One UI Watch 5 Beta 1 has been released for Galaxy Watches

Samsung Galaxy smartwatches have recently seen the launch of the much-anticipated One UI Watch 5 Beta, promising substantial upgrades to the device lineup. This article explores the details and new features introduced in the first beta release of One UI Watch 5.

The previous operating system version, One UI Watch 4, launched last year in tandem with the Galaxy Watch 5 series. Experts anticipate the official release of One UI Watch 5 to occur similarly this year, likely alongside the Galaxy Watch 6 series​.

The initial beta release of One UI Watch 5 is now accessible for the Galaxy Watch 4, Galaxy Watch 4 Classic, Galaxy Watch 5, and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. Samsung made the official announcement of this release in its community forum, where it also plans to announce any upcoming beta builds.

The beta program is currently available only in the United States and South Korea. Owners of Galaxy Watches from the last two years residing in these regions can participate in the beta program through the Samsung Members app.

The One UI Watch 5 Beta introduces a plethora of changes and enhancements. Some of the key features include:

• Watch faces and tiles: The update enables easier addition of watch faces and tiles, thanks to a new vertical layout. The Buds controller tile is now improved, and users can activate 360 audio if their Buds support it. Users can also initiate timers directly from the new Timer tile, bypassing the need to open the Timer app. Additionally, users can set an album or story as their watch face, with the watch face cycling through different images each time the screen is turned on​.
• Samsung Health: The app can now automatically detect and record cycling workouts. Users can also choose to auto-map their cycling routes. For running workouts, the watch can now provide personalized heart rate zones to help manage exercise intensity.
• Backup and restore: The update introduces automatic backup of files and data from the watch to the connected phone. Backups can also be saved to Samsung Cloud. To use this feature, the connected phone requires the latest version of the Smart Switch app.
• Control your phone: The update provides increased call controls from the watch, allowing users to adjust call volume, mute sound, and press keypad buttons.
• Additional changes: The update also includes the ability to dictate text via the Home button, use multiple timers simultaneously, share medical information in emergencies, and monitor the status of the watch’s battery, storage, and memory. Users can now control the watch without touching the screen or pressing a button through universal gestures. The update also allows users to organize apps in folders for quicker access and less scrolling​.

Overall One UI Watch 5 Beta 1 introduces several innovative features and improvements, enhancing the overall user experience for Galaxy smartwatch owners. This beta release signifies a promising glimpse into the future of Samsung’s smartwatch technology.