Galaxy Watch 4 is a killer app just to challenge Apple Watch 7

Galaxy Watch 4 is a killer app just to challenge Apple Watch 7

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 is already one of the best smartwatches available today, but it just received an update that should make it even better.

Shortly after the release of the Apple Watch 7, Samsung announced new features for the Galaxy Watch 4 at its Unpacked Part 2 event. The company's first Wear OS smartwatch now has a customizable exterior in the Bespoke Edition and 40mm Maison Kitsune Edition ($399).

While the additional designer versions are certainly attractive, existing users will be more interested in the refreshed watch face, new gesture controls, and enhanced drop detection.

Samsung's Galaxy Watch 4 already offered a set of refined watch faces through the One UI Watch. New options include Info Brick, which is like the Apple Watch's multi-complication modular face, and Weather Center, which reflects outside conditions. It is also possible to combine and customize specific watch faces. This is something the Apple Watch does not have, but you can also devise and swipe through a list of watch faces.

While less functional, the new Live Wallpaper watch face, inspired by the Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 3, also offers aesthetic unity among Samsung's range of devices.

As for gesture control, the Galaxy Watch 4 now supports "knock-knock" motion. This is intended as a shortcut to launch pre-selected apps and functions. For example, the knock-knock gesture can be used to open the smartwatch's workout list.

Samsung introduced fall detection on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 3 a few years after Apple included the potentially life-saving feature on the Apple Watch. while the Galaxy Watch only worked when exercising, Galaxy Watch 4's fall detection could now recognize a severe fall at any time.

The final new benefit for Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 users announced in an aside to Galaxy Unpacked Part 2 is a 60-day free trial of Strava, one of the best workout apps available today.

As the best Samsung smartwatch, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 has pretty much held its own with the best Samsung smartphones. However, with continued improvements, it could be a strong contender against Fitbit's best model and even the seventh-generation Apple Watch.

The Galaxy Watch 4 Maison Kitsuné Edition is available for order today for $399.99 for the 40mm Bluetooth model. This is $150 more than the standard Galaxy Watch 4, and this version is more similar to the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic.

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