Samsung's new Galaxy Buds app helps reduce motion sickness

While select Galaxy Buds models can be used as a hearing aid (although not FDA-approved like the AirPods Pro 2), Samsung has released an app that can help with another condition — motion sickness. The app, which is now available to download on the Google Play Store, works with the new Galaxy Buds 4 Pro.

Samsung calls the new app Hearapy, and it says it is designed to help reduce motion sickness. It does this by playing a 100Hz bass sine tone that stimulates the user's balance system, thus reducing motion sickness without the need for medication.

The 100Hz bass sine tone has to be listened to for 60 seconds before the trip, although users can set the playback duration to between 40 to 120 seconds. Nevertheless, Samsung says the effect lasts for up to two hours. Users can then repeat the procedure as they deem fit.

In its press release, Samsung says the development is based on findings from Nagoya University in Japan, where researchers carried out an experiment to determine which tone most effectively stimulates the vestibular system. They found out that listening to a 100Hz tone at a volume of 80 to 85db for a minute helps improve balance. However, it only works if no music or other noises interfere with the sine wave.

While Samsung only mentions the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro in the app, the folks at SamMobille have reported that the app works with practically any headphones even if they are not Galaxy Buds. That's good news as it means you don't have to purchase the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro (available on Amazon for $249.99). However, you are better off using the app with earbuds with a closed-ear design for a better fit.