Smartwatch

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.

Garmin has pushed a new update to one of its popular mid-range smartwatches. The update, which is available to download now, is said to resolve issues relating to activities starting and ending, including one that could cause a crash on earlier firmware.

Xiaomi Watch 2 and Watch 2 Pro users have reported receiving an update bringing Wear OS 4 to the wearables. However, the new smartwatch software is currently only available in some countries. The update brings several changes for the wearables, though some big features seem to be missing.

Garmin has announced a new stable software update for various recent smartwatches aimed at providing crucial bug fixes. Principally, the firmware should address an outstanding issue that causes high battery drain after completing an activity.

Changes to the Garmin Coach feature have been announced for various smartwatches and bike computers. While the previous version of the tool was tailored to running, Garmin now offers separate versions of the Coach for runners and cyclists. These are already available for some users via Garmin Connect.

Apple has moved away from bringing a new Watch Ultra to market with MicroLED displays. However, there is increasing evidence that Garmin could be the first company to deliver a smartwatch with the advanced panel type. Not only has the Fenix 8 MicroLED recently leaked, but it turns out that Garmin has already signed a contract with a MicroLED panel supplier.

The Redmi Watch 5 Active launch is followed by the Redmi Watch 5 Lite, which receives some interesting upgrades, including an AMOLED display. The smartwatch will be officially unveiled in a few days, with Xiaomi revealing some of the most important features in advance.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is receiving an update in China. HyperOS version 1.2.183 brings bug fixes to the health and fitness tracking wearables, as well as several new features. These include a tool for cycling activities, a mini game and the ability to customize vibrations.

The latest version of the Fitbit app for Android has brought a refreshed Heart rate section to some users. Customers reported seeing the changes after installing app version 4.25.2. Amendments include a new name for this page, prioritized daily data and the ability to view historical cardio fitness scores.

Garmin system software 17.32 is rolling out to one of the brand’s smartwatches. The stable release brings several bug fixes to the wearable, resolving issues with a calculated metric and Wi-Fi syncing. At the time of writing, the company has confirmed that only some users can install the update.

Apple has received clearance to market its latest Watches as Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -approved sleep apnea detection devices. Accordingly, they can start using their clinically-validated Breathing Disturbance analysis features in the US from today (September 17, 2024). They are available on the new Watch 10 as well as its predecessor and Ultra predecessor.

Thanks to a big $400 discount on Amazon, the scratch-resistant Sapphire version of the Garmin Epix Gen 2 can now be ordered for under $500 for the very first time since the multisport smartwatch was released in early 2022.

Google's 26th anniversary brings discounts across its Pixel and Fitbit line of products. While all of these deals are available on the Google Store, there are a few of them interested buyers can grab on Amazon.

A major UK retailer has jumped the gun a few days early by listing Huawei's next smartwatch across its website. While Huawei has sought to keep the Watch GT 5 under wraps until September, the retailer has revealed official imagery, specifications and even launch pricing.

Garmin software update version 9.02 is now available for one of the brand’s smartwatches. The stable release comes after an over three-month wait for users since the last update, version 8.20. However, in the change log for this latest release, just two items are listed.

System software 18.14, a stable release, is currently rolling out to another Garmin smartwatch. The update brings one new tool to the wearables, as well as an improvement to race time predictions. On top of this, there is a wide range of bug fixes to tackle issues with activities, workouts, maps and distorted watch faces.

Google, Masimo and Qualcomm are developing a new reference smartwatch, hoping to encourage OEMs to launch new Wear OS wearables. The watch will use the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 and Masimo’s biosensors, allowing users to track health metrics like heart rate, blood oxygen level and hydration.

The iPhone 16 series launch event introduced only one new smartwatch, the Series 10. Successors to the Watch SE and Watch Ultra 2 weren't announced, but as for the SE, Mark Gurman reports that Apple could be working on a more affordable variant.

Huawei is not quite ready to sell the Watch GT 5 just yet. Nonetheless, unboxing footage showing the new smartwatch has been posted online that reveals various design elements and its rumoured OLED display.

A brand-new leak has shed light on the upcoming Huawei Watch GT 5 smartwatch, set to launch on September 19. The Watch GT 4 successor will feature new 'TruSense' tech and Health Glance, among other upgrades, and will be available in both 41mm and 46mm sizes. Pricing is expected to start around €250.

Garmin stable software version 20.26 has been released for some smartwatches. The update provides various bug fixes for the wearable alongside new features and enhancements. However, not all users were happy with one change made by Garmin, affecting their running metrics.

Garmin has released a new stable software update, version 20.26, for a Forerunner smartwatch. The firmware brings a range of features, bug fixes and improvements to the wearable. However, some users are unhappy with a new solution for the persistent vibration function.

A new stable update is now available for the Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3S and vivoactive 5 smartwatches. This is a relatively minor release, with two changes listed in the release notes. Plus, users have reported that a bug with the previous firmware has been resolved.