Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Snags Google One UI 8

Samsung preempted itself today by releasing One UI 8 for the 2024 version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. This makes the old watch the first Samsung Watch to have the software, just a few days ahead of Samsung’s next-gen Galaxy Watch lineup. The new watches will go on sale July 25.

The move will be a pleasant surprise for Galaxy Watch Ultra owners, as Samsung was expected to make its new watches the first to run One UI 8. But as SamMobile points out, Galaxy Watch 7 models were also involved in beta testing for the latest One UI. It’s not clear yet if the beta test will actually lead to the new One UI becoming available for the Watch 7 community this week, but they will be eligible eventually. In fact, the UI will reach Galaxy Watches as far back as Watch 4 over time.

This means Galaxy Watch Ultra owners are in for a treat: more features.

“With the update, Galaxy Watch Ultra users now have access to powerful tools like Running Coach, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index—all designed to help users build healthier habits through motivational insights,” Samsung’s statement reads.

Android 16
Credit: Google

The Now Bar, which is part of One UI 8, may be open to third-party apps. In the past, One UI’s Now Bar supported only Google and Samsung apps, but with version 8, it will be open to apps from other developers, too. That should mean One UI 8 on your Galaxy Watch will also have the new Now Bar; it’d be hard to call it a One UI if any other way.

Alert Center is also expected to arrive with One UI 8. The feature will let you know when apps are using your camera or microphone and provide notifications for other security issues.

It’s worth mentioning that, when the Galaxy Watch 8 devices launch, it will be the first time that a smartphone (other than Google’s own Pixel) releases with a new version of Android out of the box. (In this case, it’s Android 16.) That’s going to be a welcome change for longtime Samsung Galaxy owners as they upgrade. Here’s hoping that this is a sign of Google loosening its grip on Android for smartphones during future releases.

Android 16 launched earlier this month for Google Pixel 6 (and newer) phones. The updated OS has improved battery monitoring and security features. The new Protection Mode is meant to thwart modern-day threats to smartphones.

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