Smartwatch

Garmin has announced the Public Beta update version 8.25 for the Vivoactive 5 smartwatch. The change log for the latest software has many similarities to the first update, version 8.23, with new enhanced icons. As with the previous update, it will be pushed to eligible smartwatches automatically.

The Garmin Public Beta software version 8.25 is now available for the Venu 3 and Venu 3s smartwatches. The change log suggests that the update is broadly the same as its predecessor, v8.23, with an additional improvement to translations. Garmin notes that the software will be automatically pushed to eligible wearables.

Beta Version 26.82 is now available to download for the Fenix 6 series, as well as across Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq smartwatches. The new beta update brings a few changes to eligible smartwatches, including the option of checking for new updates via Bluetooth.

Garmin has brought a new round of bug fixes to the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro. Also available for the Epix 2, Enduro 2, MARQ Gen 2 and Quatix 7, Beta Version 15.71 is available to download now from smartwatches enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program.

Huawei has released HarmonyOS 4.0.0.122 (C00M02) for the Watch GT 4. Available globally, the update introduces two changes of note, including another sleep tracking refinement.

Roughly two weeks prior the long-awaited Black Friday of 2023, Garmin's high-end solar smartwatch has returned to its all-time low as a reputable online retailer sells the slate gray color variant of the popular Fenix 7X for US$237 off its official list price.

Via the latest updates for the iPhone and Apple Watch, Apple is finally fixing a number of annoying bugs that have drastically affected battery life and made charging difficult in some cases, including in conjunction with the wireless charging pads in newer BMW vehicles.

The Garmin Epix Gen 2 can already be ordered in advance of Black Friday at a record low price of US$519, a considerable 35% discount from the original price and at least $280 below the next competitive price. Hence, this is a rather attractive price-performance ratio for such a high-end smartwatch.

Numerous Apple Watch users have been complaining about a drastically shorter battery life since the update to watchOS 10.1. In some cases, the smartwatch's battery is drained after just a few hours and new problems with charging have arisen. Apple is attempting to remedy this with an update.

Vivo has revealed that its upcoming third-gen Watch will have a lot in common with the Pixel Watch 2 ahead of its launch. Those similarities are mostly appearance and hardware-based, although its software will not be WearOS-based. Instead, the OEM has developed a new in-house UI with a strong focus on AI.

Vivo has confirmed the launch date of its next smartwatch, as well as its flagship X100 and X100 Pro smartphones. The company has also revealed what the Vivo Watch 3 looks like, which it will sell in two stylish finishes.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch has received its first Public Beta Update, version 8.23. The new software brings several features to the wearables relating to activity tracking and sleep insights. Garmin notes that the update should be installed on eligible smartwatches automatically.

Fresh rumors have started about the Garmin Descent Mk3i following the leak of an image supposedly showing an event preview. The new wearable series would be a watch-style dive computer, with alleged features including a flashlight, AMOLED display and diver communication via SubWave technology.

The Huawei Watch 4 Pro has started receiving its first major software update. The Watch 4 Pro is now eligible to download HarmonyOS 4 globally, which has already arrived for the cheaper Watch GT 4.

Garmin has released a new beta build for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro series. Also available across Epix 2, Enduro 2, Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, MARQ Gen 2 and Quatix 7 series smartwatches, the update introduces over 10 changes, including a few new features.

Apple has big plans for the next-generation Apple Watch because according to an extremely reliable source, the smartwatch will get a blood pressure measurement feature as early as next year. The option to measure blood sugar, however, was already planned for the first Apple Watch.

Garmin has released new updates for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265. Both Release Candidate builds, the updates contain various improvements and bug fixes for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 ahead of a full public rollout.

The Garmin Public Beta Version 17.18 update is now available for the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches. The new software brings improvements for Body Battery, sleep insights and smart notifications. Plus, a Red Shift night vision mode is offered for the Forerunner 965.

The Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3s smartwatches now have a skin temperature monitoring feature, designed for use with sleep tracking. The new tool arrives as part of a broader Public Beta update, version 8.23, which also brings new features for runners and Red Shift mode to protect night vision.

The Xiaomi MiTu Children’s Phone Watch U1 Pro has been revealed in China. The gadget supports 4G, allowing you to make video and voice calls with family or friends. Other features include GPS tracking for parents, contactless payments and an educational voice assistant and app.

Several Garmin smartwatches may get a new functionality within the scope of a software update. Accordingly, the hardware requirements are unlikely to be an issue.

Rogbid has launched a new smartwatch, the Rowatch 5, which is on sale at a low price thanks to a massive discount and, according to the manufacturer, can even measure blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Garmin has released Beta Version 26.81 for the Fenix 6 series and its counterparts. Rolling out now as a side-load-only build, the update is the latest that aims to improve Garmin's Auto Run feature in Sky and Snowboard activities.

Garmin has released yet another update for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2S, Instinct 2X and Instinct Crossover. Rolling out as Beta Version 14.09, the update focuses on bug fixes that were present in Beta Version 14.05.

Apple has released the first beta version of iOS 17.2, confirming that the update will introduce the long-awaited Journal app, expand the functionality of the iPhone 15 Pro's Action button, and allow Apple to roll out iOS updates to unpacked iPhones.

According to a new report from a renowned Apple analyst, there may not be a new Watch Ultra in development. For some reason, the company has elected against developing a Watch Ultra 3 for now, possibly because of production issues associated with its rumoured microLED display panels.

Samsung's next generation of flagship smartwatches is now believed to be the first of their line to debut with a 3 nanometer (nm) processor, made using the OEM itself using its latest techniques. Should that be the case, it would also mean that the Watch7 series would beat even Galaxy S24-series smartphones to this potentially significant upgrade.

Garmin has rolled out a new beta update for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro. Issued as Beta Version 15.68, the new update contains 40 changes from Garmin's last stable update, including 13 new features.

watchOS 10.1 has arrived and brings a number of new features for all smartwatches, starting with the Apple Watch Series 4. The update also introduces the most interesting new feature of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 that allows numerous functions to be controlled with a simple gesture.

Certifications at bodies, including the NRAA and the EEC, have revealed a new Redmi smartwatch. Details of the Bluetooth wearable remain unclear, including an official launch date. The mysterious new model would follow the Redmi Watch 3 series, which launched globally earlier this year.

A new Xiaomi smartwatch, currently called the Wrist ECG and Blood Pressure Recorder, has been teased on social media. This is the first wearable of its kind from the company, with medical device certification in China. The watch’s bracelet mimics a regular blood pressure cuff for accurate readings.

Amazfit has officially launched its Active and Active Edge smartwatches. The rectangular Active model is available globally, while the rugged Active Edge is currently only on sale in the US. The new wearables come in multiple colors with features including GPS tracking and the AI-powered Zepp Coach.

The Garmin D2 Mach 1 Pro smartwatch is now available in countries worldwide. The aviator wearable has a titanium bezel and a built-in flashlight with adjustable brightness. Other features include aviation weather, offline maps, a Pulse Ox sensor and Garmin Pay contactless payments.

CheckMag The Huawei Band 8, the Huawei Watch Fit SE and the Amazfit Band 7 are the lightest fitness trackers and smartwatches that we have tested over the course of the last 10 months. In this short piece, we briefly revisit their features, their strong sides and their shortcomings, of which there are many.

The Amazfit Active and Active Edge smartwatches have been leaked in Brazil following a teaser image posted by Zepp Health on social media. The new wearables will be officially unveiled in October. The Active is a rectangular wearable with Bluetooth calling and music playback, and the Active Edge is a round watch with up to 16 days battery life.

Xiaomi has confirmed its intentions to offer a new smartwatch alongside the Xiaomi 14 series later this week. Arriving as the Xiaomi Watch S3, the smartwatch will feature many elements of other recent Xiaomi smartwatches but with an innovative and customisable design.

Suunto has a new smartwatch on offer that is also suitable for long and demanding off-road tours. The model was created in collaboration with outdoor company Mammut.

Huawei has pushed a new HarmonyOS 4 update to the Watch GT 4. Rolling out as HarmonyOS 4.0.0.109, the update introduces sleep tracking and SpO2 level monitoring for the series' 41 mm and 46 mm variants.

So far, Garmin has only distributed its ECG app to three countries, including the US. Following this week's expansion to Epix 2 Pro, Fenix 7 Pro and Venu 3 series smartwatches, some intrepid owners have already got ECG functionality working in the UK and Europe with a few temporary tweaks.

The Amazfit Falcon has a new firmware update, currently rolling out to the wearable. The latest software was announced on social media and contains various new features and improvements. For example, you can now view offline maps in a new Maps App, and the Zepp Coach workout records have been enhanced.

The Garmin Beta software version 26.79 is now available for Fenix 6, Enduro and MARQ smartwatches. The update brings new Device Settings Backup, Connect IQ Rating and OTA update tools. Plus, the Ski and Snowboard activities have been adjusted to improve the accuracy of the data collected.

Garmin has released a new beta update to the Instinct 2 series, bringing them up to v14 builds. Rolling out as Beta Version 14.05, the update contains various changes, with nearly a dozen for all eligible smartwatches.

It seems that Garmin is preparing to release new dive computer smartwatches under its Descent series. Next up are Descent Mk3 smartwatches, which will be available in two sizes with optional Subwave technology support.

Google has now released Wear OS 4 for the first Pixel Watch. Not only does the new version of Wear OS finally add a backup and restore feature, but it also should improve battery life and performance through a reworked watch face format. Unfortunately, Google has locked several software features to the Pixel Watch 2, including new watch faces.

The Amazfit GTR 3 Pro and Amazfit GTR 3 Pro Limited Edition smartwatches are currently discounted at Amazon. Customers in the US and the Netherlands can save up to 33% on the list price. Features of the wearable include a round AMOLED display with up to 1,000 nits brightness and a BioTracker 3.0 PPG sensor.