Samsung didn't plan to release this, but the 'Hand Wash' app arrives as the coronavirus outbreak continues infecting at an alarming rate.
It serves as a tool to educate and direct users on hand-washing. The Hand Wash app, available on Samsung's Galaxy smartwatches, runs a 25-second timer while the user washes his or her hands. Samsung suggests using the first 5 seconds to turn on the faucet and apply soap, then the other 20 seconds are focused on hand-washing alone. Users can also expect the app to monitor "daily wash trends" in an effort to "build a healthy habit."
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend the practice to get rid of germs. Now, hand-washing appears more important than ever as COVID-19 puts the global population at risk of serious illness. So with hand-washing acting as an important practice to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19, Samsung decided to roll out an app that encourages it.
"To make things easy, a small group of designers and developers from Samsung Research Institute-Bangalore, or SRI-B's UX and wearable teams, worked round-the-clock over the last two weeks to come up with a solution that helps you keep healthy and safe," Samsung said in a press release. Samsung's SRI-B staff collaborated in a remote setting to build the app.
Google introduced a near-identical feature on Wear OS. Through an update to the Clock app, the platform generates notifications to remind users to start a timer while washing their hands. Users can turn off the feature, though. Still, it's a welcome addition during a time when cleanliness seems vital. Everyone needs to wash their hands often and effectively.
Owners of Samsung's smartwatches can download and install the Hand Wash app through the Galaxy Store. It's available for free, and Samsung welcomes any feedback to help more people stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak.
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