Samsung Electronics is installing a thermometer function on Galaxy watch. Checking temperature has become a routine task since the prolonged outbreak of COVID 19. Following the installation of blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and blood oxygen saturation sensors on last year’s Galaxy watch 4, Samsung Electronics decided to add a thermometer function in Galaxy Watch 5, which will be released in August. Galaxy watch users can use the thermometer function to detect symptoms of COVID 19. Body temperature is considered one of the important health indicators. Various causes of fever, such as Infectious diseases and colds can be managed as well as female ovulation cycles.
The main issue is to accurately measure the body temperature with the smartwatch on a wrist. The temperature detected on skin is affected by external environment, such as being under direct sunlight and exercising, which is why major companies, like Samsung and Apple have been delaying the thermometer function until now.
It is understood that Samsung Electronics has devised a technology that can measure body temperature as accurately as possible. The new wireless earphone Buds are also under consideration to have a thermometer function. Galaxy buds prototype has been completed, and is considering on the release date. Samsung Electronics is using a technology to measure the body temperature by detecting infrared wavelengths emitted from the eardrum to wireless earphones.
Samsung Electronics focused on expanding its wearable devices this year, and is aiming to achieve double-digit growth compared to the previous year. Wearable devices have is crucial in expanding the market share since the market growth rate is much steeper than that of smartphones.
According to market research firm IDC, due to COVID 19, the global wearable device market in 2020 increased by 50% compared to 2019. The market increased by 20% in 2021 compared to 2020, and it is expected to show double-digit growth this year as well. Apple accounts for nearly a third of the global market share in the wearable device market. Samsung plans to add various innovative health functions in order to close the gap with Apple in the wearable market.
By Staff Reporter So-ra Park (srpark@etnews.com)