Galaxy Watch 5 to get more health features that use its temperature sensor

A few days ago, Samsung rolled out a software update to the Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro which enabled these smartwatches to track the menstrual cycle of a user using skin temperature sensors built into these wearables. Now, it looks like the company wants to leverage these temperature sensors even further to offer more such health-tracking features. Samsung has revealed that it will offer new skin temperature-based health tracking functions on Galaxy Watch 5 series with future software updates.

The latest announcement was made by a company official who is in charge of Samsung Health Service on Samsung’s community forum for Korea. The official, however, didn’t reveal the exact details about the upcoming skin temperature-based health-tracking features. The official also refrained from revealing an update rollout timeline. According to the official, “it is difficult to provide accurate information about the detailed schedule and timing” as the updated schedule is decided “in consideration of service policies”.

Skin temperature sensors in Galaxy Watch 5 series are underutilized

The Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro feature an infrared-based temperature sensor. However, these sensors were not utilized by the two smartwatches in any manner until recently when the company announced skin temperature-based menstrual tracking. What’s even more disappointing is that users can’t access these skin temperature sensors whenever they want. These sensors are activated automatically by these smartwatches whenever they need to track a particular aspect of your health.

Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra, on the other hand, allow users to measure their body temperature whenever they want. Samsung could take inspiration from Apple to make skin temperature sensors on Galaxy Watch 5 series more useful. The same goes for ECG functionality, which isn't available on Samsung's smartwatches in as many markets as Apple watches.