After recently launching the Galaxy Watch Active 2 with a touch bezel, Samsung is now bringing many of the features of its new smartwatch to older models.
Samsung today announced new updates for the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch. One of the most notable new features is touch bezel support for the original Galaxy Watch Active, letting owners of that smartwatch navigate by swiping their finger around the bezel of the device, just like on the newer Galaxy Watch Active 2.
These new updates also bring Bixby improvements to the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch. Bixby Voice can be used to begin exercises, find out the time difference between two places, and to control SmartThings devices. Plus, Bixby now supports British English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch owners can also customize their watch faces further with this update. There are 24 new sub-dials and complications included, and the improved UX will bring Samsung's My Style feature to both the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch for the first time.
Other new UX features coming to the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch include moving icons for in-use apps to the bottom of the watch face to help you quickly access any apps that are currently being used. The current time will always be displayed when the stopwatch is being used and when you're on a call, too, and you can more easily customize icons in the Quick Panel. Samsung is also rolling out a clearer graphic UI and adding new emoji in diverse skin tones.
Rounding out the update are improvements to Samsung Health. Users can access the Daily Active feature to keep track of their fitness goals as well as their track lap times while running or cycling. Plus, the Galaxy Watch now supports a Low Heart Rate Alert as part of its expanded heart monitoring capabilities.
These updates are starting to roll out to the Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch today, and they'll go out region-by-region.
The Galaxy Watch Active and Galaxy Watch aren't old watches, with the former having launched nine months ago and the latter coming out around 14 months ago. Because of that, it's nice to see Samsung treat owners of those watches to new features found on its latest Galaxy Watch Active 2 rather than leaving them behind as soon as new hardware comes out.