Samsung One UI 8 Watch Beta Debuts for Galaxy Watch 6 Series

Samsung has launched the One UI 8 Watch beta program. The update is currently available for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. This initial rollout is limited to users in South Korea. The beta introduces a significant software overhaul based on Wear OS 6.

This release marks the first major test of the new interface before a global launch. It brings a host of new features focused on customization, health, and usability. According to reports, the update aims to make the smartwatch experience more intuitive and personalized.

New Features and Interface Enhancements

The One UI 8 Watch introduces a refreshed visual design. Users will notice new app icons and more layout options in the app drawer. The update also enhances the way you interact with tiles and widgets.

A key new feature is the “Now Bar.” It appears at the bottom of the watch face. This bar shows important ongoing tasks and information at a glance. The double-pinch gesture control has also been expanded for more actions like controlling music or dismissing alarms.

Managing notifications is now smarter. Users can choose to receive alerts only on the watch when their phone is idle. The notification screen itself is cleaner, grouping alerts from the same app together for easier reading.

Advanced Health and Wellness Tracking

Samsung Health receives important new capabilities with this update. A new “Bedtime Guidance” feature analyzes your sleep patterns. It then recommends an optimal bedtime to help you feel more refreshed.

A new “Mindfulness” feature allows users to log their emotions and moods. It offers breathing exercises to help manage daily stress. These additions strengthen the watch’s role as a comprehensive wellness device.

Customization reaches new levels with watch face recommendations. The software suggests new faces based on your current style and color preferences. Users can also create custom tiles that mix information from different apps, like weather and calendar events.

The Samsung One UI 8 Watch beta signifies a major step forward for wearable software. Its focus on personalized health insights and a streamlined interface could set a new standard. The global release of the stable One UI 8 Watch update is highly anticipated later this year.

Info at your fingertips

When will the One UI 8 Watch beta be available in other countries?

Samsung has not announced an official timeline for a wider beta rollout. The company typically expands beta programs to other regions, like the US and Europe, after the initial testing phase in South Korea.

Is the Galaxy Watch 5 eligible for the One UI 8 Watch beta?

No, the current beta program is only for the Galaxy Watch 6 and Watch 6 Classic. It is expected that older models like the Watch 5 will receive the update after the stable version is released for newer devices.

What is the most significant new feature in this update?

The “Now Bar” and enhanced customization options are among the most noticeable changes. The new health features, particularly Bedtime Guidance, also represent a significant advancement in personalized wellness tracking.

How does the new double-pinch gesture work?

You can double-tap your thumb and index finger together while wearing the watch to perform actions. These actions can be customized for different scenarios, such as viewing notifications or controlling music playback without touching the screen.

Are there any new watch faces included?

Yes, the update includes a new recommendation engine that suggests watch faces based on your preferences. It helps you discover suitable options from a library of over 300 available faces.