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The EKG feature on Samsung's Galaxy Watch 3 got FDA clearance just in time

EKG on Samsung watches is heading to the US, but we're still not sure exactly when.

Scott Stein Editor at Large
I started with CNET reviewing laptops in 2009. Now I explore wearable tech, VR/AR, tablets, gaming and future/emerging trends in our changing world. Other obsessions include magic, immersive theater, puzzles, board games, cooking, improv and the New York Jets. My background includes an MFA in theater which I apply to thinking about immersive experiences of the future.
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Scott Stein
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Samsung's newest watch has EKG, and it's now FDA-cleared for US use.

Samsung

The newest Samsung smartwatch, the Galaxy Watch 3, is striving to provide blood pressure and blood oxygen monitoring, even if those aren't approved for US markets yet. But its electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) feature finally has FDA clearance.

Samsung announced Wednesday that the Galaxy Watch 3's on-wrist EKG feature has FDA clearance, which is good news for anyone waiting on a Samsung watch with EKG in the US. The Samsung Galaxy Watch Active 2 added an EKG function last year, but didn't get FDA clearance. 

Samsung's global PR confirmed the news about the FDA clearance, but didn't give a time frame for when the EKG feature would arrive for US customers, nor say whether or when those features would finally be unlocked for US owners of the Galaxy Watch Active 2.

The Watch 3's blood pressure and oxygen monitoring features are currently only cleared for use in South Korea, and the blood pressure monitor requires calibration with a blood pressure cuff in order to use.

We'll update this story when we know more.

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