Samsung has announced a new smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch Active2, targeting the fitness and wellness market and with optional LTE connectivity. Available with a 40- or 44-mm face in aluminium or steel casing, the watch is rolling out in the coming weeks starting at EUR 299.
The LTE option will be available only with the more expensive stainless steel models, which come with a leather strap rather than the plastic on the aluminium versions. The watches run Samsung's Tizen OS and Exynos 9110 dual-core processor and feature super Amoled displays with Corning Gorilla Glass. They can be paired with both Android and iOS phones and come with additional features such as camera controls and wireless charging when paired with a premium Samsung Galaxy smartphone.
Samsung upgraded its rotating bezel on the new watches so users can turn both clockwise and counter-clockwise to advance screens and select apps. The One UI was also upgraded to offer a more simpler user experience for navigation, as is the Galaxy Wearable app to colour-coordinate the watch face with the user's outfit.
Other apps include tracking a choice of up to 39 workouts, including running, walking, cycling, swimming, rowing machine, elliptical machine and dynamic workouts; a Running Coach with a choice of seven programmes; health sensors on the back of the device to check vitals such as heart rate; and Samsung Health, including access to sleep and meditation programmes through integraion with the Calm app. The device also integrates with the rest of the Samsung ecosystem, through Samsung Pay, Bixby and SmartThings.
