Samsung has announced new value pack update to Gear S3 and Gear Sport which brings Galaxy Watch functions. The update brings 20 indoor workouts, allowing the smartwatch to track 39 different types of exercise. The update also simplifies the sleep notifications that users receive when they wake up in the morning.
Of the new 39 types of exercises, eight workouts are listed as default and users are able to customize the list to display their exercises of choice. The devices can also record a series of exercises in succession and these back-to-back workouts are available to view at a glance immediately after a workout. As for the sleep notifications, users receive when they wake up in the morning with a “View Detail” button that offers a more detailed breakdown of their sleep time, three-movement states and weekly record. Sleep Widget is also supported, providing a brief log of the previous night’s sleep.
The Quick Panel displays eight settings, modes or icons at a time, and can be customized according to user preferences. Users can now choose from even more items to display on the Quick Panel, including BT Headset and Find My Phone, facilitating more efficient device interactions. To prevent disturbances during important events or sleep, Samsung has added two new advanced modes to the Quick Panel selection.
Theater Mode keeps the watch silent and its screen off, muting all alerts, alarms and system sounds, ensuring users give their full attention to their surroundings. Goodnight Mode mutes all alerts, except for alarms and system sounds, and turns off Watch always on and Wake-up gesture. The two modes can be controlled at the Settings.
Support for Multimedia Message (MMS) has also been enhanced, with MMS images displayed in notifications. The update also supports automatic playback for animated images in a message or conversation. To help users craft responses, previous messages in the conversation are shown to provide context and reply options are displayed directly below, streamlining the process with no need to tap again to reply. The device will also display the nine most-recently-used emojis so that users can respond to messages using their favorite emojis within moments.
For the Gear S3 only, which is equipped with the call function, the update also supports in-call multitasking. This allows users to navigate away from the call screen, use other features and open other apps. Samsung also mentioned that new partnerships are coming to the Gear S3 and Gear Sport.
The devices now provide a standalone experience, tracking a range of outdoor and indoor activities on the wearable and syncing directly with the Strava app. It is also bringing support for the TIDAL app allowing users to access their favorite tracks and playlists. The Gear S3 Value Pack update is now available for download via the Samsung Galaxy Wearable app.