Samsung gives ‘older’ smartwatches software update with One UI interface

Samsung has released an important update for the Galaxy Watch and the somewhat older smartwatches Gear S3 and Gear Sport. The devices receive a number of functions from the new Galaxy Watch Active, such as the One UI interface.

The One UI software for Tizen, which closely matches the interface of the new Samsung Galaxy smartphones, replaces Tizen version 4.0.0.2. In addition to a more modern look, the new interface offers more control over a number of functions. Examples include the frequency of daily planner messages and the ability to enable and disable waking on touch

According to the release notes the new software also makes it easier to track activity through the Samsung Health app. Furthermore, outdoor swimming was added as a new activity and there are many more statistics about sleeping behavior. For example, the smartwatch compares the sleeping pattern with that of other users in the same age group. Also new are the Apple Watch-like high heart rate alerts.

After the update, users can also download a number of watch faces or dials from the Galaxy Watch Active to their timepiece. Finally, the list of changes also promises optimization of energy consumption and more control over apps that run in the background, so that the clocks may need to be charged less often.

Samsung has made the update available for the Galaxy Watch, Gear S3 and Gear Sport, but it may take a while before all users can download the software.

The One UI interface on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Active