Wearable

The GraphWear company has introduced two new key players into its project for creating a “no-needle, no-blood” platform that will be used for a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The latest personnel additions bring experience from both Dexcom and Fitbit, offering a boost to the GraphWear wearable project.

The Sony LinkBuds are here and at a cheaper price point than the WF-1000XM4. While not replacements for Sony's high-end earbuds, the LinkBuds offer a unique take on a saturated market with an open-back design. Initial reviews point towards the LinkBuds delivering better call quality than the WF-1000XM4 too.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 has leaked on Amazon Germany before its European release. Surprisingly, the leather model could arrive for less than €200, contrary to previous rumours. The Watch S1 will be available with a sportier look, too.

It looks like Sony could be on the verge of bringing the WH-1000XM5 to market, a successor to the 18-month old WH-1000XM4. According to an FCC listing, the upcoming headphones have a different design than their predecessor, along with a larger battery and fast charging support.

Jabra aims to cater for the millions of users in the United States affected by mild or moderate hearing loss with the new Enhance Plus wearables. They are touted to combine the size and convenience of TWS products with "advanced hearing technology", and might well be the first in a wave of products compatible with the FDA's potentially upcoming Over-The-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aid criteria.

GoPro has now released its financial report for the final quarter of the past year (4Q2021). It has enabled the household name in action-cams to add up its total revenue for the year and come up with a sum well over US$1 billion. Its average street prices (ASP) per camera and cash on hand have also hit new heights in 2021.

Apple's AirTags have become embroiled in a scandal that highlights their potential to facilitate crimes such as stalking, theft and general unsolicited e-tracking. Accordingly, the Cupertino giant has responded with an "update" that outlines its new policies and procedures intended to reduce the risk of the malicious abuse of its first-gen personal-effect security accessories.

Reportedly, Xiaomi will be releasing the Watch S1 in Europe soon. Allegedly, the Watch S1 will launch for between €200 and €260, depending on the watch strap chosen. The Watch S1 has plenty of features, but those prices put the Watch S1 into Galaxy Watch4 territory.

TAG Heuer has presented a new generation in its Connected Watch series. The Connected Calibre E4 arrives with a Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset and Wear OS 2, not Wear OS 3. TAG Heuer will upgrade its latest smartwatches to Wear OS 3 'when the update becomes available' though.

The latest batch of rugged GPS smartwatches by Garmin consists of both solar and non-solar models, in two sizes. Compared to their predecessors, the new Instinct smartwatches feature an improved SpO2 sensor, an NFC chip, as well as the ability to calculate VO₂ max levels. Solar models also promise unlimited battery life.

Apple has typically offered a three-month free trial for new users considering an account with its first-party Music service. However, this offer has been cut in more than half in a long list of countries where the Cupertino giant operates. The normal price thereafter remains unchanged, however.

It seems that Sony has a new pair of WF earbuds planned, but not successors to the WF-1000XM4. Instead, Sony has created the Linkbuds WF-L900, a strange pair of earbuds without ear tips. The Linkbuds WF-L900 will launch in two colours, matching the WF-1000XM4.

The Reno7 and 7 Pro has launched in the Indian market, having only been available in China prior to this. The series is still touted as the "Portrait Experts" in its new region. Then again, the vanilla 7 is not exactly the same phone as it was in China; its new international units come with a MediaTek Dimensity SoC rather than one from Qualcomm as before.

Know Labs has issued a press release to announce IRB approval for internal clinical trials for its KnowU Bio-RFID non-invasive blood sugar monitor. The company is now looking for eligible participants to test a prototype version of the glucose monitor so that its efficacy can be compared with continuous glucose monitors and painful fingerstick methods.

Xiaomi has confirmed the impending arrival of the Redmi Smart Band Pro in India. Already available in China, the Redmi Smart Band Pro will launch in India during the Redmi Note 11S' event on February 9. The Redmi Smart Band Pro could cost as little as INR 2,999 (~US$40) initially, too.

OPPO has announced that it will introduce the Watch Free, one of its latest fitness trackers, to the Indian market soon. It will debut when the Reno7 series does in early February 2022. They will be joined by the Enco M32 wireless earbuds in a new color.

According to reports, Realme is preparing to launch the Watch T1 globally as the Watch S100. Due to arrive in India first, the Watch S100 should be available in at least two colours. Realme may host a Watch S100 launch event later this month in India, too.

The Pebble Pace Pro is a new smartwatch with a large display and IP68 certification. Supposedly, the smartwatch comes with comparatively accurate sensors too, at least for its price. Also, the Pebble Pace Pro should last up to 15 days between charges on its 230 mAh battery.

According to reports, DIZO is planning to release another smartwatch in a few weeks. Following on from the DIZO Watch R, the Realme sub-brand will announce the DIZO Watch S, which will also have an AMOLED display.

Many consumers pair their smartphones with wearables capable of showing their heart rate these days. However, according to Realme, those accessories will not be necessary with its upcoming 9 Pro+. It will have a new kind of fingerprint sensor that apparently also doubles as a specific times of fitness tracker.

The company behind the Noctura 400 sleep mask for treating diabetic eye disease (DED), PolyPhotonix, has secured a vital US$10 million investment as support during FDA clinical trials. The Noctura 400 uses OLEDs fitted inside a pod and is for people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes to manage or prevent diabetic retinopathy.

Huawei has revealed the Watch GT Runner in Europe, a 46 mm smartwatch with up to 14 days of battery life. The Watch GT Runner comes with numerous health tracking and exercise features, plus wireless charging support. Unusually, the Watch GT Runner supports reverse wireless charging, too.

Mobvoi invites its fans to turn down their distractions and turn up the fun via a pair of TWS earbuds with active noise cancellation (ANC) and a succinct new name to match. They are rated for IP5X ingress-protection, "all-day" comfort and up to 21 hours of battery life thanks to their USB type-C charging case.

Garmin's website has already listed the Forerunner 955 LTE, a smartwatch that also has GPS connectivity. The Forerunner 955 should cost as much as the fēnix 7 and fēnix 7S, at least in its LTE form. The Forerunner 955 is one of many Garmin smartwatches that the company has released this year or plans to, including the Instinct 2 series.

While Apple Watch became the number one best selling watch in the world, surpassing Rolex back in 2017, the smartwatch still feels very much like a unique utility for Apple enthusiasts. Here are four amazing apps that casual users and dedicated techies alike will find entertaining, useful, & packed full of utility.

Reebok has joined already offers various watches under its subsidiary brand Reebok, both analog and digital, now Reebok has presented its first smartwatch. The ActiveFit 1.0 offers up to 15 days of runtime and a SpO2 sensor at an attractive price.

A new leak has revealed details about yet more Garmin smartwatches. Reputedly, the Instinct 2 and the Instinct 2S will be more expensive than their predecessors, but they will receive a superior SpO2 sensor, plus an NFC chip and the ability to calculate VO₂ max levels.

Rockley Photonics Holdings has announced the successful completion of the first human studies trial for its biomarker sensing platform. Future VitalSpex modules should be able to non-invasively provide data about biomarkers such as blood alcohol content, blood pressure, and blood sugar. Rockley is also known for its association with Apple.

Reportedly, Google has set a date for the Pixel Watch's release. Likely also the date of this year's Google I/O conference, Google could use the launch event to showcase the finished version of Wear OS 3, an OS that it debuted at last year's event.

OPPO debuted flagship TWS earbuds with Dynaudio tuning in 2020. Now, they are tipped to get a second generation this year. According to a new leaked render for these accessories, they will retain their high-end co-branding and largely the same design as their predecessors.

The Finnish smartwatch manufacturer Suunto has announced a new version of the Suunto 5, the Suunto 5 Peak. The new model is cheaper, lighter and smaller than the original version. The extensive GPS features of the Suunto 5 remain though, despite the price cut, plus over 80 sports modes.

Garmin has finally revealed a second-generation Epix smartwatch, six years after the inaugural model arrived. The Epix 2, or epix (Gen 2) as Garmin calls it, has a large AMOLED display, up to 32 GB of storage and is available in steel or titanium finishes.

Garmin has revealed the fēnix 7 series, consisting of the fēnix 7, fēnix 7s and the fēnix 7x. The series starts at US$699.99 and is available in Standard, Solar and Sapphire Solar versions. All models have touchscreen displays, among various changes.

Garmin has released a new update to numerous smartwatches in its fēnix series, including the fēnix 6. The update brings some major changes and improvements to the smartwatches, including adding support for HIIT workouts. Some Marq models also benefit from Garmin's extensive update.

Huawei is currently updating the Watch GT 2 in China, a smartwatch that it launched over two years ago. While the new software is unavailable outside Huawei's home market, the features it contains should make their way to other markets soon.

Alertgy is scheduled to be one of the many healthtech companies making a virtual appearance at the upcoming European Healthtech CEO Forum. The firm has been working on the Alertgy non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (NICGM) wristband that should offer painless blood sugar level data around the clock for people with Type 2 diabetes.

Apple Glass, AR glasses that the company is rumored to be working on, may come with lenses that adjust to correct users' visual defects. According to a patent granted to Apple, multiple electrodes are used to adjust the physical properties of liquid crystal lenses, allowing the lenses to mimic prescription lenses.

Google has agreed to include options for left-handed people to wear Wear OS smartwatches on their right wrist. The issue, which people have logged for years in Google's Issue Tracker, may only be available 'on future devices' though, for some reason.

Razer has been caught red-handed over the marketing of its Zephyr and Zephyr Pro face masks. Previously, the company marketed both as being 'N95 grade'; it has been selling the Zephyr since October 2021. Neither are 'N95 grade' and nor has Razer received any certifications to make such claims.

Apple has expanded its Fitness+ subscription service with new features. Now, the service supports Collections, Time to Run, a new season of Time to Walk and new Artist Spotlight workouts, all designed to get people moving. The new features are available now to Apple Fitness+ subscribers.

The Xiaomi Watch S1 is already orderable in China, having been announced at the end of last year. Reputedly, Xiaomi hopes to release the smartwatch outside globally too, ahead of which it has already some software improvements. Now, the Watch S1 has access to 11 more apps, including music streaming and audiobook services.

Skagen has announced the Falster Gen 6, the successor to the Falster 3. As it name suggests, the Falster Gen 6 is the Skagen version of the Fossil Gen 6. Accordingly, the Falster Gen 6 has a Snapdragon Wear 4100+ SoC and fast charging, but also a more minimal design than its sibling.

Abbott's best-known consumer products might be the FreeStyle line of blood glucose-monitoring "biowearables". Now, the biomedical OEM has announced that it will expand this category with new tracking prowess. This Lingo series of sensors is touted to put the user in more control over their health and fitness than ever before.

Razer has showcased a new version of the Zephyr mask called the Zephyr Pro. The Pro will cost US$50 more than the Zephyr, which cost US$99. The US$149.99 mask will feature built-in speakers and will come with 10 filters for up to 30 days of use. Razer will sell a 99-day bundle too for US$199.99, too.

Realme has unveiled the DIZO Watch R, an affordable smartwatch with an AMOLED display that packs AoD functionality. The DIZO Watch R comes with over 110 exercise modes, 150 watch faces and plenty of health-tracking features.

The Honor Watch GS 3 was originally pitched as a companion for the OEM's mid-2021 flagship smartphones with advanced heart-rate sensing tech. However, the wearable then failed to launch in full and has remained absent from online sales listings ever since. Now, it has reportedly materialized in a brick-and-mortar store in China, spilling more of its specs in the process.

Razer has unveiled a limited edition version of the Fossil Gen 6. The Razer X Fossil Gen 6 contains three watch dials and two Razer-branded watch straps, but no hardware changes from the Fossil Gen 6. Fossil and Razer will only sell 1,337 Razer X Fossil Gen 6 units, starting later this month.

Garmin has launched the Venu 2 Plus, a 43 mm smartwatch available in three colours. The Venu 2 Plus has an AMOLED display, stainless steel hardware, countless health and fitness features, plus voice assistant functionality. The Venu 2 Plus will be orderable in multiple markets, starting with the US.

The OnePlus 10 Pro flagship may be hotly awaited in India, as in many other markets; now, however, it seems the 9RT will make it there first. According to the latest teasers posted by the OEM's Indian division, the 2021 flagship-alternative is destined to launch in this new market soon, alongside the OEM's latest Buds Z2 TWS earbuds.