Samsung has announced new updates for Galaxy Watch devices running Wear OS 3 and the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro. Now, this isn't your typical software update that's purely aimed at squashing bugs. Instead, they will allow users to take advantage of new features that will elevate the content-capturing capabilities with supported Galaxy smartphones. The update will introduce the ability to capture 360-degree audio with the Buds 2 Pro and seamless zoom functionality when using the Galaxy Watch.

After the update, users will be able to capture 360-degree audio using the Galaxy Buds 2 Pro just by pairing it with a Galaxy smartphone. This is made possible by using the microphone found inside each earbud and recording simultaneously in sync with video to deliver immersive 360-degree audio. Samsung touts that this is now possible thanks to LE audio technology, which is a new audio transmission standard that takes place over a Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) radio. As far as benefits, we're looking at improved energy efficiency, enhanced audio features when streaming to wireless devices, and more.

Galaxy Watch 5 in Sapphire colorway laying on a flat surface

Samsung is also delivering a new update for the Galaxy Watch’s Camera Controller app, giving users more control when they are framing their shots. In the latest update, users will be able to control the zoom settings from the app by just rotating the bezel or pinching the watch face. The 360-degree audio update will be rolling out starting today. Whereas the update for the Galaxy Watch 5 series and Galaxy Watch 4 series will be available at the beginning of February.

Of course, not all smartphones will be compatible, with Samsung requiring a smartphone running One UI 5.0 or higher with support for LE Audio. For now, that includes just the Galaxy Z Flip 4 and the Galaxy Z Fold 4. It's also safe to say that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S23 devices that are set to take center stage at the Galaxy Unpacked on February 1 will also support this feature as well.

If you're interested in trying it out and you have all the right hardware and software, head into the Samsung Camera app, select the settings menu within the video mode, head into the advanced options, then turn on 360 Audio Recording.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23
    Brand
    Samsung
    SoC
    Snapdragon 8 Gen 2
    Display
    6.1-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, FHD+ resolution (2,340 x1,080), 120Hz adaptive refresh rate
    RAM
    8GB
    Storage
    128GB, 256GB
    Battery
    3,900mAh

    The regular Galaxy S23 is a great option if you're in the market for a smaller smartphone thanks to its 6.1-inch display. But despite the size, it's not lacking any features that the larger S23+ has. It has a 120Hz AMOLED display, a 50MP camera, and more.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Plus
    Brand
    Samsung
    SoC
    Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    Display
    6.6-inch Full HD+, Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (48-120Hz), 240Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode
    RAM
    8GB
    Storage
    256GB, 512GB
    Battery
    4,700mAh

    The Samsung Galaxy S23+ is slightly bigger than the regular model. That means the screen is bigger, and the battery is bigger, too. It also comes with the same 50MP camera sensor as the S23 and in the same four colors.

  • Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra in green with transparent background showing front and back of the phone with S Pen stylus
    Brand
    Samsung
    SoC
    Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy
    Display
    6.8-inch QHD+ Edge, Dynamic AMOLED 2X Display, Super Smooth 120Hz refresh rate (1-120Hz), 240Hz touch sampling rate in gaming mode
    RAM
    8GB, 12GB
    Storage
    256GB, 512GB, 1TB UFS 4.0
    Battery
    5,000mAh

    The Galaxy S23 Ultra is one of the best phones on the market, packing an all-new 200MP sensor, a refined design, a custom Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chipset, and One UI 5.1.


Source: Samsung