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Yet another innovative Galaxy Note 4 feature has been detailed

Published Jul 17th, 2014 2:21PM EDT
Galaxy Note 4 Features UV Sensor

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Samsung’s upcoming phablet, which will be launched in early September – and which, for the first time ever, will have to face an Apple phablet – is said to pack an exclusive sensor that should further differentiate it from other competing devices. According to SamMobile, the Galaxy Note 4 will have an ultraviolet (UV) sensor that will help users stay out of the damaging rays of the sun.

Following the heart rate sensor found in the Galaxy S5 and other wearable devices, Samsung appears to be more and more interested in adding such health-oriented features to future devices.

The UV sensor will be able to measure UV radiation and offer index levels to Galaxy Note 4 users inside the S Health app. In addition to offering notifications on different levels of UV exposure, the Galaxy Note 4 will also list appropriate recommendations based on the registered UV levels.

For example, an UV Index of 8 to 10, or “Very High” will display information about it, and appropriate advice. “A UV Index reading of 8 to 10 means very high risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. Take extra precautions because unprotected skin and eyes will be damaged and can burn quickly,” the phone will apparently say.

When it comes to recommendations for this case, the software will tell you to minimize exposure between 10AM and 4PM, seek shade while outdoors, use a “wide-brimmed hat” and UV-blocking sunglasses, “generously apply broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, even on cloudy days, and after swimming or sweating,” and “watch out for bright surfaces, like sand, water and snow, which reflect UV and increase exposure.”

Furthermore, Samsung will also include true and false sun protection statements in the UV app, to further increase awareness about UV-related health issues.

While Samsung may be the first company to launch a phone with UV-reading abilities, Apple may be the first company to make an UV-reading smartwatch.

Screenshots for the UV S-Health app are not available at this time, but more details about Samsung’s UV ratings and recommendations, as well as the true and false statements are available at the source link.

Chris Smith Senior Writer

Chris Smith has been covering consumer electronics ever since the iPhone revolutionized the industry in 2008. When he’s not writing about the most recent tech news for BGR, he brings his entertainment expertise to Marvel’s Cinematic Universe and other blockbuster franchises.

Outside of work, you’ll catch him streaming almost every new movie and TV show release as soon as it's available.