Samsung signs off on a significant update

Samsung has ushered in the OneUI 5 Watch update for its Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 series. This update has introduced several enhancements and functionalities, with the Watch Unlock feature emerging as a standout. Initially presented during the unveiling of Wear OS 4, this feature had been showcased using the Pixel Watch. Its primary function is to offer users the convenience of automatically unlocking their phones when their already unlocked smartwatch is in close proximity, reminiscent of how an Apple Watch interacts with an iPhone.

This recent addition to OneUI 5 Watch means users no longer need to input a PIN, password, or rely on biometric authentication to access their smartphones, as long as they have an accompanying Wear OS 4 smartwatch on. This becomes particularly advantageous in situations like driving with a helmet on, or when one's hands are wet or soiled.

Samsung signs off on a significant update

It's worth mentioning that the discovery of this feature was initially attributed to Mishaal Rahman in relation to the Pixel Watch. Later, the Watch Unlock feature, identified as "com.google.android.clockwork.active_unlock", was spotted in the One UI 5 Watch update.

Furthermore, it's crucial to understand the security implications of the Watch Unlock. It presents a more robust security mechanism than the Trusted Devices approach. While Trusted Devices only maintain the unlocked state of a phone for a specific duration, Watch Unlock ensures the phone remains locked unless the paired smartwatch is also unlocked. To employ this feature effectively, users are required to establish a PIN or password for their smartwatch.

Samsung to collaborate with AMD to enhance mid-range Exynos chipHardware