A new smartwatch is here – designed to take users beyond daily healthcare and into extreme adventures. Introducing the Galaxy Watch Ultra, the most powerful smartwatch in the Galaxy Watch range yet.
The launch of the premium Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 devices with advanced health monitoring tools underscores Samsung Electronics’ commitment to demonstrating the endless possibilities offered by devices on the wrist.
Samsung Newsroom met with Scott Yu and Elin Park from the Wearable Product Planning Group, Mobile eXperience Business at Samsung Electronics to discuss the creation of these products.
The birth of a super-powerful AI watch designed for extremes
Q: What was the planning process for the Galaxy Watch Ultra?
You: The Galaxy Watch Ultra is a new super-premium addition to our Galaxy Watch range. Through various studies, we identified significant growth potential in the premium market and took our first steps into this segment. The Galaxy Watch Ultra is designed with durability and advanced AI features in mind to enable next-generation outdoor experiences.
▲ Scott Yu
Q: How was the approach to adapting features for outdoor sports different from those for daily healthcare?
Park: We wanted to find a solution that would satisfy everyone, from casual users to amateur athletes and professionals looking to improve their fitness. We started by focusing on the most popular exercises, such as running, cycling and swimming, and paid attention to different use cases to improve the corresponding features. Interestingly, we found that many people switch between two or three types of exercise instead of focusing on one. This insight inspired us to introduce Multisport Tiles – a feature that allows users to customize their workout combinations and measure the results of different workouts, including duathlons and triathlons.
▲ Elin Park
Q: What influence did Galaxy AI have on the planning of the Galaxy Watch series?
You: We considered how the wearables could serve as a medium for delivering AI experiences in the Galaxy ecosystem. By collaborating with relevant departments, we focused on combining the capabilities of Galaxy smartphones and watches to maximize AI functionalities. For example, the functional threshold performance (FTP)1 measures the user’s maximum cycling performance using heart rate monitoring and AI-powered metrics to help the user reach their full potential. In addition, the Galaxy Watch uses AI algorithms to continuously track sleep data and provide advanced sleep insights.
Park: Galaxy AI will open up many possibilities for users. One feature I would like to highlight is Energy Score2 – available on Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7. Galaxy AI analyzes various health indicators, including sleep and activity data, and provides scores that reflect overall energy levels, allowing users to understand their body more intuitively and accurately.
Striving for optimal user-friendliness and comfort
Q: What was the biggest challenge in designing the new watches?
Park: For the first time, the Galaxy Watch Ultra features a Quick Button, which is the result of thinking about different user scenarios and actions required to operate the device. By quickly pressing it once or twice, users can access their most frequently used functions. In urgent situations, holding the button for five seconds activates an emergency siren up to 86 decibels loud, which can be heard up to 180 meters away. Adding a new element was a significant change that required constant communication and collaboration between the mechanical, design and hardware teams.
▲ Quick Button on the Galaxy Watch Ultra
Q: What aspects of the exterior design were prioritized on the Galaxy Watch Ultra other than the Quick Button?
You: The Galaxy Watch Ultra has a new cushion design that recalls the signature circular design of the original Galaxy Watch series. In addition, the design incorporates aspects of traditional watches while offering robust protection for a secure feeling in any environment.
Park: The Galaxy Watch Ultra comes with multiple watch straps for maximum comfort. With a new, simplified Dynamic Lug System, straps can be easily attached and swapped depending on your outdoor activities.
▲ (From left) Scott Yu and Elin Park highlight the latest features of the new Galaxy Watch devices.
Q: What has been the most memorable feedback since the product launch?
You: The Galaxy Watch Ultra stays true to its core principles – one of which is advanced haptics. This technology improves the tactile feeling users experience when interacting with the touchscreen, making the display feel smoother and more responsive. I’m glad that many people have noticed this improvement. The product can only be fully appreciated when worn, and I hope many people will have the opportunity to experience it.
park: “Finally!” was the most gratifying review. We have received numerous compliments from consumers and tech experts on the improved product quality. I am relieved that everyone’s hard work has finally borne fruit and I am incredibly grateful that many people appreciate the latest wearables.
The future redefined by the Galaxy Watch series
Q: How would you describe the new Galaxy Watches in one word or sentence?
You: Sincerity was our top priority. We wanted to build a smartwatch that genuinely brings us closer to the consumer. Planning and developing a product is like orchestrating a symphony – everyone puts their heart and soul into the process, even the parts you don’t see. The result is a remarkable work. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the development and design teams and everyone else who worked so hard to bring the products to market.
Park: For me, it would be a “turning point.” Both the Galaxy Watch Ultra and Galaxy Watch7 represent a major shift in the history of the Galaxy Watch. We have continuously evolved the popular Galaxy Watch with its modern and minimalist design. Now we are taking it a step further and introducing a model with a specific purpose – like the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This is an important turning point in our response to different markets.
▲ (From left) Scott Yu and Elin Park pose for a photo with the latest Galaxy Watch models.
Q: What’s next for the Galaxy Watch?
You: We want to focus more on AI capabilities. By integrating a range of Galaxy AI features into the Galaxy Watch series, we aim to provide users with an enhanced digital health experience and more personalized insights.
Park: There is still room for improvement in the area of health solutions, so we want to take things step by step. We are working on a number of developments and are constantly updating existing models to ensure the best user experience. I hope we can share our excitement for the future of Galaxy Watch with our users.
The latest Galaxy Watches have pushed their boundaries through consistent and authentic innovation. Samsung looks forward to the continued evolution of the Galaxy Watch – wearables that will inevitably play a central role in various areas of users’ lives.
1 To measure personalized FTP, a Galaxy smartphone must be connected to a power meter. To calculate a more accurate FTP, the Galaxy Watch must be connected to a smartphone. FTP is calculated automatically when cycling at a moderate to high intensity lasts longer than 4 minutes and the power meter is attached to the bike. Through machine learning, the more users cycle repeatedly, the more accurate and personalized the FTP values are calculated. The power meter is sold separately. The duration of a conventional FTP analysis with professional equipment is on average up to 1 hour.
2 Energy Score is available on Android phones (Android 11 or later) and requires the Samsung Health app (v6.27 or later). Samsung Account sign-in required. Service availability may vary by country or region. To check Energy Score, health data collected by Samsung Galaxy Watch must be synced with Samsung Health app. Requires at least the previous day’s activity data and sleep, and heart rate data during sleep. Not intended to detect, diagnose, or treat any medical condition. The result is for your personal information only. Please consult a doctor for advice.
