Multiple reports tell us that Samsung has announced its plans to roll out the Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification (IHRN) feature on its Galaxy Watches through the Samsung Health Monitor app.
This feature recently received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and will be integrated into the upcoming One UI 5 Watch software update.
Samsung's Irregular Heart Rhythm Notification Feature
With the IHRN feature, Samsung aims to detect irregular heart rhythms and alert users to the potential risks associated with conditions like atrial fibrillation (AFib).
Atrial fibrillation is a critical condition that can lead to blood clots in the heart, increasing the risk of stroke, heart failure, and other heart-related complications.
By combining the IHRN feature with the existing ECG feature on Galaxy Watches, users can monitor their heart health more comprehensively.
The Galaxy Watch utilizes the Samsung BioActive Sensor, which incorporates features like ECG and HR Alert to give users insights into their heart rate patterns.
New Samsung Features Coming Soon
Samsung plans to roll out the IHRN feature in 13 markets, including the United States and South Korea.
The feature will be introduced in Argentina, Azerbaijan, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Georgia, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Panama, and the UAE.
However, the feature's availability may vary by market and carrier, limiting its accessibility to users worldwide.
The initial release of the IHRN feature will be exclusive to the new Galaxy Watch Series 6 models, set to be launched later this year alongside the One UI 5 Watch update.
Subsequently, Samsung plans to extend the feature to older Galaxy Watch models over time, allowing a broader user base to benefit from this heart health monitoring capability.
The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) also approved the IHRN feature earlier this month, according to XDA, paving the door for its introduction in Samsung's home market.
A Closer Look at Samsung's IHRN Feature
Samsung emphasizes that the IHRN feature is not intended to replace professional medical care but rather to serve as a tool for users to keep track of their heart health between doctor visits.
By providing timely notifications of irregular heart rates, users can seek appropriate medical advice and potentially address underlying cardiovascular issues before they escalate.
While Samsung's IHRN feature is a notable addition to the company's health platform, it is not the first wearable to offer such capabilities.
The Global Smartwatch Market
Apple introduced an electrocardiogram feature with the Apple Watch Series 4 in 2018, and Google's Pixel Watch incorporates AFib detection within the Fitbit ECG app.
The global smartwatch market is rapidly expanding and is projected to reach $64 billion in 2023. The Apple Watch currently leads the market with a 33.6% share in the final quarter of 2022.
Analysts suggest that having a compelling smartwatch is crucial for smartphone manufacturers to retain customer loyalty and keep users within their brand's ecosystem.
With Samsung's forthcoming integration of the IHRN feature on Galaxy Watches, users can access an additional tool for monitoring their heart health and potentially detecting underlying cardiovascular conditions.
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