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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics, a global leader in the gaming monitor market, has unveiled its new lineup of Odyssey gaming monitors for 2026, elevating the gaming experience to impressive new heights. This exciting lineup features four models: the groundbreaking G80HS with an industry-first 6K ultra-high resolution, along with the G80HF, G80SH and G73SH. Each model is designed to bring unparalleled picture quality and performance, immersing gamers like never before.
The 2026 Odyssey lineup is packed with cutting-edge technologies that enhance the overall gameplay experience. All models are NVIDIA G-SYNC Compatible and feature AMD FreeSync Premium, ensuring smooth gameplay free from stuttering or distortion. Additionally, equipped with advanced HDR10+ GAMING support, these monitors provide enhanced depth and vivid, scene-by-scene colors, making every detail stand out. They also come with an ergonomic stand, featuring tilt, swivel and pivot capabilities, ensuring maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Beyond these shared features, each model offers distinct specs and performance, allowing gamers to select the ideal monitor to match their individual preferences and gaming environments. With this remarkable lineup, Samsung is setting a new benchmark in the gaming monitor industry. Check out the infographic for a closer look at the key features of these cutting-edge models.
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By Samsung Newsroom
From winning the CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award to being named one of TIME magazine’s “Best Inventions of the Year,” Samsung’s Micro RGB TV has earned global recognition. Building on its debut as the world’s first Micro RGB TV, Samsung Electronics is expanding the lineup this year with a 130-inch ultra-large model, setting a new benchmark for next-generation television technology.
From adopting micro-size RGB (red, green and blue) LEDs as a backlight unit to pursuing enhanced color expression and integrating AI technology for ultra-large displays, the development of the Micro RGB TV was a continuous series of firsts — with virtually no reference points to guide the process.
Samsung Newsroom spoke with Insang Hwang of the Visual Display (VD) Business Division’s Product Planning Group to learn more about how this new category of the Micro RGB TV was developed.
▲ Micro RGB TV recognized for its technological excellence in the global market.
Creating a New Category With No Reference
The Micro RGB TV began as a project to create an entirely new category in the TV market. Hwang recalled, “Because the mission was to create a category that didn’t previously exist, every department — from development to sales and marketing — had to work together with a shared sense of urgency and responsibility.”
One of the biggest challenges was the absence of any reference point. The team had to develop new technologies and products from scratch while simultaneously defining the value they could deliver to consumers. “We went beyond simply applying RGB light sources,” he said. “We developed a proprietary concept called ‘Micro RGB,’ which miniaturized even the backlight unit itself to the micro level.”
Pursuing 100% BT.2020 — The “Ultimate Color Gamut”
At the core of the Micro RGB TV is its color reproduction. By applying RGB LEDs as the backlight unit, the display achieves wide and highly accurate color reproduction.
“Although the Micro RGB TV started with the goal of delivering richer color reproduction, there was no clearly defined industry standard at the time,” Hwang said. “We felt a strong sense of responsibility, believing that the conditions we set could become the new standard for the market. That’s why we set the ambitious goal of achieving ‘100% BT.2020’ — the ultra-high-definition color standard defined by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and often referred to as the ‘ultimate color gamut.’”
▲ Micro RGB TV achieves 100% BT.2020 — the “ultimate color gamut” — setting a new standard in the TV market. Achieving 100% BT.2020 means that a level of color reproduction once limited to professional monitors can now be experienced on TVs — one of the most widely used displays in everyday home environments. It also marks a significant advancement in the technical standards of the display industry.
The journey, however, was far from easy. “In the early stages of development, we struggled to reach the target values,” Hwang recalled. “However, through persistent efforts to achieve perfect color reproduction, the development team was ultimately able to meet its goal.” He added, “It wasn’t just about developing new technology. We also worked to establish measurable standards to validate its performance.”
Bringing Cutting-Edge Technology Into Everyday Viewing
For product planners, the top priority is to convert advanced technology into an experience that users can easily perceive in everyday life. “We continuously thought about how to translate Micro RGB’s powerful hardware performance into a practical viewing experience,” Hwang said. “We focused on making its key strength — color — something users can feel naturally in everyday content while delivering an immersive viewing experience.”
“While Micro RGB achieves one of the highest color gamuts available in TVs today, only a limited amount of content fully utilizes it,” he noted. “So we enhanced software capabilities to ensure users can experience the difference across a wider range of content — from HDR content to everyday content such as OTT streaming and sports.”
One of the key features is Micro RGB Color Booster Pro. Hwang explained, “Leveraging a high-performance neural processing unit (NPU), AI analyzes content in real time to enhance color expression with precision. This allows users to enjoy Micro RGB’s vivid color performance not only in HDR content but also in everyday viewing.”
▲ Hwang explained that Micro RGB Color Booster Pro enhances color for a richer and more vivid viewing experience. He added, “For example, in soccer — one of the sports most frequently watched on TVs — the newly introduced AI Soccer Mode Pro automatically detects the content and enhances colors such as the grass and team uniforms. With the global football season kicking off in June, it’s a feature worth noting for those seeking a more immersive viewing experience.”
In addition, the TV incorporates a Glare Free feature designed for real-world viewing environments. “We applied glare-free technology so users can consistently enjoy Micro RGB’s exceptional color performance regardless of lighting conditions,” Hwang explained. “Whether in a dark room or a brightly lit space, viewers can stay fully immersed without reflections interfering with the screen.”
Scaling Immersion With a 130-Inch Display
The newly introduced 130-inch ultra-large model delivers an overwhelming sense of immersion, as if the entire wall comes to life. As screen size increases, maintaining image detail becomes increasingly critical.
Hwang said, “We equipped the TV with Supersize Picture Enhancer, an AI-powered picture quality technology optimized for ultra-large displays. Thanks to this, viewers can enjoy Micro RGB’s rich colors and sharp image quality without distortion or pixelation.”
The sound experience and design were also significantly enhanced. “With a 160W 10.4.2-channel speaker system, the TV delivers immersive sound that fills the entire space without the need for external speakers,” he added.
▲ Micro RGB TV features a wall-mount design that integrates seamlessly with the space, enhancing immersion. The Micro RGB TV’s signature wall-mount design further reinforces immersion by blending the display seamlessly into its surroundings. “We developed a proprietary pocket structure and wall-mount bracket1 so the TV can sit flush against the wall with virtually no gap,” Hwang explained. “We focused on delivering an optimized viewing experience for ultra-large screens across picture quality, sound and design.”
Toward the Next-Generation Screen Experience
The Micro RGB TV goes beyond technological advancement — it expands the boundaries of how users experience screens in everyday life while setting new standards for the industry.
“Samsung TVs are evolving into screens that seamlessly integrate into users’ lifestyles and living spaces, understanding their preferences through data and enabling interactions,” Hwang said. “They will go beyond content consumption to become powerful platforms that connect limitless experiences and services.”
As the Micro RGB TV continues to push the boundaries of innovation, Samsung is paving the way for the next generation of screen experiences.
Applicable to 85-, 75- and 65-inch models only ︎ View the full article
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics today announced the global availability of its latest Odyssey gaming monitors and ViewFinity S8 lineup, setting new benchmarks in resolution and performance across gaming and professional displays.
Led by three Odyssey G8 models — including the industry’s first 6K gaming monitor — and complemented by the Odyssey G7 — which brings Samsung’s OLED technology to a broader range of users — the 2026 Odyssey lineup reinforces Samsung’s leadership in high-performance gaming displays while expanding access to advanced innovations.
This launch comes amid Samsung’s continued leadership in the global gaming monitor market, where it holds an 18.9 percent revenue share. The company has also earned the No. 1 position in the OLED gaming monitor market for the third consecutive year with a 26 percent share, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
“With the launch of the latest Odyssey and ViewFinity lineups, we continue to push the boundaries of performance and visual quality,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “With our 2026 lineup, we are delivering our most advanced display technologies yet while expanding access, enabling more users to experience Samsung’s innovations across gaming and professional environments.”
Odyssey G8: Setting a New Standard for High-Performance Gaming
The Odyssey G8 lineup introduces three state-of-the-art models designed to deliver high-performance experiences across a range of gaming scenarios.
The 32-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HS model) sets a new milestone as the industry’s first 6K gaming monitor, marking a significant leap beyond 4K gaming standards. 6K resolution presents exceptional visual clarity and detail, enhancing immersion while providing expanded screen space for both gaming and multitasking. It delivers ultra-high 6K resolution at 165Hz, while Dual Mode enables up to 330Hz at 3K resolution, allowing users to seamlessly balance immersive visual details with ultra-fast responsiveness.
Meanwhile, the 27-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HF model) offers flexible performance options, supporting 5K resolution at 180Hz or up to 360Hz in QHD through Dual Mode, making it suitable for both immersive and competitive gaming.
The Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH model), available in 27-inch and 32-inch sizes, features an OLED panel with 4K resolution and a 240Hz refresh rate. Glare Free technology significantly reduces glare without compromising OLED picture quality. Connectivity options, including USB-C with up to 98W charging, support high-performance gaming setups. Moreover, the Odyssey OLED G8 adopts QD-OLED Penta Tandem technology, which significantly enhances efficiency, durability and brightness. The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 also received VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 certification, delivering OLED’s deep blacks and vivid colors.
Across the lineup, DisplayPort 2.11 ensures high-bandwidth performance for next-generation visuals, while AMD FreeSync Premium and NVIDIA G-Sync Compatible technology deliver smooth, tear-free gameplay. Additionally, the Odyssey G8 lineup features HDR10+ GAMING,2 which dynamically optimizes brightness and contrast in real time.
Odyssey G7: Expanding Access to OLED Gaming
The 32-inch Odyssey OLED G7 (G73SH model) expands Samsung’s OLED gaming lineup by bringing premium visual performance to a wider range of users.
It features 4K resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate, delivering detailed visuals and smooth gameplay. Dual Mode enables up to 330Hz in FHD, while a 0.03ms response time supports fast, responsive performance in competitive gaming environments.
With the addition of the G7, Samsung continues to extend its OLED gaming leadership while making advanced display technologies more widely accessible.
ViewFinity S8: High-Resolution Displays for Professional Workflows
The ViewFinity S8 lineup is designed to meet the demands of modern professional environments, combining high-resolution clarity with advanced connectivity and ergonomic flexibility. Whether managing complex creative workflows or seamlessly multitasking across applications, these monitors are engineered to deliver a refined, high-performance experience that maximizes productivity.
The 40-inch ViewFinity S8 (S85TH model) features a curved WUHD display with a 144Hz refresh rate, enabling seamless multitasking and efficient handling of complex workflows. Thunderbolt 5 supports high-resolution video and data-intensive tasks with data transfer speeds of 80 Gbps and device charging up to 140W. In addition, Easy Connection provides streamlined connectivity across devices.
The 27-inch ViewFinity S8 (S80HF model) offers 5K resolution with USB-C connectivity for streamlined data transfer and device charging. Its ergonomic design supports comfortable long-term use and, since it is made to deliver 5K resolution in a more accessible package, it brings high-resolution performance to a broader range of professional users.
The new Odyssey G8 lineup, Odyssey G7 and ViewFinity S8 are available for order starting today. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
G80SH supports DisplayPort 2.1 UHBR20, delivering up to 80Gbps of bandwidth for smooth and uncompressed visuals. ︎ Compatible with HDMI 2.1 cables connected to the HDMI ports of NVIDIA and Intel GPUs. For the list of supported GPUs, please visit here. Functionality may be limited depending on PC specifications and cable standards. This feature is only compatible with specific game titles. ︎ View the full article
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By Samsung Newsroom
Samsung Electronics is hosting its Australian Tech Summit 2026 in Sydney on May 14 and 15, offering media and industry professionals a deep dive into its latest AI-powered TV and an early look at its Odyssey gaming monitors ahead of their global rollout.
The event features hands-on demonstrations highlighting how AI enhances picture quality, viewing experiences and display performance across Samsung’s Micro RGB, OLED and gaming displays.
The technologies showcased at the summit reflect Samsung’s long-standing leadership in the category, with the company ranking as the global TV market leader for 20 consecutive years.1
▲ Media and industry professionals experience Samsung’s 2026 AI display innovations firsthand.
Micro RGB for Premium Home Viewing
A key focus of the event is Samsung’s new Micro RGB TV lineup, led by the flagship 75-inch R95H and R85H models. Designed for premium home viewing, the lineup delivers precise color, deep contrast and an immersive picture quality.
▲ Samsung demonstrates the 75-inch Micro RGB TV (R95H) during a side-by-side picture quality comparison. Samsung is also expanding Micro RGB technology with screen sizes ranging from 55 to 115 inches, bringing its core strengths — including rich color, sharp contrast and refined local dimming — to more home environments.
Powered by the Micro RGB AI Engine Pro, Samsung’s latest Micro RGB TVs optimize color and contrast in real time for lifelike detail. The lineup also achieves 100% of the BT.2020 color range and includes certified Glare Free technology to reduce reflections for a clearer viewing experience. Features such as Micro RGB Precision Color 100 and Vision AI Companion (VAC) further enhance picture quality and personalized viewing.
OLED Innovation Powered by AI
Samsung’s 2026 OLED lineup combines cinematic picture quality, refined design and intelligent features to elevate the viewing experience. Leading the lineup is the 77-inch S95H, which delivers brighter OLED performance, advanced HDR processing and a premium design that stands out even when the screen is off.
VAC brings AI to the center of the screen experience, offering a more natural way to interact with the TV and discover relevant content. Additional Samsung AI features further expand the OLED experience beyond picture quality.
AI Upscaling Pro improves low-resolution content by enhancing clarity, depth and contrast, while AI Soccer Mode Pro optimizes picture and sound for live sports and AI Sound Controller Pro gives viewers greater control over dialogue, background music, crowd noise and commentary.
HDR10+ Advanced technology delivers more precise brightness control, improved tone mapping and a more dynamic picture. Combined with certified Glare Free technology that minimizes reflections, the S95H maintains exceptional contrast and sharpness, even in bright spaces.
The S95H also features Samsung’s new FloatLayer Design for a lighter, gallery-inspired look. Art Mode and Samsung Art Store allow the TV to function as both a screen and a piece of home décor.
▲ Samsung presents its latest OLED innovations, including improvements in brightness, HDR performance and AI-based features.
Odyssey Gaming Monitors for Speed and Immersion
Samsung is expanding its Odyssey lineup with gaming monitors ranging from glasses-free 3D immersion to ultra-fast OLED performance and sharp 6K resolution.
▲ Samsung showcases its latest gaming monitor lineup — including OLED and 6K models. Leading the lineup is the 27-inch Odyssey 3D (G90XF model), featuring Eye Tracking and View Mapping technology for natural, glasses-free 3D immersion. With a 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG2 response time, it delivers smooth, responsive gameplay.
Also on display is the 32-inch Odyssey G8 (G80HS model), the industry’s first 6K gaming monitor offering a native 165Hz refresh rate, Dual Mode support up to 330Hz in 3K and VESA-certified DisplayPort 2.1 connectivity.
Samsung’s OLED gaming monitor lineup further expands performance with the 32-inch Odyssey OLED G8 (G80SH model), delivering 4K QD-OLED visuals at 240Hz. Samsung OLED Safeguard+ technology also helps maintain long-lasting picture quality.
▲ Andrew Sohn, Senior Engineer, Samsung Electronics, presents the Odyssey OLED G8 monitor, giving attendees the opportunity to experience its advanced display performance.
Shaping the Next Era of Screens
“Samsung’s 2026 display lineup combines the features consumers value most in TVs and monitors, including stunning picture quality, thoughtful design and AI features that make screens more personal and intuitive,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Visual Display (VD) Business at Samsung Electronics. “Across the lineup, Samsung is delivering a more complete screen experience for how people watch, play and work every day.”
With its 2026 portfolio, Samsung is expanding advanced screen technologies and AI features across a broader range of products and price points. From home entertainment and gaming to everyday productivity, the lineup reflects a future in which screens are smarter, sharper and more personalized than ever.
Source: Omdia, Feb 2026. Results are not an endorsement of Samsung. ︎ Gray-to-Gray. ︎ View the full article
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By Samsung Newsroom
Health and fitness are the most popular features for Galaxy Watches running Wear OS powered by Samsung. Implementing these features requires a continuous data stream to work effectively and seamlessly.
One of the most common challenges third-party developers face is keeping a sensor like the heart rate monitor active, even when the watch screen is off.
By default, Wear OS efficiently optimizes power consumption to extend usage time. As part of this optimization, sensor data collection may stop when the screen is off. This presents a challenge for applications that require continuous monitoring, such as health trackers, workout assistants, or medical-grade wearables.
What Happens When the Screen Turns Off
When a Galaxy Watch screen turns off, the system enters a low-power state to preserve battery. During this time:
The CPU may slow down or suspend execution of background threads. Registered sensor listeners can stop receiving updates. Any active work in your Activity pauses. To keep sensor data flowing, your application needs two things:
A foreground service to keep your code running in the background. A wake lock to prevent the CPU from going into a deep sleep state. This tutorial shows how to create a simple Galaxy Watch application that continuously collects heart rate data, even when the screen is off, using a foreground service and a wake lock and all the code examples are provided in a downloadable sample application.
Let's Start Coding
Step 1: Create a New Wear OS Project
Open Android Studio and create new project from scratch:
Go to File > New > New Project > Wear OS Tab > Empty Wear App. Fill in the project details in the New Project window.
Figure 1: Create a new wearable application in Android Studio
Click Finish and wait for Gradle sync to complete. Step 2: Configure Permissions in AndroidManifest.xml
In the AndroidManifest.xml file, add the following permissions to access the heart rate sensor, foreground service, and wake lock.
<uses-permission android:name="android.permission.BODY_SENSORS" /> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE" /> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_HEALTH" /> <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.WAKE_LOCK" /> <uses-permission android:name=" android.permission.BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND " /> <uses-feature android:name="android.hardware.type.watch" /> NoteThe BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND permission is required on Android 12 (API 31) and above for collecting sensor data when the application is not in the foreground. Register the SensorService in the manifest:
<service android:name=".SensorService" android:enabled="true" android:exported="false" android:foregroundServiceType="health" /> NoteIf you forget foregroundServiceType="health" in the manifest, your application will crash with a SecurityException on Android 10 (API 29) and above when trying to read sensors from a foreground service. Step 3: Design Your Watch UI Layout
The watch UI can be designed entirely according to your preference. In this content, only two buttons have been used to start and stop the service and a TextView to show the result to keep it simple. Wear OS screens are small, so keeping the layout simple is the best practice.
To implement the UI, edit app/res/layout/activity_main.xml.
The following code implements a sample UI:
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> <androidx.constraintlayout.widget.ConstraintLayout xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android" xmlns:app="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res-auto" xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools" android:layout_width="match_parent" android:layout_height="match_parent" android:padding="16dp" tools:context=".MainActivity" tools:deviceIds="wear"> <LinearLayout android:layout_width="match_parent" android:layout_height="match_parent" android:gravity="center" android:orientation="vertical"> <TextView android:id="@+id/heart_rate_text" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:text="--" android:textColor="#90EE90" android:textSize="24sp" android:layout_marginBottom="16dp"/> <Button android:id="@+id/start_button" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:text="@string/start_sensors" /> <Button android:id="@+id/stop_button" android:layout_width="wrap_content" android:layout_height="wrap_content" android:layout_marginTop="8dp" android:text="@string/stop_sensors" /> </LinearLayout> </androidx.constraintlayout.widget.ConstraintLayout> Step 4: Edit MainActivity.java
Inside MainActivity.java, sensor permissions must be requested at runtime.
onCreate() :
You need to initialize all the UI components inside the onCreate() method. This example uses two Button instances, for starting and stopping the service, and one TextView , for showing the result. Before staring the service, you have to check all the runtime permissions.
heartRateTextView = findViewById(R.id.heart_rate_text); //initialize globally to use it outside of the method Button startButton = findViewById(R.id.start_button); Button stopButton = findViewById(R.id.stop_button); if (startButton != null) { startButton.setOnClickListener(v -> { if (checkPermissions()) { if (checkBackgroundPermission()) { startSensorService(); } else { requestBackgroundPermission(); } } else { requestPermissions(); } }); } if (stopButton != null) { stopButton.setOnClickListener(v -> stopSensorService()); } In this application, when the user taps the start button, the application checks both permissions in sequence, and the stop button stops the service.
NoteOn Android 11 (API 30) and above, BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND must be requested as a separate step after foreground sensor permission is granted. The system does not grant this permission automatically.
checkPermissions() :
This method checks at runtime whether the BODY_SENSORS permission has been granted. On Galaxy Watch, the user must explicitly grant this permission on their device.
private boolean checkPermissions() { return ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, Manifest.permission.BODY_SENSORS) == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED; }
checkBackgroundPermission() :
This method checks for the BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND permission, which is essential for Wear OS 3+ devices (like Galaxy Watch 5, 6, 7) to access sensor data in all power states.
private boolean checkBackgroundPermission() { if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.Q) { return ContextCompat.checkSelfPermission(this, Manifest.permission.BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND) == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED; } return true; }
startForegroundService() :
On Android 8 (Oreo) and above, you must call this method instead of startService() when starting a foreground service.
private void startSensorService() { Intent intent = new Intent(this, SensorService.class); if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.O) { startForegroundService(intent); } else { startService(intent); } Toast.makeText(this, "Sensor Service Started", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show(); }
stopSensorService() :
Once the task is completed, call this method to reduce battery drain.
private void stopSensorService() { Intent intent = new Intent(this, SensorService.class); stopService(intent); if (heartRateTextView != null) { heartRateTextView.setText("--"); } Toast.makeText(this, "Sensor Service Stopped", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show();
requestPermissions() :
This method prompts the user for the BODY_SENSORS permission before starting the service.
private void requestPermissions() { ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]{Manifest.permission.BODY_SENSORS}, PERMISSION_REQUEST_CODE); }
requestBackgroundPermission() :
This method prompts the user for the BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND permission. Since the sample application targets Android 13 (API level 33) or higher (currently set to 34), this permission is required if you want to access sensor data in the background, even when using a foreground service. Without it, the system can restrict or stop sensor data delivery when the application is not in the immediate foreground for an extended period.
private void requestBackgroundPermission() { if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.Q) { Toast.makeText(this, "Please allow 'All the time' sensor access in settings",Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show(); // On API 30+, background permission MUST be requested separately and // the user must be directed to settings manually in many cases, or through a system dialog. ActivityCompat.requestPermissions(this, new String[]{Manifest.permission.BODY_SENSORS_BACKGROUND}, BACKGROUND_PERMISSION_REQUEST_CODE); } } Override the onRequestPermissionsResult() method to handle the user's response to each permission request:
@Override public void onRequestPermissionsResult(int requestCode, @NonNull String[] permissions, @NonNull int[] grantResults) { super.onRequestPermissionsResult(requestCode, permissions, grantResults); if (requestCode == PERMISSION_REQUEST_CODE) { if (grantResults.length > 0 && grantResults[0] == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) { if (checkBackgroundPermission()) { startSensorService(); } else { requestBackgroundPermission(); } } else { Toast.makeText(this, "Permission denied to read sensors", Toast.LENGTH_SHORT).show(); } } else if (requestCode == BACKGROUND_PERMISSION_REQUEST_CODE) { if (grantResults.length > 0 && grantResults[0] == PackageManager.PERMISSION_GRANTED) { startSensorService(); } else { Toast.makeText(this, "Background permission denied. Data collection may stop when app is not in foreground.", Toast.LENGTH_LONG).show(); // Optionally start service anyway, knowing it might be limited startSensorService(); } } } Even if the background permission is denied, the service is started. This allows heart rate collection to continue while the application is visible, though data collection may pause when it moves to the background.
BroadcastReceiver:
Send an intent with the heart rate value to update the UI components in real time. This should be outside of the onCreate() method.
private final BroadcastReceiver heartRateReceiver = new BroadcastReceiver() { @Override public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) { if (SensorService.ACTION_HEART_RATE_UPDATE.equals(intent.getAction())) { float heartRate = intent.getFloatExtra(SensorService.EXTRA_HEART_RATE, 0); if (heartRateTextView != null) { heartRateTextView.setText(String.format(Locale.getDefault(), "%.0f", heartRate)); } } } };
onResume() :
Register a BroadcastReceiver inside this method to catch updates and display them in a TextView element.
@Override protected void onResume() { super.onResume(); IntentFilter filter = new IntentFilter(SensorService.ACTION_HEART_RATE_UPDATE); if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.TIRAMISU) { registerReceiver(heartRateReceiver, filter, Context.RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED); } else { registerReceiver(heartRateReceiver, filter); } }
onDestroy() :
This method stops the service when the activity is destroyed, preventing a dangling service.
@Override protected void onDestroy() { stopSensorService(); super.onDestroy(); }
Step 5: Edit SensorService.java
This is the core of the tutorial. SensorService is a foreground service that registers a heart rate sensor listener and acquires a wake lock to keep the CPU active when the screen turns off.
onCreate() :
Initialize the SensorManager instance and request the wake-up sensor. Here, do not use the default sensor. Instead, request the wake-up version:
sensorManager = (SensorManager) getSystemService(Context.SENSOR_SERVICE); if (sensorManager != null) { // Attempt to get the wake-up version of the sensor heartRateSensor = sensorManager.getDefaultSensor(Sensor.TYPE_HEART_RATE, true); if (heartRateSensor == null) { Log.i(TAG, "Wake-up heart rate sensor not available, falling back to non-wake-up."); heartRateSensor = sensorManager.getDefaultSensor(Sensor.TYPE_HEART_RATE); } } Standard sensors stop sending data when the screen turns off. The true parameter ensures the sensor can wake up the processor to deliver data even in deep sleep.
onStartCommand() :
Execute the foreground service notification.
Promoting your service to the foreground is mandatory for the tracking to stay alive. This prevents Galaxy Watch from pausing your application after 60 seconds of screen-off time.
Promote Immediately: In onStartCommand(), promote the service to the foreground immediately to satisfy Android’s background limitations.
Build the Notification: Create a persistent notification that informs the user that heart rate tracking is active.
Specify Service Type: Android 10+ requires the FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_HEALTH type for health sensors.
Register Listener: Register the sensor listener to begin receiving heart rate events.
Check the code here:
@Override public int onStartCommand(Intent intent, int flags, int startId) { Notification notification = new NotificationCompat.Builder(this, CHANNEL_ID) .setContentTitle(getString(R.string.sensor_notification_title)) .setContentText(getString(R.string.sensor_notification_text)) .setSmallIcon(android.R.drawable.ic_menu_info_details) .setPriority(NotificationCompat.PRIORITY_DEFAULT) .build(); if (Build.VERSION.SDK_INT >= Build.VERSION_CODES.Q) { startForeground(1, notification, ServiceInfo.FOREGROUND_SERVICE_TYPE_HEALTH); } else { startForeground(1, notification); } if (heartRateSensor != null) { sensorManager.registerListener(this, heartRateSensor, SensorManager.SENSOR_DELAY_UI); Log.d(TAG, "Heart rate sensor registered."); } else { Log.e(TAG, "Heart rate sensor not available."); } return START_STICKY; }
onSensorChanged() :
To process sensor data and broadcast updates, implement this method to handle the actual data.
Capture Value: Extract the heart rate from event.values[0].
Broadcast Result: Send a local broadcast with the heart rate value so your UI components can update in real-time.
Here is the code:
@Override public void onSensorChanged(SensorEvent event) { if (event.sensor.getType() == Sensor.TYPE_HEART_RATE) { float heartRate = event.values[0]; Log.d(TAG, "_________Heart Rate: " + heartRate); // Broadcast the result to update the UI Intent intent = new Intent(ACTION_HEART_RATE_UPDATE); intent.putExtra(EXTRA_HEART_RATE, heartRate); intent.setPackage(getPackageName()); // Ensure only this app receives the broadcast sendBroadcast(intent); } }
onDestroy() :
In this method, unregister the sensor listener to prevent excessive battery drain after the user is finished.
@Override public void onDestroy() { if (sensorManager != null) { sensorManager.unregisterListener(this); //Stop sensor } Log.d(TAG, "Sensor service destroyed and listener unregistered."); super.onDestroy(); } Step 6: Download the Sample Application
You may download the final projects here:
SensorReadConExample (556.0 KB) 04/23/2026 Step 7: Run the Sample Application on Galaxy Watch
To run the sample application on a Galaxy Watch:
Connect Galaxy Watch to Android Studio over Wi-Fi. Run the sample application on your device. Tap START SENSORS and grant the sensor permission when prompted. When you see the second prompt (or toast), go to the System Settings > Apps > Permissions > Sensors and select All the time. Once granted, the data collection continues even if you close the application UI or the watch screen goes dark.
When the screen turns off, heart rate logs continue in Android Studio Logcat. Tap STOP SENSORS when you want to stop data collection. This stops the service.
Figure 2: Sample application output on a real device
Figure 3: Data collection output in Logcat
In Logcat, filter by the SensorService tag to see the collected heart rate readings. New readings arrive even while the watch screen is off.
NoteYou need to wear the watch to read the heart rate data. Otherwise, it shows 0.0 as the value. Conclusion
Following the steps above, you can build a Galaxy Watch application that collects heart rate data continuously—even when the screen turns off. This same approach applies to other sensors as well, allowing you to read any sensor data continuously in the background.
If you have any questions about or need help with the information in this article, you can reach out to us on the Samsung Developers Forum or contact us through Developer Support.
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