Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 gain ECG and blood pressure monitoring in 31 new countries

Samsung has announced the Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 have gained ECG and blood pressure monitoring in 31 more countries. Users can take advantage of these health tracking features through Samsung’s Health Monitor app.

Samsung said its Health Monitor app received a CE-marking last month, allowing the service to expand to 28 European countries, where users can take advantage of blood pressure and electrocardiogram tracking. Receiving the marking denotes that a product complies with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.

The new countries include: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the UK. Samsung said the Health Monitor app is also being introduced in Chile, Indonesia, and the UAE.

Samsung previously made ECG monitoring available on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 in the U.S. after receiving FDA clearance. The electrocardiogram function can detect Atrial Fibrillation (AFib), which is often the cause of heart complications, including blood clots, failure, and stroke.

Samsung said the function works by analyzing the heart’s electrical activity via a sensor on its watches. Once a measurement is taken, the Health Monitor app will classify the results as a Sinus Rhythm (normal) or AFib, which is when the heart beats irregularly.

Meanwhile, monitoring your blood pressure and heart health is critical because high blood pressure is linked to brain, kidney, and heart disease. If untreated, it can lead to stroke and coronary heart disease. Blood pressure monitoring was previously made available in South Korea.

Using these features can provide users with a clearer picture of their overall health. Samsung said the Health Monitor app update will be available in these countries on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Galaxy Watch Active 2 beginning February 4.

If you own a non-Samsung phone, you can actually use ECG monitoring on the Galaxy Watch 3 and Watch Active 2 with some tinkering. It’s also fairly easy to enable blood pressure monitoring on the Watch Active 2 using this guide.

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[Update: Merged] Google prepares to decouple new emojis from Android system updates

Update 1 (01/26/2021 @ 1:53 PM ET): Google has merged the commits that enable updatable system fonts in Android, just in time for Android 12. Click here for more information. The article as published on November 24, 2020, is preserved below.

Emojis have become an integral part of our informal expression. These tiny graphical assets add emotions, intention, and character to mere words. The frequent addition of new emojis to the Unicode standard is testimony to their popularity. Whenever Unicode gets new emojis, we need to wait for an OS upgrade to reach our phones to bring support for the emoji, before we can actually make them a part of our internet lingo. Google seems to prepare to make this easier, as a few commits indicate that it is working on decoupling new emojis from Android system updates.

As it currently stands, all fonts on Android are currently stored in the system partition, and more specifically, under the /system/fonts directory. Emojis, in particular, are present within the file called NotoColorEmoji.ttf. The system partition is read-only, and updating any file within the partition requires a system update while the partition isn’t mounted. So the only way to get new fonts and new emojis is to wait for an official OTA update or install it yourself unofficially through root.

New commits have been spotted at the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) Gerrit that look to decouple font files away from needing an OS upgrade. Keep in mind that these commits have not been merged yet. We can glean their purpose from the commit descriptions:

Add /data/fonts/files directory:

The updated font files will be stored to /data/fonts/files and all application will read it for drawing text. Thus, /data/fonts/files needs to be readable by apps and only writable by system_server (and init).

Set up /data/fonts directory for updatable system fonts:

– /data/fonts/files The updated font files are placed in this directory. The files under this directory are readable by any apps. Only system_server can write font files to this directory.

– /data/fonts/config The font configuration used by system_server is stored in this directory. Only system_server can read/write this directory.

These commits essentially make it possible for the system_server process to write updated font files to the /data/fonts directory. The data partition is mounted as read-write, so with this change, Google is allowing only the system_server process the permission to write to this directory. All apps will then read the font and emoji files from this directory for drawing text. Thus, updated font files, and by extension new emojis, can be pushed to the phone without needing an entire OTA update for this purpose.

We reiterate that these commits have not been merged yet. Consequently, we aren’t sure when this change will happen. If these commits are merged within the next few months, we can see this change happen in Android 12.

Thanks to XDA Recognized Developer luca020400 for the tip!

---

Update 1: Possible support in Android 12

A few days ago, Google merged the commits that set up a /data/fonts directory for updatable system fonts. Since emojis are contained within a font file, this means new emojis can be added by pushing an updated font file to this directory instead of through a full system update. And since these commits were merged ahead of the stable release of Android 12 in a few months, it’s likely this updatable system font feature will be available in the upcoming Android release.

Thanks to @LinkofHyrule89 for the tip!

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Google Assistant will soon show your sleep data on smart displays

Google Assistant has quietly added a wellness section that will provide users with health and fitness data on smart displays. Wellness apparently replaces the “Sleep” section that Google introduced at the end of last year.

9to5Google was among the first to spot the new change, which is rolling out to Google Assistant users now. According to the new wellness section’s description, Assistant will show health information collected from connected health services.

Allow your Assistant to proactively show your information on your display devices from your connected health and fitness devices and services, like your exercise, nutrition, sleep, or wellness data. If you turn this setting on, anyone with access to the device can also see and interact with this information. If a device isn’t listed, you first need to turn on proactive results for that device.

The screenshots provided by 9to5Google reveal you can view wellness information on any smart display in your home, including the Nest Hub. If you have a smart display at your bedside, getting an overview of your health information could be a good way to see how you’re progressing toward a fitness goal.

Google Assistant started integrating wellness data from third-party services at the end of last year. The feature allowed Assistant to display information such as sleep data, exercise stats, and nutrition. For example, owners of the Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Sense could ask, “How much sleep did I get last night?”

As of now, it looks like Fitbit is the only service that can integrate with Assistant. That isn’t much of a surprise considering Google is close to finalizing its acquisition of Fitbit. However, the US Department of Justice is still investigating the deal, which is estimated to have cost Google #2.1 billion.

9to5Google speculates that being able to see wellness information feature could indicate Google is close to debuting its rumored Nest Hub with Soli. The updated smart display was rumored earlier this month and is said to offer sleep tracking features.

Google Assistant - Get things done, hands-free (Free, Google Play) →

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Sony’s Xperia PRO doubles as a 5G phone and 4K Camera Monitor for $2499

Nearly a year ago, Sony launched the Xperia 1 II, the company’s first flagship smartphone with 5G (sub-6GHz) connectivity. Alongside the Xperia 1 II, Sony also teased the Xperia PRO 5G which was said to pack support for 5G on both sub-6GHz and mmWave networks, but what was most interesting about the announcement was a mention of the phone’s micro HDMI port. With the right cable, the Xperia PRO can be turned into a professional 4K on-camera monitor. With flagship smartphone hardware and 5G connectivity, it can easily edit photos and broadcast video. One year after it was teased, the Xperia PRO 5G is finally going on sale in the U.S. through the Sony online store and B&H.

In a press release, B&H highlights the features offered by the Sony Xperia PRO 5G. The features it brings to the table for mobile content creators include support for both 4G LTE and 5G sub-6GHz/mmWave, a 6.5″ 21:9 CinemaWide 4K HDR AMOLED display, a micro HDMI input port, USB-C tethering from select cameras, a trio of 12MP cameras with different focal lengths (16/24/70mm), the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 mobile platform, an “endurance mode” to extend battery life during 5G mmWave usage, an IP65/68 water and dust resistance rating, and 512GB of internal storage that can be expanded by up to 1TB with a microSDXC card.

The base hardware is basically the same as the Xperia 1 II, but what sets the Xperia PRO apart is support for 5G mmWave connectivity and its micro HDMI input. According to AnandTech, the device features 4 mmWave antennas rather than the standard 2 or 3 found in other products. Coupled with a low dielectric constant material, Sony says its device will achieve much better, stable, and uniform reception, though keep in mind that mmWave coverage is still very limited within the U.S. Sony is offering a “specialized” Network Visualizer app that will help users test 5G signal strength so they can position their shot in the best location.

Though the utility of 5G mmWave will vary depending on location, the micro HDMI input will undoubtedly be useful for professional photographers and mobile content creators. The high-quality 6.5″ 3840 x 1644 HDR OLED display can compete with professional on-camera monitors from companies like SmallHD, and the fact that the phone can also broadcast video thanks to its flagship hardware and Android OS support means you won’t need a separate video streamer accessory. As AnandTech points out, though, the Xperia PRO lacks a few of the commonly found features in on-camera monitors such as waveforms or vectorscopes, and it also lacks camera control and status features. Hopefully, these features will be added in a future software update. We hope this is the case considering this device is priced at $2,499. That is definitely a steep price, but it may be worth it if you want an all-in-one video streamer, high-quality on-camera monitor, and flagship smartphone.

Sony Xperia PRO 5G

The Xperia PRO is a smartphone with 5G connectivity that also has a micro HDMI port so it can act as a monitor when connected to your camera. The price is steep at $2,499 as this is a niche product aimed at professional photographers and content creators.

Buy at B&H

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Here are the new productivity features added in the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7’s One UI 3.1 update

After rolling out the update in Korea last week, Samsung has announced the global rollout of One UI 3.1 based on Android 11 for the Galaxy Tab S7. The Tab S7 is Samsung’s flagship tablet product launched in August of 2020. It’s unquestionably the best Android tablet, and to some, possibly even the best tablet out there. Regardless of how you rank the tablet, it’s clear that software is one of its shortcomings compared to Apple’s iPad. The One UI 3.1 update hopes to further close that gap.

Over on the Samsung Newsroom, the company detailed the One UI 3.1 software update rolling out for the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+. The new software update is based on the stable Android 11 release from Google, but it adds a couple of nifty productivity features on top of the plethora of features already baked into Samsung’s One UI software.

For starters, Samsung says it’s now easier than ever to share content between your Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy S21. You can easily copy text and images on your smartphone and then paste the content onto your Tab S7 — and vice versa. Furthermore, you can more easily pick up where you left off in the Samsung Internet browser app or sync notes faster in Samsung Notes. These features are enabled with a setting called “continue apps on other devices” that is available on Galaxy smartphones and tablets running One UI 3.1, which currently only includes the Tab S7 and S21 series. Both devices will need to be signed into the same Samsung account, have Bluetooth enabled, and be located within 2m in order for the feature to work.

Next, Samsung has added its promised Second Screen feature with the One UI 3.1 update. With Second Screen, you can turn your Galaxy Tab S7 into an extra monitor for your Windows PC. You’ll have access to several modes to extend your screen space. For example, there’s your standard Extend mode to work across screens.

And there’s also a Duplicated mode to quickly shift files opened on your tablet to your PC and then sync any changes. Second Screen requires a WiDi (wireless display)-capable Windows 10 PC running Windows 10 v.2004 or later, which includes many Galaxy Book models. Third-party tools like Deskreen can enable this functionality on any tablet + PC combo, but these tools won’t feel as native as the integration between a Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 and a Samsung laptop.

Finally, the One UI 3.1 update enables Wireless Keyboard Sharing on the Samsung Galaxy Tab S7. With this feature, you can connect your Book Cover Keyboard to a compatible smartphone and tablet and seamlessly switch between the two with a simple key combo. By pressing the ‘Cmd’ and ‘Lang’ keys, you can switch between input on the Galaxy Tab S7 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra, for example. This feature is supported on Galaxy devices running One UI 3.1, which as previously mentioned, currently only includes the Tab S7 and S21 series. It also only works with the official Samsung Book Cover keyboard, which is quite pricy.

Actually, there’s just one more feature to mention. It’s called Auto Switch and it involves Samsung’s new Galaxy Buds Pro true wireless earbuds. The feature allows the Galaxy Buds Pro to automatically switch to the source with actively playing media or an incoming phone call. The reason this feature is included in this changelog is that Active Switch only works when your Galaxy Buds Pro is paired to Galaxy devices running One UI 3.1 or above — which, you guessed it, includes the Galaxy Tab S7 and Galaxy S21. If you don’t have the Buds Pro but rather Samsung’s older Buds+ or Buds Live, then you’ll be happy to know this feature will arrive in a future firmware update. Once it does arrive, you’ll be able to toggle it with the “Automatically Switch to Other Devices” setting in your accessory’s respective app.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S7 Series Forums

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Amazon Alexa can now turn off lights for you based on proactive hunches

Amazon’s Alexa has gained the ability to proactively perform actions without you even asking.

According to The Verge, Alexa can do things like turn off lights based on your habits and frequent requests. Amazon is calling the feature “proactive Hunches” and says the goal is to provide users with an experience where they have fewer things to think about at home.
“Customers can choose to have Alexa proactively act on Hunches without needing to ask,” a YouTube video from Amazon reads. “For example, Alexa will proactively turn off the lights, adjust the thermostat, turn down the water heater, or start the robotic vacuum when Alexa has a hunch that everyone is away from home or asleep.”

Amazon first detailed Hunches all the way back in 2018, but back then, Alexa would first ask users before performing an action such as turning off the porch light. Before today’s update, Alexa’s Hunches were more like reminders. Now, Alexa can just act.

If you’re the forgetful type, Hunches could really come in handy in situations where you forget to turn on/off a smart home device. When the feature was first introduced by Amazon, the company promised Hunches would get smarter over time, and it looks like it kept that promise.

Whether you want Alexa turning smart home devices on or off automatically is up to you. If you want Alexa to take proactive action on Hunches, you can turn the feature on through the Alexa app. You can learn more about Hunches by saying, “Alexa, what are Hunches?”

Amazon has introduced a couple of Alexa features over the last few months that take its intelligence to the next level. In addition to Hunches, the company revealed a feature at the end of last year related to “latent goals.” Essentially, if you asked a question about how long to steep tea, Alexa would answer and then follow it up with a question like, “Shall I boil the kettle?”

Based on the way things are going, our homes will be so automated we won’t have to lift a finger to do anything.

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trinamiX’s new software paves the way for under-display facial recognition

trinamiX GmbH, a subsidiary of the German chemical company BASF, today introduced that its 3D imaging solution for secure facial recognition now works behind OLED displays. As demand increases for mobile devices with larger screens and smaller bezels, smartphone makers are turning to solutions that make the display transparent so they can move sensors like the front-facing camera underneath the display. Currently, the first generation of smartphones with under-display camera hardware does not support secure facial recognition, but trinamiX hopes its software will make this possible.

The company says its patented Beam Profile Analysis technology can detect if the person in front of the device is real, even if the person is attempting to bypass facial recognition by using a high-quality 3D printed full-face mask. The system runs data captured from a standard CMOS sensor and near-infrared light projector through the company’s material detection algorithm in order to detect real human skin. This material detection technology can also be trained for differentiating between other classes of materials as it is not limited to only skin classification. However, trinamiX is targeting its system on skin classification as there is a lot of demand for improving facial recognition, especially in our mask-wearing COVID-19 era.

While 3D facial recognition already exists on smartphones like the iPhone 12 and Pixel 4, it doesn’t yet exist on any smartphones with an under-display camera system. The ZTE Axon 20 5G, for instance, features an under-display camera, but the camera quality leaves a lot to be desired. “The challenge in making under display camera and face unlock work is that the cathode layer, a thin layer of metal that covers the entire surface of the display, absorbs a lot of light, particularly in the wavelength range required for the face unlock sensors to function,” explains Michael Helander of OTI Lumionics, a company which is developing a material it calls the “ConducTorr Cathode Patterning Material” for use in next-generation mobile devices with under-display cameras. A standard CMOS sensor and near-infrared light projector placed underneath an OLED display necessarily mean loss of light, but trinamiX says that its skin classification algorithm can still work with some loss in quality to detect real faces.

trinamiX says its 3D imaging solution is not ready for products yet, but the company is in talks with module manufacturers and smartphone OEMs to license its software. The company is also working with SoC vendor Qualcomm to ensure this technology works on Snapdragon platforms. In testing, unlock speeds were as fast as 0.2 seconds on a Snapdragon 855 test platform, with a false acceptance rate (FAR), false rejection rate (FRR), and spoof acceptance rate (SAR) of 1/1,000,000, 0.5%, and ≤0.1% respectively. The company says its technology supports Android 10 and above and runs on a Qualcomm secure environment — a necessity for storing sensitive facial recognition data. The goal is to bring this technology to the end consumer in 2022, we’re told.

Besides 3D imaging, trinamiX is exploring other sensor systems. Late last month, the company announced its mobile NIR spectroscopy solution. A small infrared sensing module collects data that is then processed by Qualcomm’s Sensing Hub in smartphones powered by Snapdragon chipsets, enabling on-the-go near-infrared spectroscopy. The company’s analytical models and “extensive know-how about molecules” are being applied towards scanning skin on a molecular level, at least initially, thus the initial applications of their mobile spectroscopy solution will focus on daily skincare. This technology has yet to be commercialized, though, and there’s also no word on when we’ll see the first smartphone with this solution.

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