The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 has made headlines with its introduction of what the company refers to as "secret gestures." However, it's important to note that many of these gestures are already available on existing Samsung smartwatches. The Galaxy Watch 8 series, including the Watch 8 Classic and Watch Ultra, launched with the new One UI 8 Watch, which is built on Wear OS 6. This update brings a plethora of enhancements, including a refreshed user interface, redesigned tile appearances, smoother animations, and exciting new features.
Samsung's smartwatches are known for supporting a variety of gestures, allowing users to control their devices without needing to touch the screen. These gestures can perform several pre-defined tasks, such as opening an app or managing incoming calls. Here are the three gestures that Samsung highlights as "secret":
The Shake gesture is primarily used to dismiss applications or activities. To activate this feature, simply rotate your wrist twice to decline incoming calls or to dismiss alerts, including alarms, timers, and reminders. This gesture provides an intuitive way to manage notifications without the need for direct interaction.
This gesture allows users to quickly launch an app or feature. To perform the Knock Knock gesture, make a fist and bend your wrist down and then back up twice, as if your fist is nodding. This simple action enables fast access to your favorite applications.
The Double Pinch gesture functions oppositely to the Shake gesture. By pinching twice, users can answer calls, scroll through notifications, pause or play music, and even take pictures. Additionally, this gesture allows for customization, taking the place of the Shake gesture to dismiss or mute alerts, further enhancing user control.
Despite Samsung US promoting the Galaxy Watch 8’s "secret gestures," many users are already familiar with these gestures from previous models. Beyond these gestures, Samsung smartwatches also support the Camera Controller app, which enables a hands-free camera experience on Galaxy phones by providing controls directly on the watch.
In addition to the new gestures, Samsung is reportedly planning to enhance its Samsung Messages app with a satellite texting feature. Although Google Messages is the default messaging app for Galaxy devices, Samsung is not neglecting its in-house application. A Reddit user recently discovered code strings in the Samsung Messages APK that suggest the introduction of a "Satellite Mode." This feature would allow SMS-only messaging, enabling users to send text messages even without multimedia.
While the satellite messaging functionality is still under development and may not roll out to users, this potential upgrade indicates a shift in Samsung's strategy to enhance the usability of its messaging platform. Reports have surfaced suggesting that the Samsung Messages app is preparing for additional features, including Birthday reminders, Emoji reactions, Live location sharing, Now Brief support, and Sticker reactions.
As the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 garners attention, the company faces criticism for allegedly delaying the rollout of the One UI 8.0 update to boost sales of its foldable devices. Speculations suggest that Samsung is strategically timing the rollout of the One UI 8.0 update to coincide with the upcoming launch of Apple's iPhone 17 series. This tactic aims to shift attention away from Apple's big reveal while promoting the new Galaxy Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7.
The One UI 8 Beta Program commenced in May 2025, with the official version debuting alongside the Z Fold 7 and Z Flip 7 in July 2025. However, the stable rollout has yet to begin, and reports indicate that Samsung plans to start this in September 2025. This pattern of delaying updates for older models appears to be a tactic to drive sales of new devices.
If you're eager to experience the new One UI 8 features, here are five strategies to gain access to the update quickly:
Purchase a New Galaxy Foldable: The Galaxy Z Fold 7, Flip 7, and Flip 7 FE come preinstalled with One UI 8, providing immediate access to the latest software.Opt for the Galaxy S25: If foldables aren't your preference, the Galaxy S25 series is set to receive the One UI 8 update in September 2025, making it a reliable choice for early access.Join the One UI 8 Beta: The Beta Program is currently available for the Galaxy S25 series in select countries. Joining this program will allow you to experience the update before the official rollout.Wait for the Galaxy S25 FE: Launching with Android 16, the upcoming Galaxy S25 FE will offer One UI 8 pre-installed, giving it an advantage over other models.Consider the Galaxy S24 Series: Samsung is offering certified renewed models of the Galaxy S24 series, which will also receive the One UI 8 Beta in August 2025, providing another route to access the update.As Samsung prepares for the stable rollout of One UI 8, users can look forward to a range of exciting features and improvements. Whether you're considering an upgrade or looking to join the Beta program, now is a great time to explore what Samsung's latest software has to offer.
