Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 & Ultra Hands-On: New Design, Gemini AI, and Health Features

Galaxy Watch 8 & Classic: Design and Hardware Updates

• 🎯 The new Galaxy Watch 8 and Watch 8 Classic feature a "squirle" design, a circle with a square element behind it, which Samsung claims makes the watch thinner, sit flatter, and house a slightly larger battery.
• 💡 While initially polarizing, the "squirle" design grew on the reviewer, especially on larger sizes where it sat more flush with the wrist.
• ⚙️ Hardware updates are incremental, with the same sensors and processor, but the Classic now comes in a single 46mm size and features the Ultra's quick button and a new, easier-to-use lug system for strap swapping.
• 🚀 The Galaxy Watch Ultra receives a bump in storage to 64GB and a new blue color option.

WOS 6 with Gemini AI Integration

• 🤖 A major software update includes WOS 6 with Gemini AI on the wrist, replacing Google Assistant and offering improved natural language processing for complex queries.
• ⚡ Gemini can handle multi-app tasks, such as creating a playlist for a specific run duration or planning a workout to burn a certain number of calories.
• 🌐 The AI assistant will not require a subscription and functions with an internet connection (Wi-Fi or LTE), even without the phone nearby.

New Health and Fitness Features

• 😴 The "vascular load" measurement tracks stress levels during sleep, acting as a proxy for sleep stress.
• 📅 A new bedtime guidance feature suggests optimal sleep times for users.
• 🏃‍♂️ A running coach program is available, created after a 12-minute run test, designed for beginners and intermediate users, with potential for marathon training.
• 🥕 The Antioxidant Index feature uses LEDs to measure carotenoid levels in the skin, aiming to provide guidance on fruit and vegetable intake.

Pricing and Overall Impressions

• 📈 Both the Galaxy Watch 8 and Classic have seen price increases: the Watch 8 is up $50 to $349.99, and the Classic is up $100 to $499.99.
• 💰 The Ultra remains at $649.99, with Samsung citing profit analysis as the reason for price hikes.
• 🤔 While not groundbreaking, the inclusion of Gemini AI on the wrist is a notable first for smartwatches.