsung's new wearables deliver the best Galaxy Watch experience to date. Alongside the accurate heart rate measurements and AI health insights from the Galaxy Watch 7, the Galaxy Watch 8 series also includes vascular load monitoring while sleeping, which further enhances the quality of the sleep report and the insights that follow. There are also new bedtime recommendations, which directly impact the Energy Score feature from the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch Ultra from last year. Similar to the latter, combining the Galaxy Watch 8 series with a Galaxy Ring allows Samsung Health to determine which data stream has less noise and is therefore more reliable. Samsung's Sleep Coaching is one of a kind The biggest surprise in Samsung's Sleep Coaching is the detail and value of the insights provided within the app. Devices like the Oura Ring or Whoop band both offer excellent insights, but they both require a subscription payment. Samsung delivers all of this for free and has committed to keeping these features free in the future. Meanwhile, both Apple and Google have improved the Sleep insights and reporting provided in the Apple Watch Series 10 and Pixel Watch 3, but it remains to be seen whether either chooses to copy Samsung in the future. If they do — perhaps starting with the Pixel Watch 4 next month, or the Apple Watch Series 11 the month after — I hope the insights are as impactful as Samsung Health.
India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
Samsung is offering Galaxy Watch 8 for free
Samsung is offering Galaxy Watch 8 for free Ankita Garg Samsung has announced its Walk-a-thon India challenge, and the reward is impressive. It is giving away its latest Galaxy Watch 8 for free to select winners, and offering a flat R 15,000 discount to everyone who completes the step challenge. Samsung's Walk-a-thon India August 2025 challenge will run from 1 August to 30 August 2025. Participants need to walk 200,000 steps during this period to be eligible for rewards. Three lucky winners will receive the Galaxy Watch 8 for free, while all other qualifiers will get a Rs 15,000 discount coupon. To join, download the Samsung Health app on any Android or Galaxy phone and sign in. After logging in, register for the challenge within the app and ensure your phone is tracking your steps using built-in sensors. Once you complete the challenge, download the Samsung Members app between 5 and 30 September 2025 to claim your reward. The Rs 15,000 discount coupon can be used on Samsung's official online store or the Samsung Shop app to purchase the Galaxy Watch 8. After applying the discount, the watch will cost between Rs 17,999 and Rs 24,999, depending on the variant. The Galaxy Watch 8, launched recently, comes with several upgrades and is already being called one of the best Wear OS smartwatches in its category.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Samsung launches third edition of walk-a-thon India: Winners to get discount coupons worth Rs 15,000
In a major push to promote health and wellness across the country, Samsung India has announced the third edition of its popular fitness campaign , Walk-a-thon India, set to begin on August 1, 2025. The month-long challenge will reward participants who complete 200,000 steps with exciting incentives—including a chance to win the newly launched Galaxy Watch8 and exclusive discount coupons worth up to Rs 15,000. The Walk-a-thon challenge will be hosted on the Samsung Health app , available exclusively on Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Once registered, participants can track their step count and monitor their progress through a live leaderboard, fostering a spirit of friendly competition and self-motivation. * Duration: August 1–30, 2025 * Goal: Complete 200,000 steps in 30 days by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo * Rewards: * Three winners will receive Galaxy Watch8 * All finishers get coupons worth up to Rs 15,000 off on Galaxy Watch8 * Claim period: September 5–30, 2025, via Samsung Members app Built on the sleek cushion design of the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the Galaxy Watch8 offers a Super AMOLED display with 3000 nits brightness, a new Dynamic Lug System for better fit, and is available in Graphite and Silver, in both 40 mm and 44 mm sizes. Under the hood is the Exynos W1000 chipset, running Wear OS 6 co-developed with Google, and featuring Gemini, Google's conversational AI assistant. It also introduces advanced fitness tools like: * Antioxidant Index for real-time carotenoid tracking * Running Coach mode with personalized training programs * BioActive Sensor for sleep, stress, nutrition, and heart rate tracking
Forbes
14-07-2025
- Forbes
Why I'm Excited For Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 7 And Watch 8 Classic
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Credit: Samsung Last week on July 9, Samsung officially unveiled its upcoming suite of new mobile devices: The Galaxy Z Fold 7, the Galaxy Z Flip 7 and the Watch 8. I'm a longtime fan of Samsung's constantly evolving Android products, and I've been using the flagship Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Galaxy Watch Ultra over the past several months, staying largely impressed with performance, design (kind of) and reliability. The large display on the S25 Ultra is great for gaming, and the UI is nice and quick, thanks to the phone's Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Admittedly, I still want more battery life from both these devices, and even after running countless Samsung Health-tracked 10Ks, the lack of a physical rotating bezel on the Watch Ultra still doesn't feel modern—it feels lacking. Plus, the YouTube Music app is somewhat glitchy and it's very hit-or-miss when it comes to playing specific tracks. Often I can't access every other song while on LTE. Strange. Beyond the phone and the watch, I have also been enjoying testing the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which Samsung sent over a while back for review. They sound fantastic, though I will say they don't fit in my ears too well, especially when exercising. They tend to slip out and require constant readjusting; annoying to say the least. I've recently ordered some replacement Comply memory foam eartips, so we'll see if that makes a difference when it comes to a more snug fit. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Credit: Samsung Still, I've got my sights set on July 25, because that's the day all the new successor devices hit the market. I'm always on the lookout for better mobile screens for on-the-go gaming, and the Z Fold 7 sports an impressive 8-inch internal display. In comparison to the S25's 6.9 inch singular screen, the Fold 7's phablet offering seems downright gargantuan. Granted, the S25 isn't a foldable device, but even the previous Z Fold 6's 7.6-inch inner screen was notably smaller. When you're mobile gaming, even incremental increases like this can make a huge difference. The outer display on the Fold 7 is bigger too, coming in at 6.6 inches, almost rivaling the S25. In terms of raw performance, I'm sure the experience will be rather similar to that of the aforementioned S25, because the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor is exactly the same here. Still, a larger display is sure to provide a slightly better gaming experience, especially for Android-native titles that can potentially utilize the full display real estate. As far as I know, streaming on Game Pass still limits the viewing area with cumbersome letterboxing, as a 21:9 aspect ratio isn't exactly standard when it comes to console gaming. Then there's the Watch 8 Classic ($500), which brings back the physical rotating bezel that was regrettably missing from last year's watch models. Until I extensively used the Watch Ultra, I didn't realize how much I value this particular feature, so it's good to see it returning for the Classic iteration of the Watch 8--I guess we're back to watch numbers again. You can purchase a vanilla version ($350) or an Ultra version ($650) of the 8 that don't ship with a physical bezel, but there's something so satisfying (and way more user-friendly) about twisting an actual integrated knob, as opposed to dumbly guessing at a digital adjustment. Galaxy Watch 8 lineup. Credit: Samsung I'm also intrigued by how incredibly thin Samsung was able to engineer the Z Fold 7: 8.9mm when folded and 4.2mm when opened up. Unfortunately, this means a compromise in battery size: 4,400 mAh, the same as last year's Z Fold 6. Quick aside: Is it actually a compromise if the phone is way thinner, though? Maybe it's a feat. Glass half full, man. That said, the S25 Ultra features a bigger 5,000 mAh battery, although you could make the case that Samsung, as it's making them thinner, is continuing to make all these phones more efficient, they don't need larger batteries. So we'll have to see how the Z Fold 7's battery life, even with a stagnant size, fares in hands-on reviews. I do really like my S25 Ultra, but a thinner foldable with a beefier display has me more than interested. And a new smartwatch that brings back the physical rotating bezel? Music to my ears, as long as the YouTube app gets fixed. The real drawback from my vantage point is the starting price for the Z Fold 7: $2,000. If you want 1TB of storage, it shoots up to around $2,400. I only need one kidney to function, right?
CNET
13-07-2025
- Business
- CNET
Samsung Brought Back My Favorite Feature for Its Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic
While competitors release predictable updates to their smartwatches, Samsung isn't afraid to surprise us (for better or worse) with design and feature changes each year. And with the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic in particular, announced at Samsung's Galaxy Unpacked event, my favorite feature has made a welcome reappearance: the physical rotating bezel, a touch of romantic elegance that made me fall in love with Galaxy Watches in the first place. The Galaxy Watch 8 also has a new look and thinner frame, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra keeps the same functional, squared-off frame as before with a new Titanium blue color that will appeal to people who want a more rugged timepiece. But it's not just aesthetics that have changed in this year's revisions. The company is also stepping things up when it comes to health tools, including several features I've never seen on a smartwatch, like noninvasive skin analysis and AI-powered coaching for sleep and running. The Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic also have a smarter voice assistant and are the first smartwatches with Google's Gemini AI baked right inside, ready to handle complex tasks. Watch this: The Rotating Bezel is Back! A Look at Samsung's New Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic 04:31 Pricing and availability The Galaxy Watch 8 starts at $350 for the 40mm model and $380 for the 44mm one. The LTE versions are $50 more: $400 for the 40mm model and $430 for the 44mm watch. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, with its rotating bezel and physical crown, comes in a single 46mm size and costs $500, or $550 for the LTE model. The Titanium Blue version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra is $650, the same price as the original 2024 model. This version gets the same internal upgrades as the Watch 8 lineup, including a 64GB storage bump. All models are available for preorder now with shipping starting July 25. If you reserve early from Samsung you can get $50 in Samsung credit; your wireless carrier may also have deals on the watches and Samsung's just-announced phones. The 40mm version of the Galaxy Watch 8 has a new design with a circular screen and squircle frame. Joseph Maldonado/CNET Health and fitness features Samsung continues to expand the Galaxy Watch's role as a health and wellness tool, building on existing features like ECG, SpO₂ (shorthand for peripheral capillary oxygen saturation), sleep tracking and its AGEs Index, which reflects your metabolic aging process. The headliner is a new Antioxidant Index, which measures carotene (one type of antioxidant) levels in your skin with a simple five-second press of your thumb on the sensor (no needle needed). Since antioxidants help clear toxins from the body, knowing your levels can offer actionable steps for improving your health. The watch will rate your levels on a scale from low to high and then offer generic recommendations on the Samsung Health app on how you can improve your levels if they're on the lower side. It's important to note that this metric isn't clinically verified and isn't meant to replace a medical-grade test. It's designed to offer a baseline reading that may help you make real-time lifestyle adjustments, but it won't provide the detailed or precise results you'd get from a traditional blood test. The Antioxidant Index on the new Galaxy Watches. Joseph Maldonado/CNET There's also a new metric called Vascular Load, which measures strain on your heart during sleep. These readings are translated into a low-to-high scale to help you understand how behaviors (like sodium or alcohol intake) may be contributing to long-term heart disease risk. Sleep tracking gets a serious upgrade, too. A new Bedtime Guidance tool uses a three-day analysis of your circadian rhythm and sleep pressure (aka sleep debt) to recommend an ideal bedtime window. It factors in heart rate, HRV, skin temperature, and even environmental cues like room temperature or brightness (if you've got connected SmartThings devices). The goal: Improve your sleep quality, recovery and energy throughout the day. The new Running Coach gives you a personalized training plan to help meet your goals. Samsung The coaching isn't just for sleep; the new Galaxy Watches are also debuting a Running Coach feature. It starts with a 12-minute running assessment that scores your fitness from level 0 (beginner) to level 10 (marathon-ready). From there, it builds a personalized four-to-six-week training plan tailored to your distance or performance goals. Similar to Apple's new Workout Buddy, Samsung's Running Coach offers real-time, contextual feedback while you're running, like pointing out a major milestone. But unlike Apple's version, Samsung's tool goes a step further by actually adapting your future training plans based on your progress. Design The two new Galaxy Watches take a page out of the Galaxy Watch Ultra's playbook ditching the traditional circular watch face for a "cushion" design that has a round screen set inside a "squircle" frame (square with rounded edges). As someone who thought the Ultra looked too big and masculine for my wrist, I'm still not totally sold on the design shift. But I'm a sucker for that rotating bezel on the Classic (the Ultra's is static), so I can't help but love the look, even if it doesn't feel like it was made for me. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic brings back the rotating bezel in two color options: white or black. Joseph Maldonado/CNET The Classic also adopts the customizable quick-action button of the Ultra that also doubles as a crown wedges between the two navigation buttons. Despite my preference for the sleeker, edgeless circular design of past Galaxy Watches, there may be some benefits to the new design, including a slimmer form factor. According to Samsung, the Galaxy Watch 8 is 11% slimmer and lighter than its predecessor. When trying it on, I was blown away by how light it felt on my wrist without the usual belly bump bulge of the body. Pair that with a new band system, which reduces the gap between the watch and your wrist and you have a noticeably more comfortable fit. Thanks to the tighter sensor-to-skin contact, it's also more accurate at capturing heart rate data. This is still subject to testing, but if it holds up, it may be a justified design trade-off. Width comparison between the Galaxy Watch 8, Galaxy Watch 8 Classic and Galaxy Watch Ultra. Both the Ultra and the Classic have the crown that doubles as an action button. Joseph Maldonado/CNET The Galaxy Watch 8 comes in silver and graphite with an aluminum frame, while the Classic opts for a stainless steel finish in just silver. Size-wise, the regular Watch 8 comes in 40mm and 44mm options, while the Classic is only available in 46mm, which looks pretty large on my 6-inch (15cm) wrist and definitely leans more masculine. I can't help but miss the days when Samsung offered more feminine options like rose gold or even just plain gold, though it's been a while since those were part of the lineup. The new Galaxy Watches are the first smartwatches to debut Google's Gemini AI assistant out of the box. Joseph Maldonado/CNET Gemini on the watch The new One UI 8 software brings a refreshed user experience that is easier to navigate. Notifications are separated by app and instant access to your six most-used apps. The Watches also takes a page from the Galaxy phone with a new "Now bar" at the bottom of the screen for quick access to active apps like timers or media controls. But the most important software update is the addition of Gemini AI. The new Galaxy Watches are the first with Google's AI assistant built-in, bringing more complex commands and contextual understanding to your wrist. You can ask it to check your most recent running pace, start a five-mile run and launch your workout playlist simultaneously, set a timer to boil pasta based on a recipe in your notes, adjust the font size on the watch, or have it draft a text letting a friend know you're running late. Since Gemini requires an internet connection to work, you'll need to have your phone paired nearby or use an LTE version of the watch. Battery and storage Let's set expectations: Just because the Galaxy Watch 8 looks like the Ultra doesn't mean it matches the Ultra's three-day battery life. But there's still good news to share. Samsung says the Watch 8 has an 8% larger battery than the Watch 7: 325 mAh vs. 300 mAh (for the 40mm), and 435 mAh vs. 425 mAh (for the 44mm). The Classic tops out at 445 mAh, which is still well below the Ultra's 590 mAh battery. How much that translates into real-world use remains to be seen, but any boost is welcome, especially paired with the efficiency gains from the new Wear OS 6 update. Storage also doubles across the board, with 64GB now standard (up from 32GB), including a new Titanium Blue version of the Ultra. This is just a first look based on hands-on time. We'll find out if these features live up to the hype when put to the test in our full review, coming soon.
