Smartwatch

In an unusual turn of events, Garmin has started rolling out a fresh batch of updates for some of its older mid-range smartwatches. Arriving as a beta update for now, the same firmware should soon reach all eligible models as a new stable build.

Garmin's latest smartwatch releases have received another new update. This time, it seems that the company is preparing to issue a more substantial stable update, which will follow on from Beta Version 11.88 if all is well.

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Watch 5 Active in Europe. The more affordable smartwatch has a 2-inch LCD display and can run for up to 18 days between charges. Features of the wearable include Bluetooth calling, basic biometric tracking, a wide range of workout modes and a phone finder tool.

Garmin has begun a new beta testing cycle for some smartwatch models. The first release is software version 19.21, bringing enhanced map controls and three bug fixes to the wearables. The Garmin team indicates that users must manually trigger the update and notes that it disables a key feature.

Suunto has started selling a new smartwatch globally. Equipped with an AMOLED display and a multi-band GNSS module, the new model is also a fair bit lighter thanks to the inclusion of a titanium bezel.

Casio has revealed the GM-B2100SD-1A watch in Japan, a new model in its G-Shock Full Metal range. The wearable is almost identical to an older watch in the 2100 series, though it has a higher contrast design. Other features include Bluetooth connectivity and solar charging for an extended battery life.

Casio is about to release another watch to celebrate its 50th Anniversary: the GMC-B2100ZE-1A. The wearable has recently appeared at Hatyai-Nalika in Thailand and appears to share many similarities with other recently released models in the GMC-B2100 series. Plus, rumors hint at US pricing and availability.

The tenth-generation Apple Watch is just as difficult to repair as the first-generation Apple Watch. An iFixit teardown video reveals just how little has changed in Apple's smartwatch in a decade and which repairs are still near impossible.

The Zepp team is releasing a new version of its app for Amazfit smartwatches. Version 9.0.0 has started to roll out to customers globally in phases following a beta testing program. The redesign is supposed to make the app easier to use, and the update also brings new features for activity and meal tracking.

Evidence of the world's first smartwatch with a microLED display is growing, as Garmin recently listed the Fenix 8 microLED for the first time together with the Tactix 8, which is to be offered exclusively with an AMOLED display, but in two sizes.

The latest Watch Ultra variant is its series' first to have a different color than that of the standard raw titanium of its chassis. Now, a popular durability vlogger has set out to show just how "diamond-like" that coating really is. It proved as rock-solid as Apple suggested - until it encountered a certain tool in fairly common, widespread use.

Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update to all of its recent Forerunner smartwatches, including the recent Forerunner 165. Available to download now, the new update should bring a few new bug fixes to the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 as well, including one that should prevent a crash when starting a new activity.

Some users of the recently released Huawei Watch GT 5, Huawei Watch GT 5 Pro, and Huawei Watch Ultimate Green Edition smartwatches will get a new feature this year. According to a recent press release, an NFC payment tool will begin to roll out to more customers later in 2024.

The Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E and Enduro smartwatches are receiving new stable software. System version 11.68 is said to have rolled out over the air to all eligible wearables, bringing one important bug fix. This addresses an issue recently flagged by many customers which could cause the watches to shut down or freeze.

Garmin has delivered yet another update for its latest flagship smartwatches. While the Enduro 3, Fenix E and Fenix 8 have only been around since late August, Garmin has now introduced over sixty improvements across multiple beta updates.

Garmin has expanded its watch configurations service, which it offers as 'Your Watch, Your Way'. While the company has decided to offer one of its latest flagship smartwatches in the program, it has elected against including two others that it also recently released.

Smartwatches are superior to smart rings. At least according to Garmin. Smart rings only have one advantage over a smartwatch, but the disadvantages of this form factor otherwise outweigh the advantages, says Garmin's management team.

The rollout of One UI 6 Watch has been delayed. To compensate for this delay, Samsung is now releasing the new watch faces of the Galaxy Watch7 in advance for older models all the way back to the Galaxy Watch4.

Garmin has started rolling out a fresh stable update for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro, which is also available for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, MARQ Gen 2 and Quatix 7. According to Garmin, Software Version 18.16 contains over half a dozen changes, including two aimed at resolving bugs that could cause system crashes.

Google has been advocating RCS messaging for a while, but no Wear OS smartwatch is compatible yet, not even the LTE variants. However, as the APK teardown of a new Google Messages beta suggests, standalone RCS messaging could soon be introduced to these smartwatches.

Garmin has refreshed the Lily 2 smartwatch with a new variant that has a refreshed design and built-in GPS. The Lily 2 Active also brings several new features and lasts longer on a single charge.

The Huawei Watch GT 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro smartwatches are receiving an update. Software version 5.0.0.100 appears to be rolling out globally in phases, bringing three new features and a range of improvements to the wearables. These include a RouteDraw tool and more watch face customization options.

Garmin has expanded the features of its Outdoor Maps+ service. While some new functionality is available across Europe, over half a dozen are limited to use in the US.

Fitbit.com is shutting down tomorrow, October 1, according to a banner on the website. Instead, a link offers to redirect visitors to “Shop Fitbit on Google Store”. This development follows confirmation from Google that the Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 will be the last smartwatches from the popular brand, with Pixel Watch taking centre-stage in the future.

Garmin is now offering a new stable update for various smartwatches that aims to address deficiences in their Adventure Racing activity. Rolling out now, the update arrives as System Software 11.67 for not just the new Fenix 8 but also the Fenix E and Enduro 3.

Garmin has quietly rolled out a new update for its most recent hybrid smartwatch. Available to download now through Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile, the update should expand the list of pre-installed watch faces with new examples.

Xiaomi's next major product event is thought to introduce a series of new flagship Android smartphones of particularly monumental upgrades. Nevertheless, there might be room on that stage for a new smartwatch. It is thought to land as a 4G/LTE-capable successor to the modular Watch S3.

Garmin claims to have fixed solar charging issues that were affecting various smartwatches. Reportedly, the same resolves a barometer calibration-related bug too.

Garmin has started quietly rolling out a new beta update for its latest flagship smartwatches. Available worldwide, the update is said to contain over half a dozen improvements, many of which are aimed at resolving outstanding bugs.

Apple Watch's sleep apnea detection feature has been certified by Health Canada as of September 26, 2024. The smartwatch will monitor breathing disturbances during sleep, and will be supported on Series 10, Series 9 and Ultra 2 models.

A few months after the launch of the Galaxy Watch FE, Samsung has begun accepting pre-orders for the LTE variant. This version has an eSIM, so users can take/make calls or send messages without needing to have their phone with them.

The Garmin Fenix 8, Enduro 3 and Fenix 8 smartwatches are receiving their first two beta updates, released in quick succession. Software version 11.81 brings many changes to the wearable, including nine new features, while the follow-up version 11.82 is more minor. Plus, Garmin claims that it has resolved an issue relating to cold water.

Garmin has quietly released a new update for its latest Forerunner smartwatch. Arriving as the first stable update for the Forerunner 165 since late May, Software Version 20.30 brings about sixteen improvements to the device by way of new features, bug fixes and software refinements.

Earlier this week, Garmin flighted a new beta update for several of its recent smartwatches. Now, the company has brought that update across to its stable channel, which it is now distributing globally. While light on changes, Software Version 11.16 contains important bug fixes.

Xiaomi appears to be rolling out a new version of the Mi Fitness app to users globally. Reports on Reddit suggest that the new software has reached some iOS and Android users, having launched in China earlier this year. As well as a clearer design, the latest version of the app brings a couple of new features.

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Watch 5 Lite. Even though it has "Lite" in its name, it comes packed with features you would find in pricey wearables, including GPS, AMOLED screen, Bluetooth calling, and 5 ATM water resistance rating.

A recent Fitbit app update has brought a redesigned Stress Management section to some users. On Reddit, customers have reported that the older page has been split into two new ones, Body responses & moods and Stress management score. Plus, the Mindfulness page now offers insights relating to other health metrics.

Google has released a September 2024 update bringing Wear OS 5 to the Pixel Watch (Pixel Watch 1) and Pixel Watch 2 devices. This should provide new features and improvements, some of which optimize the wearable’s battery life. Plus, the company notes that a separate app update will add more tools.

A new Garmin stable software, version 20.29, is rolling out to some mid-range smartwatch users. The change log suggests this is a relatively minor update, listing two bug fixes. However, it is worth noting that several users have flagged new and persisting issues relating to sleep tracking and audio prompts. 

Garmin has announced another stable update for one of its Forerunner smartwatches. The release notes for software version 20.29 list just two bug fixes, but users have reported that battery performance improved following problems with the previous update. However, customers have reported a new safety issue for cyclists.

Huawei has released a new software update with version number 4.2.0.103 for the Watch GT 4 smartwatch. There seems to be a phased global rollout for this relatively minor update, which brings improvements to the wearable. When it reaches them, users will be able to install the update via the Huawei Health app.

Casio has launched limited edition versions of three of its solar powered watches in the US. The Gravitymaster and Mudmaster wearables offer Bluetooth connectivity with extra features available in an accompanying app. The Mudman is a simpler radio-controlled watch with a digital display.

The Coros September 2024 smartwatch update has been announced. Currently in beta testing, the release has several new features and improvements for the brand’s wearables. These include a new Gear Tracking tool, multiple improvements to sleep tracking and an Insta360 data overlay.

Reports of problems with the Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED smartwatches when coming into contact with cold water have surfaced online. Several users of the new wearables have taken to the Garmin Forum and Reddit to complain about the issue, which causes the watch to shut down or restart.

Garmin has released a new update for many of its recent high-end smartwatches. Despite claiming that it was finished with v18.xx builds, the new firmware arrives as Beta Version 18.15 with over half a dozen improvements to its name.

Over the last month, a series of changes have been made to the Fitbit app. These include the release of a new version of the Readiness score feature, which is now available for all users. However, multiple customers have reported issues with this supposedly improved tool since its release. Separately, a potential change to sleeping skin temperature monitoring was flagged.

Amazfit has launched a beta testing program for the latest version of the Zepp app. However, only users of one smartwatch are invited to sign up for testing at this stage. While Amazfit has not officially confirmed a list of changes, early users mention a refreshed design and a new meal tracking tool.

Garmin has rolled out a new update for one of its popular mid-range smartwatches. While the update is smaller than one the company delivered earlier this month to the same device, it should still address critical bugs that could cause issues during activities if not patched.