The Korean media recently reported that Samsung is looking to introduce a body temperature sensor, i.e. thermometer, on the Galaxy Watch 5 series later this year. But the revolutionary smartwatch tech could be a too big ask for the company at this moment. According to TF International Securities analyst Ming-chi Kuo, the Korean behemoth is struggling with the algorithm required for the tech and may not be ready with it in time for the Galaxy Watch 5.
Equipping a body temperature sensor on a smartwatch is a complex task. As Kuo notes, skin temperature can vary quickly depending on outside environments. The wrist-worn device has limited scope in terms of hardware to make accurate readings. So it needs to be fitted with a carefully developed algorithm for reliable results.
Unfortunately, Samsung is having difficulties coding that algorithm. With the Galaxy Watch 5 series only a few months away, the Korean firm may have to revise the plans and look to introduce the “thermometer” on the Galaxy Watch 6 series next year. Or maybe it can still pull it off before the Galaxy Watch 5 series hits mass production. We shall see.
Apple has had similar problems too
Samsung isn’t the only company looking to equip smartwatches with a thermometer though. Its arch-rival has been working on this tech since last year. And, unsurprisingly, it has had similar problems too. The Cupertino-based tech giant planned to include the feature on the Apple Watch 7 series last year. But similar algorithm issues forced it to push back the plans to the Apple Watch 8 series later this year. Time will tell whether the company succeeds. If it does, Samsung will have its task cut out to catch up to Apple as fast as it can.
Samsung and Apple are the world’s two biggest smartwatch vendors. Their offerings vary significantly in terms of design and specs but at the core, they are smartwatches. It’s no coincidence that the two companies are working on an identical feature and having similar problems too.
The Galaxy Watch 5 series is expected to break cover in the second half of 2022. We will reportedly get two models but none will be branded “Classic”. instead, Samsung will launch the vanilla Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Reports suggest the new devices will get bigger batteries than their respective predecessors. The company is also looking to offer an improved set of health tracking features on the new smartwatches. We expect to hear more about the devices in the coming months.
2022-05-03 15:05:17