After launching the Android 16-based One UI 8 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series, Samsung has also kicked off the One UI 8 Watch beta program for eligible Galaxy smartwatches. Notably, the beta program is live for Galaxy Watch users in the U.S. and Korea through the Samsung Members app.
The new One UI 8 Watch introduces a bunch of new health features, which Samsung says are to "help users build healthier habits." New features include Bedtime Guidance, Vascular Load, Running Coach, and Antioxidant Index. Here's what each feature does:
Bedtime Guidance

It recommends Galaxy Watch users the best time they can get a good sleep based on their recent sleep patterns. This feature could be helpful for those who have a hard time having a good asleep.
To recommend the best sleep patterns, the Bedtime Guidance uses sleep data from the past three days and analyzes metrics such as sleep pressure and circadian rhythm. Sleeping on the recommended time may help users recover from irregular schedules and sleep patterns.
Vascular Load

Using this feature, the One UI 8 Watch-powered Galaxy smartwatches will measure the amount of stress your heart and blood vessels experience during sleep. It is one of the key indicators of heart health, because if the vascular load shows excessive fluctuations, then it could be an indicator of an underlying cardiovascular issue.
Running Coach

Samsung has also added a Running Coach feature with the One UI 8 Watch. It gives users a personalized running program based on their fitness levels. The user needs to run for 12 minutes for the Galaxy Watch to register and analyze certain metrics and present a performance score.
Based on the score, the Running Coach will present a tailored plan to help them safely reach and work up to marathon levels.
Antioxidant Index
The Antioxidant Index measures the carotenoid levels, which are antioxidants found inside green and orange fruits and vegetables that are inside your skin, meant to fight aging and cell damage. With One UI 8 Watch, the Galaxy Watch will make use of a light-based sensor to scan the skin and, in five seconds, will show a report on how their eating habits are paying off.
Eligible devices
Beta program is available for owners of Galaxy Watch5 or later in the U.S. and South Korea. However, not all features will be available on all supported Galaxy Watch models. Here are the details:
- Bedtime Guidance: Available on Galaxy Watch5 series or later, requires Android phone running Android 11 or later and Samsung Health app v6.30.2 or later.
- Vascular Load: Supported on Galaxy Watch Ultra or later, requires Android 10 or later, and Samsung Health app v6.30.2 or later.
- Running Coach: Requires Galaxy Watch7 or later, Android 10 or later, and Samsung Health app v6.30.2 or later.
- Antioxidant Index: Supported on Galaxy Watch Ultra or later, Android 10 or later, and Samsung Health app v6.30.2 or later.
How to join beta program
If you own a Galaxy Watch5 series or later model, then you can head over to the Samsung Members app > navigate to the bottom of the page > tap on the Watch Beta poster > and enroll for the beta prorgam. Do note that their are limited seats available.
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