Samsung’s ECG monitoring app goes live on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 in the US

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 users in the United States patiently waiting to use their smartwatches’ electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor don’t have to wait any longer. After getting FDA clearance for its ECG monitoring app in August, Samsung on Wednesday announced the functionality is rolling out to both smartwatches. ECG capabilities were previously made available to users in South Korea.

The feature will allow Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 owners to monitor their heart rhythm for irregularities, according to Samsung, and detect irregularities such as Atrial Fibrillation (AFib). To take a reading, place your fingertip on the top button, and your watch will record an ECG. Samsung recommends users be seated when testing.

Once a reading is recorded, users can log symptoms, such as fatigue or dizziness, and view a PDF report in Samsung’s Health Monitor app when connected to a Galaxy-branded phone. According to Samsung, the ECG feature isn’t meant for users with known arrhythmias or for anyone under 22 years old. The feature also doesn’t detect heart attacks. “Users should not interpret or take clinical action based on the device output without consultation of a qualified professional,” Samsung warns. “The ECG Monitor app is not intended to replace traditional methods of diagnosis or treatment and is for information purpose only.”

In addition to ECG monitoring, Samsung also points to the Galaxy Watch 3’s ability to monitor blood oxygen levels, which was first detailed in an update in August. Monitoring your blood oxygen levels will allow you to track how well your respiratory system is transferring oxygen into the bloodstream. Apple’s recently announced Watch Series 6 introduced a similar feature.

The addition of ECG monitoring in the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Active 2 rounds out what are excellent wearables from Samsung. The wearables can track your sleep, provide fitness feedback, and track your workouts, among other features. The Galaxy Watch 3 is available from Samsung’s website for $369 as of this writing, $30 off its usual $399 price. Samsung is also gearing up to launch the Galaxy Watch 3 in titanium on October 2 for $599.

Samsung Galaxy Watch 3

The Galaxy Watch 3 is arguably the best smartwatch to pair with an Android phone, and it doesn't even run Android itself.

Buy at Samsung

Galaxy Watch 3 Specs

Specifications	Samsung Galaxy Watch 3
Dimensions & Weight	41mm: 41.0 x 42.5 x 11.3 mm, 48g 45mm: 45.0 x 46.2 x 11.1mm, 53g
Display	41mm: 1.2″ Super AMOLED Corning Gorilla Glass DX 45mm: 1.4″ Super AMOLED Corning Gorilla Glass DX
Watchband size	Large: 22.0 x 130.0 x 9.4mm Small: 20.0 x 115.0 x 9.4mm
Memory	1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage
Connectivity	LTE Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz Bluetooth v5.0
Other features	2 physical buttons Rotating bezel Mic Linear Motor Speaker
Sensors	8 LED photoplethysmography (PPG) Electrocardiogram (ECG) Accelerometer (up to 32G) Gyroscope Barometer Ambient light
NFC Payments	Yes, Samsung Pay
Battery	41mm: 247mAh 45mm: 340mAh
Durability	5ATM + IP68/ MIL-STD-810G
OS	Tizen Based Wearable OS 5.5

The post Samsung’s ECG monitoring app goes live on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 in the US appeared first on xda-developers.