Samsung has released the One UI 8 Watch Beta, offering Galaxy Watch users a preview of new health and wellness tools. Currently available for select Galaxy Watch models, this beta introduces advanced features aimed at improving sleep, heart health, running performance, and nutrition habits. Here’s a detailed look at what’s new, with clear explanations and easier reading to help you stay informed.
A Smarter Running Coach for All Levels
The standout feature in One UI 8 Watch Beta is the Running Coach. Designed especially for beginners, it offers real-time guidance and personalized motivation. After a quick 12-minute run, your watch analyzes your running performance and ranks it on a scale of 1 to 10. Based on this, it creates a custom training plan for 5K, 10K, half-marathon, or full marathon goals.
This tool doesn’t just help you run better — it helps you run smarter. Many new runners either push too hard and risk injury, or don’t push enough to grow. According to a post on SamMobile, “The Running Coach ensures safe, steady progress.” This feature was highlighted as part of Samsung’s fitness tracking improvements.
Note: For now, this feature is only available on the Galaxy Watch 7 series or newer, but that may change as the beta expands.
Bedtime Guidance: Smarter Sleep Planning
Samsung continues its focus on sleep health with Bedtime Guidance. This feature studies your past three days of sleep patterns, circadian rhythm, and sleep pressure. Using this data, it recommends the best bedtime to help you feel alert and well-rested the next day.
This is especially helpful for people with irregular sleep schedules, such as shift workers or frequent travelers. According to Droid Life, “It encourages healthy sleep routines using real insights from your body’s sleep behavior.”
Vascular Load: Measuring Heart Health During Sleep
Another new addition is the Vascular Load feature. Your Galaxy Watch now tracks how much stress your vascular system is under while you sleep. This is a key indicator of cardiovascular health.
The vascular system circulates oxygen and nutrients throughout your body. Normally, your vascular load should drop while you sleep. If it doesn’t—or if it fluctuates too much—it may point to stress, poor sleep, or heart-related issues.
To get accurate insights, wear your watch while sleeping for at least three nights within a 14-day window.
Antioxidant Index: A Glimpse Into Your Nutrition
The Antioxidant Index is a brand-new Labs feature using the BioActive Sensor in your watch. This tool measures carotenoid levels in your skin in just five seconds. Carotenoids are antioxidants found in green and orange fruits and vegetables.
This reading gives a clear snapshot of how much antioxidant-rich food you’re consuming. It can also help you understand how lifestyle factors—like stress, alcohol, smoking, poor sleep, or UV exposure—affect your body’s defense against free radicals.
To use this feature, place your thumb on the sensor and hold for five seconds. The watch then calculates your antioxidant score, giving you real-time feedback on your diet.
What’s Next for One UI 8 Watch
This beta release gives us a solid preview of what’s coming with the official launch of One UI 8 Watch, expected to debut with the Galaxy Watch 8 series. Samsung also plans to roll out these features to older models in the coming weeks.
While the current focus is on health and fitness upgrades, more changes—such as UI improvements, app updates, and deeper ecosystem integrations—are expected to be announced soon.
Samsung continues to push forward its mission of holistic health. As Dr. Hon Pak, Head of Digital Health at Samsung MX, explains:
“Sleep remains a cornerstone of our approach to health. It affects physical and mental well-being, relationships, and even work. With One UI 8 Watch, we aim to deliver sleep-centered insights that lead to real lifestyle improvements.”
How to Get the Beta
You can enroll in the One UI 8 Watch Beta through the Samsung Members app, though availability may vary depending on region and device. Since this is still in testing, some features may not be live or may only work on specific Galaxy Watch models.
In Summary
With One UI 8 Watch Beta, Samsung continues to transform its Galaxy Watches into powerful health companions. From personalized running guidance to insights into sleep and nutrition, this update helps users build better daily habits. Whether you’re training for a marathon or just trying to sleep better, there’s something new for everyone.
