Samsung's new smart watch has blood pressure function

Samsung has followed the example of Apple and launched a smart watch with a focus on improving the wearer’s health.

But unlike its rival, which has marketed a watch that provides an electrocardiogram function, Samsung has opted to provider a feature that measures a wearer’s blood pressure.

Starting on 15 March, users will be able to download My BP Lab, a research app jointly developed with the University of California, San Francisco to their Galaxy Watch Active.

Samsung said the app will help wearers monitor blood pressure and keep better track of their physical health.

The app is still in beta testing and will initially only be available in five countries – the US, Singapore, Australia, Canada, and Germany.

While the Apple Watch can provide a blood pressure reading, it needs a third-party connected device and a dedicated app.

Omron’s Heartguide watch launched at last month’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), and is described as the first FDA-approved smart watch capable of monitoring blood pressure in the US.

Samsung's watch also has an Everyday Peace of Mind app to help manage stress, through breathing exercises, and an Easy Fitness Tracking app that automatically detects whether the wearer has gone for a run, bike ride, row, started to use an elliptical trainer, or begun a dynamic workout.

Samsung has also launched another health wearable – its slimmer Galaxy Fit is aimed at fitness enthusiasts from casual runners to athletes and incorporates the fitness tracking functionality available on the Galaxy Watch.

In January, Alphabet’s life sciences subsidiary Verily also got its ECG watch function approved by the FDA, intensifying the competition for smart watches with health benefits.

Withings, formerly the health technology division of Nokia, also debuted its ECG-equipped smart watch at CES.

The Move ECG has three electrodes to take measurements – two inside the back of the watch and a third in the bezel.