[Comprehensive] "Install an App on Your Smartphone, It Also Works on Galaxy Watch" Samsung Strengthens 'Connectivity' Following Google OS Collaboration

[Asia Economy Reporter Seulgina Cho] "As set on the smartphone, also on the Galaxy Watch...".

Samsung Electronics will for the first time equip the next-generation ‘Galaxy Watch’, to be unveiled in August, with the ‘One UI Watch’ interface based on the integrated wearable operating system (OS) developed with Google. A key feature is enhanced 'connectivity', such as when a user downloads an application (app) on their smartphone, the compatible watch app is automatically added to the Galaxy Watch. It supports more apps like Spotify and YouTube Music through the Google Play Store, and significantly improves the battery issues that have been a drawback of smartwatches.

This move is seen as an effort to further solidify the ‘Android ecosystem’ to compete against Apple by providing a consistent user experience across wireless earbuds, smartwatches, and other devices, using the smartphone as a hub.

◇ "Install an app on your smartphone, it appears on Galaxy Watch too" One UI Watch unveiled

On the 28th (local time), Samsung Electronics held the ‘Samsung Galaxy MWC Virtual Event’ at the world’s largest mobile exhibition, Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2021, which opened in Barcelona, Spain, and unveiled One UI Watch.

One UI Watch is a watch interface designed to provide a consistent Samsung user experience across smartphones and Galaxy Watches. It will be first installed on the next-generation Galaxy Watch launching in the second half of this year, based on the integrated OS co-developed with Google. Patrick Chomet, Executive Vice President and Head of the Wireless Business at Samsung Electronics, said, "It will enrich the smartwatch experience and the convenience of the Galaxy ecosystem."

Samsung Electronics focused on enhancing connectivity so that users can have the same experience on the Galaxy Watch as on Android smartphones. For example, if a user changes app settings such as time or downloads a new app on either the smartphone or Galaxy Watch, it is immediately reflected on the other device. If calls or messages are blocked on the Galaxy Watch, they are also blocked on the smartphone without separate settings. Additionally, Samsung introduced a new watch face design tool available to Android developers starting this fall.

The integrated OS, first applied with One UI Watch on the next-generation Galaxy Watch, combines the strengths of Google’s Wear OS and Samsung’s Tizen into a single platform. App launch speed is increased by up to 30%, and battery power consumption, a challenge for wearables, is reduced.

It also supports various third-party apps through the Google Play Store. Previously, Samsung’s Tizen platform was criticized for having fewer third-party apps available. However, the new integrated OS allows downloading and using apps such as YouTube Music, Google Maps, Adidas Running, Golf Buddy Smart Caddie, Strava, Swim.com, and Sleep Cycle.

Samir Samat, Vice President of Product Management for Android Wear and Wear products at Google, said, "The new integrated platform, first introduced with the next-generation Galaxy Watch, is the result of long-standing collaboration between Samsung and Google. We are excited to offer a completely new watch experience with longer battery life, faster performance, and support for a variety of apps."

◇ "Catch Apple" Expansion of the Android Ecosystem

Initially, there was speculation inside and outside the industry that new products including the Galaxy Watch 4 (tentative name) might be unveiled at this event. However, Samsung focused on software.

They announced an expansion of a kind of ‘Galaxy ecosystem’ and ‘Android ecosystem’ to provide users with a consistent experience across all devices including smartwatches. This is interpreted as a move to surpass Apple Watch and the Apple ecosystem, which currently dominate the smartwatch market.

The smartwatch market, known as the ‘doctor on your wrist,’ has rapidly grown due to COVID-19. Smartwatches are no longer just watches but have evolved into healthcare devices equipped with various functions such as blood pressure, sleep, electrocardiogram (ECG), and oxygen saturation. Market research firm Gartner forecasts that global smartwatch shipments will exceed 100 million units this year and reach 219 million units by 2024. Revenue is also expected to grow from $21.76 billion last year to $38.33 billion in 2024.

In this context, the collaboration between hardware powerhouse Samsung Electronics and app ecosystem leader Google on wearable OS is significant. The two companies are expected to continue cooperation to increase the overall influence of the Android camp, not just Galaxy. The new Galaxy Watch, the first product of the integrated OS collaboration, will be unveiled at the Galaxy Unpacked event in August.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.