Smartwatch

Garmin has started testing new improvements for the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3 on its Beta Program. Available to download for free globally, Beta 13.18 is the first opportunity to test improved Voice Assistant interactions on numerous Android smartphones.

A recent update for the Zepp app appears to be causing issues with the Exertion score metric. Several users have discussed the problem on Reddit, flagging that recent activities are not improving their scores as expected. Plus, it appears that this bug could affect other workout-related metrics.

The Apple Watch Series 10 was a rather modest upgrade, which appears to have had a significant impact on sales in 2024. Apple Watch sales fell by a full 19% while the four biggest competitors gained market share.

Garmin has been spotted preparing a new device for release. Under development as 'A04968', the unnamed device has been speculated to be the Forerunner 975. Early evidence suggests otherwise, though.

Mibro’s upcoming GS Active 2 smartwatch was recently on show at MWC 2025, where the brand also unveiled the GS Explorer S and GS Pro 2. The GS Active 2 is a running watch with features including GPS and running training plans. Based on the expected tools and the features announced so far, this watch could compete with the Forerunner 165.

Fitbit is reportedly working on a wearable that can measure blood pressure. This feature could be implemented into smartwatches or even a smart ring, provided that a new patented sensor can be downsized.

Garmin has added the recently released Instinct 3 smartwatch to its Your Watch Your Way customization platform in the US. This tool is already available for other models, allowing users to alter the look of the wearable. Currently, options for the new Instinct smartwatch are more limited.

The Apple Watch Series 10 launched in 2024 with a refined design and a handful of upgrades and new features. Six months later, it can now be purchased for $100 less than it cost at launch, albeit for a limited time.

Xiaomi is nearly ready to unleash another new smartwatch on the world, according to a new leak. It is slated to launch with standalone mobile data and fast charging - even faster than that of the new OnePlus Watch 3, in fact. The wearable might debut alongside an equally premium tablet and smartphone soon.

The Mibro GS Pro 2 smartwatch is one of several upcoming wearables from the brand to be on show at MWC 2025. The company has announced some of the features offered by this model, including GPS navigation, Bluetooth calling and a Triathlon mode. As such, it could be a competitor for Garmin smartwatches like the Forerunner 965.

Amazfit has listed its recently released Active 2 smartwatch at several of its online stores in Europe. The model launched a few weeks ago with features including automatic workout detection, GPS and the Zepp Coach AI assistant. Despite the apparent stock issues, there are other ways for customers to purchase this wearable.

Garmin has left some early adopters of the Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Enduro 3 confused about the prospect of having received beta updates despite having never enrolled on the company's Beta Program. In fact, it seems that Garmin has started a new stable rollout without informing anyone that would be the case.

Software development for the Fenix 7 Pro and other smartwatches has slowed in recent months following the release of the Fenix 8 series. Now, the company appears to be more focused on resolving outstanding bugs, many of which it claims to have fixed with System Software 20.22.

The Garmin Fenix 6, Marq, Enduro, Quatix 6, and Tactix Delta smartwatches are now receiving beta version 28.01. This unexpected release fixes a bug linked to music controls that could cause the wearables to crash. Plus, Garmin notes that this could be the last update in the beta testing cycling, meaning a live release is imminent.

The Mibro GS Explorer S is currently on show at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. This rugged smartwatch builds on the original GS Explorer, launched in 2024, with the company announcing one new tool and a new casing material option. Other features include GPS positioning and a 10ATM waterproof rating.

Garmin has released Connect IQ SDK 8.1.0 for its community of app developers. This version of the new System 8 is widely available, bringing features like more detailed smart notifications and a native watch face editor. Plus, Garmin notes that developers should ensure that they have the latest version of the Monkey C extension.

It seems that Garmin is preparing to release a new stable update for the Fenix E, Fenix 8 and Enduro 3. Arriving in the wake of firmware that landed last month, the new stable update would focus on resolving bugs this time around.

OnePlus is offering limited-time discounts on flagship smartphones, including the OnePlus 12 and OnePlus Open, as well as select wearables and wireless earphones. The coupon code "LUCKY25" can be used to avail the discounts for a limited period.

Google has released a major update for the second and third generation Pixel Watch models, which introduces a number of practical new features. These include menstrual health tracking via the Fitbit app, an improved pedometer and an automatic sleep mode.

The G-Shock DW-H5600 isn’t just tough—it’s also loaded with powerful fitness tracking features, including heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, blood oxygen measurement and more. The watch is currently down to its lowest price on Amazon and can be had for just $209.30 for a limited time.

The Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches are receiving a new beta update, version 22.24. It follows the earlier stable update, version 22.22. This latest release tackles crashes linked to smart notification replies and Connect IQ apps, as well as other bugs.

Amazfit smartwatch users are receiving a new version of the Zepp app. Version 9.5, or version 9.5.0, of the smartphone app, is said to bring enhanced app search features and other usability improvements. Plus, Zepp 9.5 brings support for another recent wearable and a new tool for workouts.

Doogee has introduced a new Tab E3 series of slates with on-trend 13- and 14-inch displays in its Pro and Max variants respectively. Both devices are powered by an unusual 9-core processor to optimize key aspects of their performance with AI. The E3 Max and Pro are joined by their OEM's latest wearables and other, smaller tablets in their Barcelona debut.

Past reports have hinted that Honor was working on a new Watch 5 smartwatch with an octagonal bezel, and it happens to be the Watch 5 Ultra. This new wearable also has a long battery and is said to offer instant ECG readings.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro initially launched in China in October last year, and the company made it available to the UK, Japan, and some EU regions later. Now, the smartwatch has been made widely available in the EU.

Xiaomi has now released a new mid-range smartwatch globally. Available for €159.99 (~$166), the Xiaomi Watch S4 combines an ultra-bright display with modern health tracking features and excellent battery life.

The OnePlus Watch 3 was launched earlier in February. However, a small typo on its rear side caught attention, prompting OnePlus to acknowledge the mistake. The company is now shipping an apology letter with affected units.

Garmin claims to have resolved a bug on the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro and other smartwatches that was preventing external sensors from connecting automatically at the start of an activity. The fix, which is now rolling out for public beta testing, should eventually reach all compatible smartwatches as a new update focusing on eradicating other outstanding bugs.

A new Garmin beta update has arrived for the Fenix 8, Fenix E and Enduro 3 smartwatches. Version 13.32 follows the recently released stable software version 13.31, which brought several new features to these wearables. The change log for this latest beta release indicates that it brings six bug fixes to these smartwatches, one of which tackles an issue with the new Passcode tool.

A new Amazfit Balance smartwatch update, version 3.25.11.1, is now rolling out to all users worldwide. The release began a couple of weeks ago, though it was only available in some countries. Plus, a more detailed change log reveals that the update also brings support for remote DJI drone controls.

US users of the Pixel Watch 3 will soon be getting another health and safety feature called Loss of Pulse detection. It was originally announced back in 2024 but has finally received the necessary approvals from the US FDA.

Meizu has announced that it will be at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) event in Barcelona, Spain with the latest in its range of Flyme AIOS-powered solutions and devices. They include smart car platforms, smart glasses and smartphones. The latter will include the Meizu Note 22 and 22 Pro, which are also slated to become available globally in the first half of 2025.

AGM Mobile has unveiled a smartwatch to go with its line of rugged smartphones. The Legion's AMOLED display is set into a MIL-STD-810H- and 5ATM-rated case with sensors for continuous heart-rate, blood oxygen and sleep tracking. The watch can also record activity for "over 100" sports and fitness activities, and can help the user keep track of their smartphone and its notifications.

OnePlus has announced a delay in the release of the OnePlus Watch 3 due to a typo on the underside of the watch. Scheduled to be released today for open sale, the watch will now be available in April.

Amazfit is now accepting pre-orders for the Active 2 Premium smartwatch in the US. It arrives several weeks after the launch of the original model, with a couple of upgrades. Features include a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, up to 10 days of battery life with typical use and GPS navigation.

The Garmin software version 13.17 is now available for all Venu 3, Venu 3s and vivoactive 5 smartwatch users. This release brings a new passcode feature, more accurate Body Battery scores and support for a recent accessory. However, it is worth noting that multiple users have flagged issues after installing the update.

Garmin has published a new beta update for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, fresh from delivering a stable update containing over 20 changes for the pair. The company now also warns that System Software 20.16 breaks compatibility with HRM accessories in some instances.

Fitbit wearables and their corresponding smartphone app could soon get a new and quite powerful new feature, which could significantly improve the sleep quality of its users.

Zepp Health has started to push a new firmware update, version 3.25.11.1, to global users of the Balance smartwatch. This Balance OTA 8.1 release is said to enhance the sleep tracking and step counting algorithms. Plus, there is a change for the wearable’s Morning Update.

The Garmin Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches are now receiving software version 22.22. This stable release brings changes seen in beta updates, like the Passcode feature, to all users. Plus, there are a couple of additional new tools like BodyBattery TrueUp.

Another update is rolling out to the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch, software version 3.5.7.1. This is the second of two February releases for the wearable. Changes include an amendment to the default workout list affecting HYROX Race and bug fixes for the compass and map downloads.

Fitbit has announced firmware version 214.22, which is now rolling out to the Charge 6, Inspire 3, Sense 2 and Versa 4 wearables. The update brings new status indicators to these devices, which can provide low battery level and lost connectivity warnings. Plus, there is a security update for two of these products.

A recent compulsory update for the Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 is reported to significantly impact the battery life of these smartwatches. The software was released to combat the overheating of batteries, which could lead to burns. However, many users are complaining that the battery life of their device is less than half of what it used to be.

Garmin has started rolling out this year's first major stable update for the Fenix 8. Also available on the Enduro 3 and Fenix E, the new update contains more than 80 changes, including new features like Body Battery TrueUp, CIQ System 8 and Passcode functionality.

The Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro have been capable of taking an ECG for some time. However, this has only been true in certain markets like North America. Now, Garmin has quietly expanded eligibility across the European Union. Unofficial support also appears to be offered in the UK now, too.

The Garmin firmware version 7.10 has been released for one smartwatch series. The update brings the new Body Battery TrueUp tool to these users, improving the accuracy of this metric. On top of this, there are also said to be enhancements relating to respiration and heart rate tracking.

The Garmin system software version 19.49 update is now available for two of the brand's wearables. Features include additional data fields, a new activity and two payment apps. The update also brings improvements and bug fixes, though some users have flagged another issue post-installation.

The Watch X2 is Oppo's alternative to the OnePlus Watch 3. While the Oppo Watch X2 shares many features with its OnePlus cousin, it does so with a more refined design.

Amazfit recently unveiled a new smartwatch, the Bip 6. This wearable is a successor to the Bip 5 with several upgrades, including a larger AMOLED display and offline maps. On top of this, the company suggests that it has improved the accuracy of tracked health metrics like heart rate.