This month marks a pivotal moment for Samsung with the unveiling of two groundbreaking folding phones: the Galaxy Z Fold 7 and the Galaxy Z Flip 7. The exciting launch took place at a vibrant event in New York City, where the tech giant also introduced its latest smartwatches, the Galaxy Watch 8 and Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, in a bid to rival the popular Apple Watch Series 10.
The Galaxy Watch 8 series stands out by offering innovative health features, including an antioxidant level check, vascular monitoring during sleep, and for the very first time in a smartwatch, detection of an ectopic heartbeat. These enhancements confirm that Samsung is firmly committed to advancing health technology in wearables.
One of the standout features of the Galaxy Watch 8 is Samsung’s One UI Watch 8 interface, built on the Wear OS 6 platform. This collaboration emphasizes AI capabilities, particularly with the introduction of Google Gemini, which I’ve had the chance to use extensively in recent weeks.
The First Smartwatch Preloaded with Gemini
What’s noteworthy is that the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is the first smartwatch to come preloaded with Google’s Gemini. Although not the first smartwatch featuring Gemini (that distinction goes to the recently released Pixel Watch 3), the integration on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic allows seamless access to functionality.
Gemini operates on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic just like it does on your Android device. It’s surprisingly well-optimized for the 1.34-inch display, and the rotating bezel provides an intuitive way to navigate through longer responses. Personally, I’ve found it incredibly useful for various tasks, from checking the weather to controlling home lighting and even navigating to new locations.
Does the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Enhance the AI Experience?
A significant aspect is that the Gemini app on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic relies on connectivity with your smartphone, leading to questions about whether Google and Samsung will eventually provide a standalone version for cellular smartwatches. This capability will be essential to fully unlock the potential of smartwatches in the AI realm.
The Smartwatch Form Factor: Tailored for AI Assistants
One of my recurring frustrations with AI assistants is their inconsistency. During my experience with various phones, I noticed that Gemini was moderately responsive when prompted but often struggled when competing with other devices in the vicinity. However, the wrist-based nature of a smartwatch provides a distinct advantage. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic keeps Gemini listening at all times, and remarkably, the battery life remains unaffected.
With a two-day battery life and a quick charging time of just 90 minutes, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic strikes a practical balance. Disabling unnecessary notifications can extend its longevity even further, keeping it functional throughout your day.
Smartwatches and AI: A Symbiotic Relationship
While it’s true you might not always have your phone on hand, a smartwatch like the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is something you are likely to wear constantly. This easily accessible form factor allows for greater AI utility, transforming your smartwatch into an essential tool throughout your day.
The potential of smartwatches has often centered around fitness tracking and notifications, yet the evolution towards AI applications could broaden their relevance. As the smart home landscape continues to develop, integrating smart assistants directly into wristworn devices might bridge the gap that many manufacturers have struggled with in recent years.
Can Smartwatches Support Gemini Live?
Initially, using Gemini Live on the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic made me wonder if a return to integrated cameras in smartwatches was on the horizon. However, after two weeks of usage, I’ve come to understand that a camera isn’t necessary for genuinely engaging interactions. Gemini Live, which allows users to share screens and get immediate assistance, can thrive independently of a camera in a smartwatch.
How Does Gemini on Smartwatches Differentiate from Other Devices?
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic’s approach to implementing Gemini provides a superior alternative to existing AI devices. Its inherent portability means you don’t need yet another gadget on hand. With a functional display, it effectively balances utility and ease of use, accommodating seamless AI interactions without compromising the watch’s core functions.
It might not be perfect for every user, but the integration of Gemini into smartwatches clearly enhances their functionality. The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, powered by Gemini, truly pushes the boundaries of what we can expect from these devices.
Are smartwatches becoming the new frontier for AI assistants? As AI integration continues to grow, one can only imagine the possibilities the future may hold.
For more insights and updates on technology, trends, and devices, continue exploring our content at Moyens I/O.