While the world of smartphones is expanding by the minute, smartwatches seem to be taking a backseat. From potentially being a revolutionary invention in the world of technology to being luxury accessories only the super enthusiasts buy, it’s been a steady decline.

Despite the appalling state of the market, Apple has managed to rise against the odds and nick a big chunk of the market share. Android/non-iOS manufacturers, on the other hand, have been struggling to manufacture worthy competitors to the Apple Watch, since inception.

South Korean OEM, Samsung, is one of the very few companies to keep at it despite the overwhelming odds. The company uses Tizen OS on its range of Galaxy Watch devices, which brings a healthy balance of performance and battery health. Currently, Samsung has three Galaxy Watches on the market — Galaxy Watch, Galaxy Watch Active, and Galaxy Watch Active 2.

In this piece, we’ll talk all about the latest updates for the Galaxy Watch family and keep you informed about all the occurrences in the Watch lineup.

Latest News

February 13, 2020: Good news, Sprint users! The US carrier is finally adding VoLTE support to the Galaxy Watch 42mm (R815U) Rose Gold and Galaxy Watch 46mm (R805U) Black & Silver through an OTA update through software version SL2.

December 25, 2019: Samsung has started rolling out an update for Galaxy Watch users in the UAE. Carrying software version R800XXU1DSL1, the 117MB OTA improves the Bixby assistant, adds new watch face complications, adds a new watch face My Style, which picks a watch face based on your outfit; and more.

November 19, 2019: Samsung has released a sizeable software update for the Galaxy Watch Active. The update, which carries software version R500XXU1DSK3, brings a new version of Tizen OS — Tizen 4.0.0.7 — laden with a bunch of additions and improvements. Here is the complete list of changes according to Samsung’s release notes:

  • Touch bezel added – Allow user to mimic the experience of rotary bezel in digital which allows for easier navigation and control of watch
  •  Watch faces: Additional Watch Face Complications added.
    (Begin Workout, Breathing and others.)
  • Added new watch face ‘My Style’ which recommends variety of watch faces that suits outfit by taking picture of clothing
  • Additional indicator feature in watch face to show background running app such as workout tracking, timer.  Tapping on the indicator will take you back to the app
  • Additional emoticons to provide variety of skin tones
  • Improved User Interaction for the following features:
    – Always on Display screen is easier to read while on charging or in battery saving mode
    – Customizing the order of icons in quick panel is easier
  • Samsung Health improvement
    – Lap time tracking has been improved for running and cycling activities
    – Data sync via NFC with Technogym workout equipments have been added

Galaxy Watch Update Timeline

Release date Software version — Changelog
25 Dec 2019 R800XXU1DSL1 (NA) — Improved Bixby assistant, Additional watch face complications, ‘My Style’ watch face chooser, and more.
19 Jul 2019 R800XXU1CSG4 (Tizen 4.0.0.4) — Improved Swim tracking, improved system stability, disable automatic sing of alarm with paired smartwatch
20 May 2019 R800XXU1CSE1 (Tizen 4.0.0.4) — New Tizen OS update; improved settings and usability, battery optimization
24 Jan 2019 R800XXU1BSA4 (Tizen 4.0.0.1) — Improved battery life, improved reliability of heartrate monitor, stability improvements

Galaxy Watch Active Update Timeline

Release date Software version — Changelog
19 Nov 2019 R500XXU1DSK3 (Tizen 4.0.0.7) — Tizen OS update, Touch Bezel, New watch faces, Improved Samsung Health, Improved user interface, and more
14 Aug 2019 R500XXU1CSH3 (Tizen 4.0.0.5) — Improved Swim tracking, improved system stability
23 Jul 2019 R500XXU1CSG6 (Tizen 4.0.0.5) — Tizen OS update, new Bixby, Samsung Health improvements, Goodnight Mode UI, App tray UI simplification, disable automatic sing of alarm with paired smartwatch
09 Apr 2019 R500XXU1BSD3 (Tizen 4.0.0.3) — Improved battery charging algorithm

Galaxy Watch Active 2 Update Timeline

Release date Software version — Changelog
27 Sep 2019 R820XXU1BSI9 — Improved accuracy of battery meter; GPS bug fixes and performance improvements, touch bezel on by default

Verizon Galaxy Watch Active 2 Update Timeline

Release date Software version — Changelog
22 Oct 2019 ASHH — Improved GPS performance, Touch Bezel turned on by default
Full software version: R825USQU1ASHH (44mm) | R835USQU1ASHH (40mm)

What is the latest version installed on your Galaxy Watch?

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