Smartwatch

Garmin has introduced new meditation and swimming features to its most expensive Forerunner smartwatch. Available to download now globally, the update should resolve various bugs while making improvements in other areas, too.

Garmin now has a new smartwatch model on offer, the MARQ Adventurer, Damascus Steel Edition. The new wearable has no innovations in terms of technical functions, but the visual design is striking. A high level of durability is advertised, but it certainly comes at a price.

The Polar Vantage M3 smartwatch has been launched worldwide. The model is designed for multi-sport athletes, with an AMOLED touchscreen and a wide range of features. These include tracking biometrics such as skin temperature, an ECG app, GPS tracking and offline maps.

A new Garmin beta testing cycle has begun with software version 12.06. The release is available for three smartwatch models and must be manually downloaded. This is a relatively minor update, focusing on improvements to one particular activity.

Amazfit is rolling out software version 3.22.9.1 to one of its most popular smartwatches. The update focuses on improvements to notifications and the sports records page, and bug fixes for issues with restarting the wearable and data abnormalities. Plus, Amazfit has provided an update on another problem relating to notifications.

Garmin has released a new update for one of its popular smartwatches. Available on its Beta Program as Public Beta Version 21.14, the update is said to make over a dozen changes from the smartwatch's most recent stable update.

Casio has released the MR-G MRGB2100D-1A in countries including the US and the UK. The premium watch from the B2100 series uses various scratch-resistant metal alloys. Features include automatic time adjustment and Bluetooth connectivity for app-based tools and controls.

A new update has landed for several of Garmin's mid-range smartwatches. Distributed through its beta channel for now, the update contains important bug fixes aimed at resolving GPS and Connect activity issues present in earlier software.

Following two leaks, a Garmin employee has spoken about the Fenix 8 with a microLED display, potentially the first smartwatch in the world to be equipped with the new screen technology. Although development is underway, the currently high costs could mean that it will be some time before the launch.

Xiaomi has launched the Redmi Watch 5 Lite in various European countries. The model has a square AMOLED display and is said to run for up to 18 days between charges. Features of the new smartwatch include GPS positioning, health tracking, Bluetooth calling and a voice assistant.

Huawei is rolling out a beta update in China with new health-related features for the Watch GT 4. These are reported to include fat loss tracking and arrhythmia detection tools. Plus, the interface is said to be enhanced, and the watch gains the brand’s new Sunflower Positioning System.

Firmware version 3.22.8.1 appears to be rolling out globally to one Amazfit smartwatch. Users in multiple countries have reported the update, which seems similar to the last major release. It is unclear whether this software resolves some of the bug fixes which users have flagged on Reddit.

Mobvoi has now expanded its smartwatch lineup with a new so-called 'rugged' option. While Mobvoi advertises the TicWatch Atlas as its 'most rugged smartwatch yet', it seems that the device is merely a redesigned TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.

Garmin has announced beta version 19.24 for the Fenix 7, Epix 2, Ensuro 2, Quatix 7 and MARQ Gen 2 smartwatches. The update fixes a bug relating to sleep tracking, which was reported by users of a couple of models. This is the second beta release in the 19.xx testing cycle, also updating the GPS, Wireless and Sensor Hub.

Huawei is releasing an update for the recently launched Watch D2. Firmware version 5.0.0.156(C00M01) is the first release for the blood pressure smartwatch and appears to be rolling out globally. However, reports indicate at least two variants of the software, though they seem to bring the same improvements to the wearable.

A new software update, version 3.2.6.4, is on the way to the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch. This release brings two new workout-focused tools to the recently launched wearable. Plus, there are optimizations for the Hyrox race activity and the watch’s automatic screen-locking logic.

Xiaomi has recently launched the Watch H1 E in China, which is now available to purchase online. The new wearable is similar to the original H1 model, though it is cheaper. You can use the watch to take blood pressure measurements with medical certification from a Chinese agency.

Several users of the Google Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 have complained that their smartwatch has become unusable following the update to Wear OS 5. Google has now officially confirmed the problem and postponed the rollout of the operating system update in order to fix the error.

A new stable update has landed for all of Garmin's recent Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out now globally, the update is said to resolve one area that could have caused issues in some cases on older software.

Garmin has finally released a massive update for the Enduro 3, Fenix E and Fenix 8 that it has been teasing on its Beta Program for weeks. Rolling out now as System Software 11.89, the update contains a whopping fifty changes, including almost a dozen new features.

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.