Amazfit smartwatches get internet radio: WatchFM streams music “directly” to the watch

Amazfit smartwatches (available on Amazon), like Garmin models, can have their functionality expanded through apps. These apps are offered not only by Zepp Health and other companies, but also in large numbers by small, more or less independent developers. WatchFM is a new app of this kind that makes internet radio available directly on the watch. However, “directly” does not mean completely independently of a smartphone: The Zepp app must be running on the smartphone, at least in the background, and there must be an active Bluetooth connection to the phone. This means that users cannot listen to music outside the smartphone’s range, even if the watch has an active Wi-Fi connection.

The app also has limitations in other respects: The selection of available radio stations is (still) quite small and includes SBS PopAsia from Australia and KIIS FM from Los Angeles, among others. The WatchFM app’s design is certainly not based solely on practical considerations. WatchFM does not need to remain in the foreground all the time, as music can continue playing in the background. A tap in the app also displays the time and remaining battery charge. There are several configuration options and statistics as well. On the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, the app runs smoothly and without any issues. The volume, for example, can be adjusted using the watch’s four buttons. WatchFM is currently compatible only with Amazfit smartwatches with round displays. However, support for smartwatches with (nearly) rectangular displays is expected to follow.