Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra have lost a very useful feature
When Samsung’s Galaxy Watch7 was recently unveiled, people were excited to see all the new features but didn’t notice anything was missing.
User JordyV27 on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter) discovered a support page revealing that neither the Galaxy Watch 7 nor the Galaxy Watch Ultra feature Wireless PowerShare.
For those unaware, Wireless PowerShare is a reverse charging feature that allows Samsung wearables to steal a small amount of power from a Galaxy smartphone. To transfer power, all you had to do was place the smartwatch directly on the back of the phone. This feature was exclusive to a handful of first-party devices, but it really came in handy in a pinch.
PowerShare is gone because of the new BioActive sensor on the back of the watches. It’s a powerful collection of sensors that are more accurate than the Galaxy Watch6’s hardware and can “deeper [health] metrics.” Samsung explains that the unique design of the stack required them to adjust the shape of the back of the smartwatch.
As a result, the distance between the internal wireless charging coil and the wireless charger was increased. With so much going on inside the case, Samsung decided it would be best to simply remove support for Wireless PowerShare.
A valuable consideration
While it may be disappointing to some to see such a useful tool removed, it’s a valuable exchange. Samsung’s BioActive array has improved the health features of wearables. The Galaxy Watch 7, for example, can help users learn more about their metabolic health, as it can track AGEs (advanced glycation end products). It can now even look for signs of sleep apnea.
In addition, the signs that PowerShare would disappear have been there for a while. The Galaxy Watch5 Pro supported the feature, but you had to remove the tire because it would be in the way.
Samsung’s support page also recommends using the wireless charger that comes with the Watch 7, as using a charger from an older model may result in longer charging times “and higher heat generation.” Again, this is due to the BioActive sensor array.
Pre-orders are currently open for the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 and Watch Ultra. The former comes in two sizes, 40mm for $299 / £289 / AU$549 and 44mm for $329 / £319 / AU$599. The Watch Ultra is a single size with a price tag of $649 / £599 / AU$1,299. Shipping dates for both are set for July 24.
Be sure to also check out TechRadar’s list of nine things we saw and learned at Galaxy Unpacked 2024.
