Samsung confirms Galaxy Watch 8 redesign with new features in beta app [Gallery]

Ahead of its launch event next month, Samsung has released a new app update which confirms the redesigned Galaxy Watch 8 as well as two of its key features.

We’ve seen the Galaxy Watch 8’s new squircle design through various leaks, but Samsung has just (perhaps inadvertently) shown it off for the first time. Through a newly-released beta update to the Samsung Health app, the company adds the “Antioxidant Index” and “Vascular Load” features that were previously announced for the One UI 8 Watch update.

Through this Samsung Health update, these are shown as “Labs” features, and explicitly mentioned to only be supported on the “Galaxy Watch 8 or higher.” Notably, Samsung previously said that Vascular Load would be compatible with the Galaxy Watch Ultra “or later.” The same was noted about Antioxidant Index.

Beyond that, the update also adds illustrations of the Galaxy Watch 8.

An animation shows the Galaxy Watch 8’s new design while explaining how to run an antioxidant measurement. That process requires that you take the watch off and place your thumb directly over the sensor on the back (though Samsung says this works with any finger). Along with seeing the new shape of the watch here, you can also clearly see that this isn’t last year’s Ultra because there are only two buttons along the side.

Samsung is expected to release three smartwatches at its July event, including the base Galaxy Watch 8, a Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, and an updated Galaxy Watch Ultra. These will also likely be the first smartwatches with Wear OS 6, as they’re expected to launch with Samsung’s One UI 8 Watch update (which we’re still waiting for the beta release of).

Thanks Steve!

More on Samsung:

• Galaxy Watch 8 series leak shows Samsung’s upcoming wearables from every angle
• Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 8 series might sport some seriously boring colors
• Here’s another look at Galaxy Watch 8, Watch 8 Classic, and ‘Watch Ultra (2025)’

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