Samsung adds another big weapon to the Galaxy Watch Active 2 health monitoring arsenal

Publish date: 2024-05-29
The Galaxy Watch Active 2 has been undeniably one of the greatest Apple Watch alternatives on the market ever since it made its commercial debut last fall, but to its credit, Samsung continuously improved the already impressive features and capabilities of the Tizen-powered smartwatch with several software updates.On the bright side, the Galaxy Watch Active 2 will soon be able to "easily and more conveniently measure and track your blood pressure." Technically, this is not an entirely new feature for Samsung smartwatches, but what's new is the official Samsung Health Monitor app, which has been cleared by South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety as a "Software as a Medical Device."

Previously, you had to rely on a tool called My BP Lab 2.0 for blood pressure readings, which were not very accurate, simply allowing you to take part in a research program aimed at someday making the app reliable from a medical perspective. Naturally, that's where Samsung Health Monitor comes in, but just because the app has been authorized by the Korean government to conduct scientific measurements, that doesn't necessarily mean FDA clearance for US use is right around the corner.

Even in Korea, the feature is not 100 percent ready for primetime yet, heading for the Galaxy Watch Active 2 "within the third quarter" and "progressively expanding to upcoming Galaxy Watch devices" shortly thereafter.

Video Thumbnail

Another very important thing to keep in mind is that the app also needs some third-party hardware in addition to the heart rate monitoring sensors of the Galaxy Watch Active 2 to deliver "convenient" and accurate blood pressure readings. We're talking about a traditional cuff, which you'll have to use for the initial calibration process as shown in the video demo above and at least once every four weeks after that. 

View Full Bio

Adrian, a mobile technology enthusiast since the Nokia 3310 era, has been a dynamic presence in the tech journalism field, contributing to Android Authority, Digital Trends, and Pocketnow before joining PhoneArena in 2018. His expertise spans across various platforms, with a particular fondness for the diversity of the Android ecosystem. Despite the challenges of balancing full-time parenthood with his work, Adrian's passion for tech trends, running, and movies keeps him energized. His commitment to mid-range smartphones has led to an eclectic collection of devices, saved from personal bankruptcy by his preference for 'adequate' over 'overpriced'.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7sbTOp5yaqpWjrm%2BvzqZmp52nqHy0rcysrKefXZyura3XsmSwmaSYtW6twq2gr51dZ3qjuM6om2aooprAtMHRnmSmp56ewbC%2ByKeeZpmgpayqsJBranJwYg%3D%3D