Samsung Finally Starts Utilizing Skin Temperature Sensor In Galaxy Watch 5 But It Is Limited For Now

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 and the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro have an infrared-based temperature sensor. Samsung recently started unlocking the sensor's use for health-related functions and tracking, but the use is limited and restricted, for now.

Samsung has indicated it will gradually add more features and functions which utilize the skin temperature sensor that's embedded inside the Galaxy Watch 5 series. The company recently enabled these smartwatches to track the menstrual cycle of a user using skin temperature sensors.

More Skin Temperature-Based Health Tracking Functions Coming Soon?

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series have an infrared-based temperature sensor but Samsung didn't activate it until a few days ago. Moreover, the feature is restricted to tracking the menstrual cycle of a user.

Needless to say, it is strange to underutilize such a dedicated sensor, but Samsung has indicated it will add more features that better utilize the temperature sensor.

A company official in charge of Samsung Health Service indicated the company wants to leverage these temperature sensors even further to offer more such health-tracking features. Samsung has officially announced that it will offer new skin temperature-based health tracking functions on Galaxy Watch 5 series.

Samsung isn't committing to any timeline. Moreover, the company hasn't indicated or confirmed any new features that may utilize the temperature sensor.

The official claimed "it is difficult to provide accurate information about the detailed schedule and timing" as the updated schedule is decided "in consideration of service policies". Additionally, such health-tracking features may require certification by local authorities in each region, he indicated.

Skin Temperature Sensors In Galaxy Watch 5 series Can't Be Accessed On-Demand

It's clear why Samsung chose not to activate the temperature sensor in the premium Galaxy Watch 5 series for a long time. Moreover, the sensor is now limited to a single feature.

If that's not all, wearers can't access these skin temperature sensors or their readings. These sensors are activated automatically whenever they need to track a particular aspect of your health. In other words, a user cannot measure body temperature, even though the sensor supports the function.

It is certainly a glaring limitation because Apple allows this exact function in its Apple Watch Series 8 and Apple Watch Ultra. Apple Watch users can easily measure their body temperature whenever they want. Samsung would need to send a simple OTA (Over The Air) update to unlock the full function and on-demand accessibility of the infrared-based temperature sensor.