Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro get January 2023 update with Camera Controller feature in the US & Korea

Samsung recently updated its several Galaxy devices with the latest security patch in the form of a January 2023 update. However, the update doesn’t carry any additional features other than security patches. A couple of days ago, the South Korean tech giant announced a new update for Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 4 series through the community newsroom, and it will be available in February.

But now, Samsung has just released a new OTA update for their Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, bringing with it camera controller zoom, a January 2023 security patch, and more. The update is available in the United States and Korea and will be rolling out to other regions soon. With this new update, Samsung users now have access to improved camera control and added security, along with several other performance fixes.

The latest update comes with version number R9**XXU1AWA3 for Galaxy Watch 5 and Watch 5 Pro. The update brings some new features, and improvements like A new “Connected device diagnostics” option has been added to check the proper performance of the Galaxy watch’s battery status, touch screen function, etc., on the connected phone. A new camera feature was added, which enhances the watch’s functionality, has also fixed some known bugs and improves the overall stability of the watch.

Galaxy Watch 5 Camera controller feature and January 2023 security update

The Galaxy Watch 5 update has been released in the US and Korea, bringing with it a number of new features and improvements. One of the most notable new features is the ability to control the camera zoom with the watch, which should make taking photos and videos with your Galaxy Watch 5 much easier. The update also includes the January 2023 security patch

Notability, the camera controller feature only works on flagship smartphones which launched after Galaxy S20 or Z Flip devices and are running on One UI 5.1. However, Samsung hasn’t released the One UI 5.1 update on any device yet. But it will be the first debut in Galaxy S23 devices which will be launched in the Galaxy Unpacked event in February 2023, and then the update will be available for other Galaxy devices.

• New Camera Controller feature added
Change zoom on your phone camera remotely through pinching in or out on the screen, or through rotating the bezel.
※ This feature is only supported on flagship models released after Samsung Galaxy S20 or Z Flip running at least One UI 5.1.
• Samsung Members
A new “Connected device diagnostics” option has been added to check the proper performance of the Galaxy Watch's battery status, touch screen function, etc. on the connected phone.
※ Please update Samsung Members and Galaxy Wearable app to the latest versions for using the 'Connected device diagnostics' feature.
• Stability and reliability
The stability has been improved.

As of now, the January 2023 update is available in only two countries, including South Korea and the US. However, it is expected to expand to other countries in the coming days; we will notify you when it will be available in other countries, so kindly be in touch with us for new updates.