“The system operates by sending out ‘pulse waves’ through the smartwatch’s wrist sensors, with Samsung Health Monitor analyzing the difference between the detection blood pressure change with respect to the baseline calibration.”

Galaxy Watch Active2 users in South Korea now have access to the Samsung Health Monitor app, allowing them to track their blood pressure with the wearable device.

The functionality has been enabled now that South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has cleared the app for use.

To take advantage of the technology, users must first calibrate the app with respect to a conventional blood pressure cuff. From there, they can check their blood pressure anytime on the smart watch device simply by tapping the ‘Measure’ icon. The system operates by sending out ‘pulse waves’ through the smartwatch’s wrist sensors, with Samsung Health Monitor analyzing the difference between the detection blood pressure change with respect to the baseline calibration.

“The launch of the Samsung Health Monitor app demonstrates Samsung’s dedication to providing accessible and convenient healthcare for all by integrating advanced hardware and best-in-class software technology,” commented Samsung Electronics Mobile Communications Business Health Team head TaeJong Jay Yang. “We’re delighted that Galaxy Watch Active2 users in Korea can now access the new app and receive insights to help them manage their health.”

The functionality should help Samsung to remain competitive with rivals like Apple, which has placed a strong focus on the health and fitness tracking capabilities of its smartwatch devices.

Going forward, Samsung is aiming to enable electrocardiogram, or ‘ECG’, tracking through the Samsung Health Monitor app, which would facilitate even more sophisticated health and fitness tracking through the Galaxy Watch Active2. The company says it plans to launch this functionality in the third quarter of this year.