Samsung wants to talk about your health before Apple does

By Andy Boxall May 2, 2014

Gear Fit Watch Samsung Galaxy S5

Samsung has sent out a pre-event invitation, saying it would like us to join it in a conversation about health, which will take place in San Francisco at the end of May. Health and fitness is big news in the world of smartphones and technology at the moment, with many companies launching wristbands, apps, and devices all designed to help us live longer, healthier lives. You know, so we can buy more of their gadgets.

Interestingly, Samsung’s invitation doesn’t come from its mobile division, but from Samsung Semiconductors. This does suggest we won’t be seeing any new hardware, and the event will concentrate more on sensors which could be built into future devices. Samsung has been on a health kick since the start of the 2014, introducing the Gear Fit wristband, and the Galaxy S5 complete with its heart rate monitor, and this is a sign it’s not slowing down.

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While we’d like to see some new products on the day, it’s the timing of Samsung’s event, and the use of the phrase “Be there when it starts” which makes it all very interesting. May 28 is a few days before Apple’s WWDC 2014 conference begins, where if the rumors are correct, it will introduce its own health app known as HealthBook. This way, Samsung can reinforce any future claim to being “first” on the health and fitness mobile scene.

Apple has been linked with HealthBook for a while now, following a recruitment drive which saw a team of experts from the field join the company, and actions which may result in a tighter relationship with Nike. While HealthBook may end up being part of iOS 8, it’s also related to the gossip about the iWatch, Apple’s long-discussed wearable device.

Samsung will open the doors to its event at 10:30 a.m. on May 28, and we’ll bring you the news on the day, just keep your expectations in check.

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