Smartwatch

The Rollme U8 Ultra is a new smartwatch that theoretically offers broad app compatibility as well as telephony features and navigational capabilities. A number of sensor functions such as heart rate and blood oxygen measurement are also advertised.

The Garmin beta version 22.12 update is on the way to the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches. This is the first release in this 22.xx cycle, bringing improvements to features like the Garmin Run Coach, the Garmin Cycling Coach and the Training Readiness score.

OnePlus and Oppo are reportedly planning five new smartwatches, including the brand new OnePlus Watch 3, which will have a revised design with a digital crown and numerous new health features, as the official OnePlus OHealth app has confirmed.

A recent report has named Fitbit as one of the most battery draining smartphone apps. Both the iOS and Android versions of the software were included in the study, with the issue said to occur even when the app is just running in the background. Fitbit came joint top with a social media platform, with the top 20 worst offenders named.

The Garmin epix (Gen 2) smartwatch, now $299 (down from $799) at EuroOptic, comes with adventure-ready features like a 16-day battery, AMOLED display, and GPS tools. This $500 discount brings it to its lowest price recorded to date.

Rogbid's Air 2 is a new and affordable smartwatch that is supposedly impervious to extreme weather conditions and even comes with a flashlight. Hands-free Bluetooth is also on board for telephony.

Amazon has dropped the price of the Garmix Epix (Gen 2) smartwatch to a low of $499.99 after $400 discount off the MSRP. The 47 mm black titanium Epix has offline maps for adventures up to 42 hours in GPS mode or 16 days in watch mode. Spotify and Garmin Pay are supported.

Black Shark has launched a new smartwatch in China: the GS3 Sport. This wearable has many of the same features as the original GS3 model, which arrived earlier this year. However, it appears to offer more sports modes alongside an integrated flashlight and GNSS positioning.

The Black Shark Watch X Pro has made its official debut in China. Among its main highlights are a 1.75-inch AMOLED screen, a hidden camera, and multiple app support. Its price in China is CNY 899, which is around $123.

Huawei is rolling out a new HarmonyOS 5 update for one of its smartwatch models. This is a stable release that has been reported by users worldwide. Version 5.0.0.15 brings a new screenshot feature to the wearable, as well as an extra watch face.

A larger Garmin beta update is currently rolling out to several smartwatch models. The release notes list forty changes, including new features, additional activities and further health metrics. Plus, there is a wide range of bug fixes, tackling issues with the touchscreen and the Morning Report feature.

Garmin has issued a new update for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965, shortly after rolling out Software Version 21.19 globally. This time, it has finalised Software Version 21.20, which should resolve touchscreen and Connect IQ crash issues.

The OnePlus Watch 2 was a huge upgrade over the OnePlus Watch, however, it still fell short in some areas when compared to its rivals. New info has now revealed the OnePlus Watch 3 will be getting some much-needed features missing from its predecessor.

Amazfit Balance smartwatch users have reported a new update, version 3.25.5.5. The release has a long change log listing several new features. However, many will be interested in one particular change: the enhanced step count algorithm. This is said to resolve a recent problem flagged by several users.

While the Apple Watch was the undisputed market leader in the third quarter of 2023 with 58.2% higher sales compared to the runner-up, Apple has now lost this position in the global smartwatch market to a Chinese competitor.

Casio has launched the premium G-Shock MRG-B2000JS-1A watch in various European countries. The limited edition wearable has a titanium casing and bracelet featuring an intricate design, as well as features like Bluetooth connectivity and solar charging. This model is already on sale in other markets like Japan and the US. 

A new Garmin beta update is now available for three of the brand’s smartwatches. Version 12.11 resolves two issues, one relating to the Golf activity, and another which could cause Connect IQ watch faces to crash. In a forum post, Garmin also warns users that some models will temporarily lose access to a popular feature.

Casio has announced that the MRGB2000JS1A, a high-end watch, is now available to pre-order in the US. Features of the radio-controlled watch include Bluetooth connectivity, solar charging and 200m water resistance. It is worth noting that only a limited number of units of the smartwatch will be available in this region.

Suunto is bringing new functions and improvements to several of its wearables as part of a free update. These include improved precision for outdoor activities, improved energy efficiency and new content to coincide with the upcoming Christmas season.

Garmin is rounding off the year with a new stable update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E and Fenix 8. While the company has pushed hundreds of bug fixes to the trio in the last few months, it has found a bunch more that have arrived alongside a few other improvements.

The Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro are eligible for a new stable update, as are counterparts like the Enduro 2 and Tactix 7. While the update does not add any new features, it should address an outstanding issue that could cause Garmin's Connect IQ service to crash.

The Garmin stable software update version 17.02 recently rolled out to one of the brand’s wearables. This latest release brings improvements and bug fixes, tackling issues with the strength rest page, the barometer and courses. Plus, there are a couple of other minor updates.

The U5 Pro from Kumi is a new smartwatch that comes with an AMOLED screen and is also waterproof. GPS is available and allows for easy navigation. MIL-STD-810H certification is advertised, making the smartwatch durable in a number of ways.

Garmin’s Fenix 7X Sapphire Solar - a highly-rated multisport GPS smartwatch - hits its lowest-ever price of $524 on Amazon, down from $899. With a rich feature set and stellar battery life, it’s a top choice for adventurers.

Garmin could be about to roll out a new stable update for the Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3 and Fenix E smartwatches. This possible release is hinted at in a recent beta update for these wearables, version 12.35. Since the last stable update, Garmin has been testing various bug fixes and has restricted one feature.

Garmin has released a new stable update, version 13.70, for three of its smartwatches. According to the release notes, there are improvements for the sensor hub and a bug fix for the Strength activity. Plus, the company has confirmed that this software is now available for all users.

The Garmin beta version 27.73 update has arrived for various Fenix 6, Enduro and Marq smartwatches. This is the first release for these wearables in over six months, following the major 27.00 update. According to the change log, the software includes a new addition alongside three bug fixes.

The Huawei Watch GT 5 and the Watch GT 5 Pro are now available in Festive Editions. Six watches have been launched in countries across Europe, with two base strap colors and a range of secondary straps. Features are identical to the original model, though a new Xmas watch face is on the way.

Huawei is beta testing a new HarmonyOS 4.2 update for a couple of smartwatches. According to the change log, there are various new workout-related features with an enhanced experience for runners and cyclists. Huawei has also included several improvements and bug fixes in the software.

Mobvoi has announced that the TicWatch Pro 5 and TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro smartwatches will shortly receive an update. Version TMDB.240925.002 brings new features to the wearables, including a safety tool and more sports. Plus, there are a series of optimizations and bug fixes for these wearables.

The Mobvoi TicWatch Atlas smartwatch is about to get a new update, version TMDB.240925.002. A change log and schedule for the release were recently posted by the brand on social media. The update will bring optimizations and bug fixes to the wearable during December.

Casio has discontinued the G-Shock G-B001SF-7JR watch in Japan, within 18 months of its launch. However, other related models are still available to purchase. This wearable offers Bluetooth connectivity with accompanying app-based features, as well as the Super Illuminator backlight.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 is receiving another smartwatch update, software version 3.3.7.1. This smaller release has been reported by users on Reddit. It brings two improvements to the recently launched wearable, relating to navigation and the always-on-display mode.

Garmin has delivered a fresh update for the Fenix 8 on its Beta Program. Also available on the Fenix E and the Enduro 3, the update should address a bug that can cause the Connect IQ app to crash at random.

Garmin has just released a new set of stable updates to the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro and Tactix 7. However, it is already testing a follow-up that resolves a crash that could affect its Connect IQ service.

Xiaomi has designed its latest version of Android to act as much of a hub for with the rest of its smart devices as possible. Now, the OEM is reportedly trying to find a way to make that "interconnectivity" compatible with hardware from other brands, specifically Apple. The putative upgrade might let smartphones like the Xiaomi 15 gain improved control over accessories such as AirPods.

Google has announced that various Fitbit smartwatches and fitness trackers will be eligible for Cardio Load and Target Load metrics in the next few days. Having debuted earlier this year on the Pixel Watch 3, the new metrics will be joined by an updated Daily Readiness algorithm that should grace the Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2, too.

The Samsung One UI 6 Watch update is rolling out to more smartwatches. Users of several models in a wide range of countries have reported receiving the Wear OS 5 release on Reddit. The update brings a new appearance for the watches, as well as advanced health and sleep tracking features.

Google has started rolling out the December 2024 feature drop for the first, second and third generation Pixel Watch models. The update introduces two potentially life-saving features for users in Germany and adds loss of pulse detection to the Pixel Watch 3 for all users.

The Garmin Fenix 7 and other related smartwatches are receiving beta version 19.38. This release focuses on bug fixes and arrives shortly after the company began to roll out stable update version 19.34. According to the change log, Garmin has resolved issues relating to sleep tracking, maps and workout schedules.

It seems that the OnePlus Watch 3 is right around the corner. Rumoured for a January 2025 global release, the OnePlus Watch 2 successor appears to feature a substantially larger battery within a thinner overall package.

Zepp App Version 9.2.0 is rolling out to Amazfit smartwatch users. The update brings improvements to the Mini App Store and its search functionality. Plus, in the release notes, Zepp Health has provided a list of upcoming features that are currently in development.

Zepp Health has announced the Amazfit Balance OTA 8 update, which will roll out to users globally this December. The firmware brings many new features to the smartwatch, including a tap-to-wake option, a Strength Training tool and three new workouts. Plus, the change log notes a wide range of improvements.

Some Huawei Watch Fit 3 smartwatch users in China are currently beta testing a HarmonyOS Next update. The change log for the software notes three features, including a new screenshot tool and an extra watch face. Plus, a fourth new feature relating to messaging has been reported.

Garmin has just released Software Version 21.19 for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. While the new update package introduces dozens of changes for the five smartwatches, it also appears to break touchscreen functionality for some models and cause Wi-Fi issues on others.

The Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3 and Fenix E smartwatches are receiving beta version 12.32. This firmware is said to tackle an issue relating to Map Manager and enhance the sensor pairing process. Plus, Garmin notes that it has restricted one metric to two workout types without providing any explanation as to why this was happening.

Huawei has released update version 5.0.0.173(C00M02) for one of its newer smartwatches. According to a report on Reddit, the software brings two new apps to the wearable: Barometer and Calculator. There are also improvements for phone calls, Stay Fit and the blood pressure measuring tool.

Casio has launched three new watches in its Virtual Mix series in Japan. The wearables feature fluorescent green elements in their design. Two of the models offer Bluetooth connectivity and are already available to purchase; the third non-Bluetooth watch has yet to be released.