The ECG function of Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is one of the highlights of this new smartwatch series. However, this is not as simple as enabling it on the device. Before use, Samsung needs to pass some approval procedures in each country. The latest country to obtain a license to enable ECG sensors is Taiwan. Therefore, users of smart watches should have a software update sometime in November this year.
According to SAM Mobile, the ECG function will be released on the Galaxy Watch 4 through a software update released later this month. Once enabled, users will be able to monitor their heart rate and detect signs of atrial fibrillation from their wearable devices, warning of course that this will not be as good as actual medical devices. This is after Samsung is able to obtain regulatory approval from Taiwan, the device can fully enable all functions.
Samsung hopes that enabling the ECG function will increase the sales of Galaxy Watch 4 in Taiwan. The new smartwatch series already provides many functions, but having an ECG function will still enhance its value. They provide incentives for those who want to buy new smart watches but need to get rid of existing smart watches. They can trade with old equipment in any Samsung Smart Hall or Samsung Mall before December 31, and they will receive an original transaction value of NT$2,000.
The Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 4 Classic versions that only support Bluetooth are sold online in Taiwan, starting at NT$8,990 (US$323) and NT$11,990 (US$427), respectively. They also sell a limited edition Maison Kitsuné Edition for NT$11,990 (US$427). This is the first smartwatch to run on the updated Wear OS platform, which is a partner of Google and Samsung. The previous Galaxy smart watches ran on Tizen.
As for where the Galaxy Watch 4 will enable ECG next, it is still unknown. The approval process in some countries/regions may take some time, and some countries/regions can grant approval almost immediately after publishing. This means that it is difficult to predict where the ECG will appear next.