'Wear OS' First Applied in Galaxy Watch4
Expected to Be Installed Again This Year... Continued Collaboration with Google
IT Media Focuses on Potential Integration with Google
New Features Observed: Battery Life and Body Temperature Measurement
[Asia Economy Reporter Cha Min-young] Samsung's smartwatch series, which achieved success last year by being the first to adopt Google's unified operating system (OS) 'Wear OS,' is expected to return this second half of the year with the 'Galaxy Watch5.' Along with expectations that it will continue to use Wear OS like its predecessor, attention is also focused on extended battery life and whether a new body temperature measurement feature will be included.
According to IT specialist media CNET and SamMobile on the 8th, the Galaxy Watch5 is highly likely to be equipped with Wear OS, just like its predecessor. CNET reported, "Google and Samsung are collaborating on developing the new Wear OS," adding, "This indicates that Samsung may use this software for future smartwatches."
Previously, Samsung succeeded in recording high growth amid a booming smartwatch market last year. The global smartwatch market grew by 24% compared to the previous year in 2021. Especially in the fourth quarter of last year alone, shipments exceeded 40 million units, setting a record for the highest quarterly shipment volume. Samsung achieved its best-ever shipment record in the third quarter of last year with a 200% growth compared to the previous quarter. Analysts attribute this success to the transition to Wear OS through the partnership with Google.
Accordingly, analyses suggest that the success of the Galaxy Watch5 also depends on the level of OS integration. CNET pointed out, "The Galaxy Watch4 is caught between Google and Samsung," noting, "Although Google applications (apps) including 'Google Play' are available, the setup process and status tracking still heavily rely on Samsung's own apps." Ultimately, it is argued that tighter integration with Google is necessary for the Galaxy Watch5 to feel like the ultimate Android smartwatch.
Battery life issues, which were pointed out as a weakness in the predecessor Galaxy Watch4, are also expected to be improved. CNET noted, "Longer battery life means you don't have to charge it every night, which will enhance sleep tracking functionality." There are also speculations that a body temperature measurement feature will be included, but Guo Mingchi, an analyst at TF International Securities, raised doubts, saying, "Due to algorithm limitations, Samsung will face difficulties incorporating such a feature into the Galaxy Watch5."
There are also market speculations that Samsung may abandon the classic model with the launch of the Galaxy Watch5. While the existing Galaxy Watch4 was released in two types, standard and classic, it is said that the Watch5 will be different. SamMobile reported, "The regular Galaxy Watch5 will be offered in two sizes, but the Pro version may be limited to one size," adding, "It is also unclear whether the rotating bezel of the Galaxy Watch4 Classic will be carried over to the Watch5 or Watch5 Pro."
The new product release is estimated to be in the second half of this year. Some speculate an August release, considering that the Galaxy Watch4 unpacked (new product launch) event was held in August last year.
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