When Samsung's Galaxy Watch7 was recently introduced, people were excited to see all the new features, but they didn't notice anything was missing.
User JordyV27 on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) discovered a support page revealing that neither the Galaxy Watch 7 nor the Galaxy Watch Ultra have Wireless PowerShare.
For those unaware, Wireless PowerShare is a reverse charging feature that allows Samsung wearables to steal a bit of power from a Galaxy smartphone. To transfer power, you simply placed your smartwatch directly on the back of your phone. This feature was exclusive to a handful of top-of-the-line devices, but it came in handy in a pinch.
PowerShare is gone thanks to the new BioActive sensor on the back of the watches. This is a powerful collection of sensors that are more accurate than the Galaxy Watch6's hardware and provide “deeper insight.” [health] metrics.” Samsung explains that the unique battery design required them to alter the shape of the smartwatch’s back crystal.
As a result, “the distance between the internal wireless charging coil… and the wireless charger was increased.” With so much going on inside the case, Samsung decided it would be best to simply remove support for Wireless PowerShare.
An exchange worth it
While it may disappoint some to see such a useful tool removed, it's a worthwhile change. Samsung's BioActive Matrix has improved the health features of wearables. The Galaxy Watch 7 can, for example, help users learn about their metabolic health, as it can track AGEs (advanced glycation end products). It can now even look for signs of sleep apnea.
There have also been signs that PowerShare was going away for a while now. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro supported the feature, but you had to remove the strap because it got in the way.
Samsung's support page also recommends using the wireless charger that comes with the Watch 7, as using a charger from an older model could result in slower charging times “and increased heat generation.” Again, this is due to the BioActive sensor array.
Pre-orders are currently open for the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and Watch Ultra. The former is available in two sizes: 40mm at $299 / £289 / AU$549 and 44mm at $329 / £319 / AU$599. The Watch Ultra is a one-size-fits-all price tag of $649 / £599 / AU$1,299. Shipping dates for both are set for July 24.
While you're here, be sure to check out TechRadar's list of the nine things we saw and learned at Galaxy Unpacked 2024.
