In this Internet of Things (IoT) era, an efficient ecosystem will offer an edge over the competition. Samsung is no stranger to elevating the user experience, as it continues to improve on the cross-pollination between its slate of devices and wearables. The recent Unpacked event has raised the curtain on the brand’s next generation of foldables, but the health-slash-fitness and audio departments will also get their time to shine.
Powered by Galaxy AI, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 3 series now rocks a different yet familiar look. It eschews the bulb-shaped tradition for a blade design, making the switch to a rectangular case with a transparent lid, as leaked previously. An illumination effect, known as Blade Lights, serves to embellish the device, and can be turned on by pinching a specific part of the stem.
In a similar fashion, controls are tied to touch response — pinch it once to stop or play, twice to skip, hold to toggle between active noise cancellation (ANC) modes, and slide to adjust volume levels. There will be slight haptic feedback when placed in the ear, with the base and Pro models adopting a canal-type and open-type aesthetic, respectively.
Additionally, the latter is soaped up with enhanced two-way speaker with a planar tweeter, Dual Amplifiers, and a combination of Adaptive Noise Control, Siren Detect, and Voice Detect, which collects and identifies surrounding sound and automatically optimises noise and sound levels without manual adjustment.
The microphones in both iterations, meanwhile, are capable of analysing internal and external sound in real time to enhance sound and ANC quality through Adaptive EQ and Adaptive ANC. For those using Samsung’s latest foldables, the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6, the Interpreter feature can deliver real-time translation when activated in Listening Mode.
Elsewhere, Galaxy AI prowess keeps the intelligent health experience going. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Galaxy Watch Ultra will debut as the first Android smartwatches powered by Wear OS 5, bringing a host of new features designed to deliver personalised insights and tailored experiences, as well as staple functions like heart rate monitoring, an ECG, and blood pressure monitoring.
Equipped with the most powerful chip in the Galaxy Watch lineup, its first-ever 3nm processor, and a dual-frequency GPS system, the former seeks to enhance everyday wellness with Workout Routine, allowing users to accurately track over 100 workout and build routines by combining various exercises; Race, which compares current and past performance in real-time to track progress; and Body Composition, where comprehensive understanding of one’s body can be obtained through a complete body and fitness snapshot.
As for general wellness, the Galaxy Watch 7 runs a powerful sleep AI algorithm, offering insights in sleeping patterns and habits. Individuals can also expect Sleep Score and snoring analysis, new sleep metrics such as movement during sleep, sleep latency, heart and respiratory rate, Cycle Tracking for menstrual cycle monitoring, and Energy Score — a Galaxy AI-exclusive feature that gives recommendations based on the user’s physical state.
Building on these capabilities, the Galaxy Watch Ultra delivers more advanced fitness experiences with Functional Threshold Power (FTP) metrics for cyclists, Personalised HR Zone, and a new Multi-sports tile that allows for tracking across multi-course workouts. It comes decked out in a titanium grade 4 frame and offers 10ATM water resistance, with a new cushion design adding enhanced protection and comfort.
Other notable features include an Emergency Siren, a Night Mode, and a 100-hour battery life in Power Saving (48 hours in Exercise Power Saving). The 47mm smartwatch will retail for S$988 in Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Silver when it goes live.
Meanwhile, the Galaxy Watch 7 comes in two sizes and corresponding colours: 44mm (Green, Silver) and 40mm (Green, Cream). The former is priced at S$498 (Bluetooth) and S$598 (LTE), with the smaller model coming in at S$448 (Bluetooth) and S$548 (LTE).
As for the Samsung Buds 3 series, the standard and Pro models will be available at S$258 and S$358, respectively, in Silver and White. Pre-order for all devices are open now, two weeks before their official launch on 24 July.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Kevin Low
