Galaxy Watch 4 gains improved customization options and all-new gesture controls

Along with announcing the Galaxy Z Flip 3 Bespoke Edition, Samsung also spent time during its Galaxy Unpacked Part II to focus on the Galaxy Watch 4. A software update will begin to roll out today, which includes quite a few new customization options for the only Wear OS 3 smartwatch.

First up, this update includes four new watch faces for you to pick from. These include a couple for those who want to keep an eye on their fitness goals or health stats throughout the day, such as the new “Info Brick” watch face. With Info Brick, you’ll be able to select different metrics to be displayed, including stress, daily activity, or heart rate. You’ll also have the option to pick from a watch face that displays “in-depth” weather information, a basic dashboard, or live wallpapers to match your Galaxy Z Fold 3 or Flip 3.

Samsung is also bringing more complications to different watch faces. One example is the Animals watch face, which now allows you to add up to four complications to it. With these complications, you can view your battery life, step count, and more, just with a glance. And with the MyPhoto+ watch face, you can actually use a moving GIF to create a “more exciting and lively watch face”.

Gesture controls are being revamped for the Galaxy Watch 4 and Watch 4 Classic, as you can perform certain actions just by moving your hand. A ‘knock, knock’ motion will open a pre-selected app, or can be used to turn on a smart light in your home, amongst other customizable options.

After being introduced back in 2020, Samsung is also adding a bit more control when it comes to Fall Detection on the Galaxy Watch 4. Once this update arrives, you’ll be able to adjust the sensitivity, while allowing you to send an SOS notification to up to four contacts if you do happen to fall and need help.

And just for fun, Samsung announced that Galaxy Watch owners will receive a free 60-day Strava subscription. This isn’t limited to Galaxy Watch 4 owners, as it also applies to the following smartwatches:

• Galaxy Watch
• Galaxy Watch Active
• Galaxy Watch Active 2
• Galaxy Watch 3

Samsung states that this latest update is initially rolling out to owners of the Bluetooth Galaxy Watch 4. Those who own the LTE version will see the update arrive a bit later than the Bluetooth model.