Samsung has placed a lot of emphasis on improved sleep tracking with a new one Galaxy watch 5. There is even a new infrared temperature sensor in the phone that will read your skin temperature and can provide useful data for building a better sleep tracking model. This means that this may be when we can finally use the sensor.
Unfortunately, the implementation of the new sensor in the US has been delayed and it is currently not active on new devices. Sometimes it happens with new health-related functions and the promises they make.
Samsung has not provided any explanation as to why the feature was included with the new device and mentioned at launch but is currently not active for buyers. The company only said the feature would be available “in the near future” and explained to ours friends at Tom’s Guide how the sensor will help in monitoring sleep.
Why sleep temperature?
Traditionally, wearables have used a variety of sensors to track sleep, summing the data at the end and using intelligent analysis to determine when you are sleeping. Smartwatches use motion sensors, heart rate monitors, and even microphones to listen to your sleep patterns.
Neither one is perfect, but as sensors improve, and manufacturers add new sensors for more data points, watches and wearables better determine when we sleep. However, only comprehensive polysomnographic examination – one that measures brain, circulatory and lung function – can really tell us how we sleep.
The temperature sensor in the Galaxy Watch 5 will help the watch advise you on how to sleep better. Our bodies naturally cool down at night, so the temperature sensor will be able to tell if the surroundings are cool or hot enough to affect your sleep.
Fitbit benefits from detailed temperature tracking on devices like the Fitbit Versa, and even simpler devices offer a snapshot of the average temperature after you fall asleep. On their Fitbit website explains temperature detection (opens in a new tab)and Lindsey Sunden, Fitbit’s director of physiological detection, says: “If you notice skin temperature peaks at night, it could mean that overheating is disrupting your sleep.”
Samsung says users need to wear the watch to sleep for seven days and then complete a survey about their sleep habits. By tracking your skin temperature over the course of this week, Samsung Health creates a basal temperature profile while you sleep. Then Samsung may suggest how to improve your sleep.
Who else is taking your temperature?
There are other useful apps for the skin temperature sensor on the wearable device, and Samsung says it will be open to third-party developers. Monitoring your temperature can help you recover from exercise and even detect the onset of illness. The latter can, of course, be a moot point for government health regulators.
Apple must still contain temperature detection on your Apple Watch. We’ve seen temperature sensors on many wearables in the market, especially from Fitbit and Huawei. The Oura’s Ring It also tracks temperature with other sleep data.
We are working with new Samsung watches for ours official reviewbut you can take a closer look at our explanation page Galaxy watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro to see what makes these new smartwatches work.
If you want to see everything Samsung has shown on Unpacked, check out our extensive range.