Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 could be getting a new health feature that could warn users if they're at risk of certain diseases.
Android Authority recently took a deep dive into the latest update to the Samsung Health app and found evidence of something called the AGE (advanced glycation end products) index. According to a screenshot of the screening tool, AGEs are compounds that the body produces when “protein and fat molecules are oxidized by sugar molecules.”
AGEs accumulate as people age and can be used to predict a person's risk of developing certain “age-related diseases” or conditions including, but not limited to, diabetes, kidney failure, heart attacks, and strokes. It is possible to measure these compounds noninvasively, as a 2022 study found that “some AGEs can be fluorescent and yellowish-brown in color,” allowing them to be detected without the need for a blood or tissue sample.
Does this mean the Galaxy Watch 7 series will feature new sensors to enable AGE detection? Maybe. While clues suggest the smartwatch will support the technology, it's hard to say for sure if it's a feature. Especially considering “Labs” is written next to the AGE index, indicating it's an experimental feature.
Glucose monitoring
Android Authority also found a menu page within the Samsung Health app update titled “Continuous Glucose Monitoring.” However, it was completely blank and didn’t provide any other information.
There were already rumors back in January that Samsung wearables would support blood glucose monitoring. The feature was originally intended for the Galaxy Ring, but a report in April claimed the Galaxy Watch 7 might be able to do the same. Despite the testing, it's too early to say whether or not blood glucose monitoring will be available.
The tech giant said in early 2024 that “noninvasive glucose monitoring could arrive in some form within five years.” Samsung is clearly interested in implementing the technology into its devices, though it seems users will have to wait a little longer for it to become a reality.
Sharing family health
In addition to the AGEs tool, Android Authority discovered lines of code that reference “family health data sharing” between Galaxy watches. The feature would allow family members to exchange “health data with each other for effective tracking.” The post successfully triggered the UI, allowing for insights into how the sharing could work.
Screenshots show there are privacy controls built in. People can stop sharing or “change… how much they share at any time.” Data can be previewed before it is sent, and is automatically deleted if account inactivity lasts 90 days.
Parents and guardians have the option to view their child’s health data collected through a Galaxy Watch as long as they meet the necessary requirements. They must obtain permission, and the wearable must be connected to a smartphone that’s signed into the child’s Samsung account. Android Authority makes an interesting observation: there’s nothing to indicate that family data sharing will be a feature exclusive to the Watch 7 series. It’s possible that the software could be rolled out to older generations.
As with all leaks, this information should be taken with a grain of salt. We won't have to wait long to find out more, as Samsung will hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10.
While you wait, check out TechRadar's list of the best smartwatches for 2024.
