Galaxy Watch5 Series temperature-based female health tracking starts rolling out
The latest update for the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 introduces changes to bring temperature-based female health tracking and full One UI 5.1 support.
Natural Cycles and Samsung Electronics had announced a linkup to bring advanced temperature-based menstrual cycle tracking to the Galaxy Watch5 series last month. The Natural Cycles’ algorithm was set to be made available on a smartwatch for the first time as a result of the collaboration.
This will also mark the first time the Samsung temperature sensor is used. To remind, the Watch5 series was released about 6 months ago, and despite being confirmed at launch, the company has yet to activate the feature.
The temperature sensor will eventually be used to monitor your skin temperature from the wrist while you sleep. This is similar to how other companies, such as Fitbit and Whoop, have implemented the feature. Absolute values are not available. Instead, a fundamental baseline is established. Then you’ll get a chart and statistics showing how far you deviate from your norm. This can be used to detect changes in your core body temperature.
Cycle tracking with the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series
But before we see that, the skin temperature sensor will be used for cycle tracking. And now, this is starting to roll out as part of Health smartphone app version 6.23.3.003.
The feature gives users a comprehensive understanding of their menstrual cycle as well as the ability to track it easily from their wrist. The existing Women’s health has been changed to Cycle tracking in the smartphone app.
Natural Cycles bills itself as a company dedicated to advancing women’s health through cutting-edge fertility technology. They’ve created the world’s first app that uses an algorithm to determine a user’s unique fertility status. As mentioned, this is based on body temperature and other key fertility indicators. The Natural Cycles app has already helped millions of women all over the world regain control of their fertility.
All of this sounds very similar to the functionality introduced by the Apple Watch a number of months back. Temperature is an important indicator for those who ovulate because it indicates ovulation through a biphasic shift. Most people have a lower temperature in the first part of their cycle, usually between 96° and 98° Fahrenheit. When you ovulate, this temperature rises by about four-tenths to one degree above normal.
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The BioActive Sensor and the new infrared temperature sensor from Samsung are expected to provide accurate readings even if the user moves while sleeping. The data is encrypted and stored on the user’s device, giving them control and peace of mind over their health information.
Once the rollout is complete and Samsung gets regulatory approval in all markets, the Cycle tracking feature will be available in 32 countries worldwide. This includes the United States and the United Kingdom.
It is great news that the company is starting to put the temperature sensor to use. Hopefully, the wait for skin temperature readings on the Samsung watch will be over soon.
As far as other changes that come as part of this update, there are improvements in body composition measurements and a Sleep widget has been added. You can see the full change-log in the image below.
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