Looking for answers to "what can a smartwatch do" beyond the usual step counting and heart rate tracking? You’re in the right place! Smartwatches today can do some pretty weird but surprisingly useful things that many Malaysians don’t know about. Let’s dive into 7 strange yet real features your smartwatch might have — and why they actually work.
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Mae An NG chevron_right
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7 Weird Things Smartwatches Can Track
Smartwatches are smart these days. We love them because they make life easier. Some newer models from brands like Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and even Xiaomi now track some seriously weird (and surprisingly useful) stuff. Like, did you know your smartwatch can detect if you snore? Or if you're too stressed during traffic jams on the LDP?
Here are the seven weird things a smartwatch can track!
1. Snoring Detection
How it works: Some smartwatches (like the Samsung Galaxy Watch series) now come with snore detection. The watch uses its mic — together with your phone’s mic — to detect snoring during sleep.
Why it’s helpful: Malaysians don’t usually check their sleep habits unless it becomes a problem. But snoring can be an early sign of sleep apnea or even heart issues. With the data, you can take action early or show it to a doctor.
Pro Tip: If your partner selalu complains you snore like a motorbike, test this out quietly one night. The results might surprise you!
2. Sweat and Skin Temperature Monitoring
How it works: Some smartwatches can now track sweat levels and skin temperature to detect hydration or heat-related stress. This is especially useful in our humid Malaysian weather.
Why it’s helpful: When you’re exercising outdoors, especially running under the hot sun, you might overheat without realizing it. A smartwatch like the Fitbit Sense 2 or Huawei Watch GT 4 can alert you to take a break or drink water.
Did You Know? Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and even affect your mood. Your smartwatch might notice it before you do.
3. Stress Level Detection
How it works: Most smartwatches today use heart rate variability (HRV) to detect stress. It measures how your heartbeat changes when you’re tense.
Why it’s helpful: Imagine you’re stuck in traffic near Mid Valley or caught in a jam during hujan lebat. Your smartwatch might buzz and tell you: “Hey, you seem stressed. Do a 1-minute breathing exercise?”
It sounds simple, but these small breaks can help reduce anxiety or even avoid high blood pressure in the long run.
User Tip: Samsung Galaxy Watch and Fitbit both have built-in breathing exercises that actually help calm you down. Try it during your next LRT delay.
4. Sleep Quality and “Sleep Score” (Not Just How Long You Sleep)
How it works: Instead of just tracking hours slept, smartwatches now offer a detailed sleep score. They break down your sleep into stages (light, deep, REM), and show you how well you rested.
Why it’s helpful: In Malaysia, a lot of us sleep late, either from watching K-dramas, working OT, or gaming. Even if you sleep for 7 hours, it might be low-quality sleep. A smartwatch helps you figure that out.
Real Talk: Once you start checking your sleep score daily, you might feel more motivated to improve your bedtime routine, if it’s just sleeping before 1 AM.
5. Irregular Heartbeat and ECG Readings
How it works: Premium smartwatches like the Apple Watch Series 9 and Galaxy Watch6 come with an ECG sensor. It can detect atrial fibrillation (AFib) or irregular heartbeat patterns.
Why it’s helpful: AFib is a serious condition, and many Malaysians don’t realise they have it until it’s too late. With this feature, your watch might catch warning signs before you even feel symptoms.
Health Fact: According to Malaysia’s Ministry of Health, heart disease remains one of the top causes of death. Catching irregular heart signals early could save lives.
6. Menstrual Cycle and Fertility Tracking
How it works: Many smartwatches now include women’s health tracking — not just dates, but also mood, symptoms, ovulation cycles, and even skin temperature trends.
Why it’s helpful: If you’re planning to get pregnant or just want to track your hormonal changes, this data is gold. Some watches (like Fitbit Versa or Apple Watch) even give predictions for ovulation windows.
Friendly Reminder: Always check if the app you're using supports the local time zone and Malay language; some imported watches need manual setup.
7. Fall Detection and Emergency SOS
How it works: Using motion sensors and accelerometers, your watch can tell if you’ve had a hard fall, and then alert your emergency contact or even dial SOS.
Why it’s helpful: If you're jogging alone at Taman Titiwangsa or cycling around Putrajaya, this feature gives peace of mind. Even more useful for elderly parents, the Apple Watch’s fall detection has been credited with saving lives.
Local Tip: Set your emergency contact to someone nearby (not overseas) so they can respond in real-time.
What Can a Smartwatch Do Now?
Honestly? A lot more than it used to.
Here’s a quick recap of the weird but useful things modern smartwatches can track:
- Snoring & sleep noise
- Skin temperature & hydration
- Stress levels
- Quality of sleep (not just hours)
- ECG & irregular heartbeat alerts
- Period & fertility tracking
- Fall detection with SOS
And these are on top of the usual stuff like:
- Steps
- Calories
- GPS tracking
- Heart rate
- Notifications
- Controlling Spotify/YouTube on your phone
- Making NFC payments (like Touch ‘n Go eWallet via watch – if supported!)
Simple Tips to Care For Your Smartwatch
By following these easy tips, your smartwatch will last longer, look good, and work better.
1. Keep It Clean
Always clean your smartwatch with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or soaps, as they can damage the screen and straps.
2. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Don’t leave your smartwatch under direct sunlight or in a very cold car. Extreme heat or cold can reduce the battery life.
3. Charge It Properly
Use the charger that came with your smartwatch. Avoid overcharging — once it reaches 100%, unplug it to protect the battery.
4. Check the Water Resistance
Even if your smartwatch is water-resistant, don’t wear it for long swims or in very hot showers. Always check the water-resistance level in the manual.
5. Clean the Strap
Remove the strap every few weeks and wash it gently with water and mild soap. Let it dry completely before putting it back on.
6. Update the Software
Always update your smartwatch’s software. Updates can help fix bugs, improve battery life, and add new features.
7. Turn It Off Occasionally
Just like your phone, switch off your smartwatch once a week for a few minutes. This can help it run smoothly.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still asking what can a smartwatch do, the real answer is a lot more than you think.
Today’s smartwatches aren’t just fitness tools. They’re personal health assistants, mood checkers, and emergency helpers, all wrapped into one tiny device on your wrist.
With 5G and AI integration improving every year, plus more brands making smartwatches under RM500, now’s a good time to invest in one.
Whether you're a student, working professional, gym bro, or a busy parent, there's probably a smartwatch out there that can make your daily life a little easier (and maybe even save it).
What’s Next?
Want to find the best smartwatch in Malaysia for your lifestyle and budget? Check out our latest guide here: 10 Best Smartwatches in Malaysia – Updated July 2025