Smartwatch

Two Apple executives have explained why watchOS does not give people the option of downloading third-party watch faces onto their Apple Watch smartwatches. The same executives have also discussed the demise of Force Touch, which debuted on the first Apple Watch.

Alleged European pricing for all Galaxy Watch6 models has surfaced online. Reportedly, the Galaxy Watch6 series will start at €319.99; colours for all models have leaked too.

The TAG Heuer Connected Calibre E4 Bright Black and Golden Bright Edition smartwatches have been unveiled. The devices have an AMOLED display with Bluetooth connectivity and a heart rate sensor. While the Bright Black edition has a titanium case with gold details, the Golden Bright edition has a rose gold case and crown.

The supposed colors for the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5, Z Flip5, Galaxy Watch6, Galaxy Watch6 Classic, and Galaxy Tab S9 series have been shared. A diamond color is offered for the majority of the devices, as is graphite, but it is cream that will be an option for almost all of the Galaxy products except the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 Classic.

New leaked Samsung Galaxy Unpacked promotional images have been shared online that show all the devices that are likely to be unveiled at the launch event expected to be held in July. One of the promo images alone confirms at least four devices that are shown together, including the Samsung Galaxy Watch6 series, Galaxy Buds3, and the Galaxy Tab S9 series.

A renowned leaker has published a batch of official Galaxy Watch6 series images, the first released so far. The leak seemingly confirms that there will be no Galaxy Watch6 Pro. However, there will be 43 mm and 47 mm versions of the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, along with 40 mm and 44 mm versions of the regular Galaxy Watch6.

The Garmin Beta Version 12.26 is now available for the Instinct 2X smartwatch. The latest update brings two bug fixes to the wearable, resolving issues with activities. As with older Beta software, v12.26 will be automatically delivered to eligible wearables OTA, with GCM checking daily for the update.

Google has added At a Glance functionality to the Pixel Watch. Arriving courtesy of a server-side change, At a Glance on the Pixel Watch functions as it does on Pixel smartphones, albeit with fewer features for now.

The Garmin Fenix 6 series is receiving a new stable software update, as are its Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta counterparts. Rolling out as firmware version 26.00, the update contains various bug fixes and some new features that have also reached other recent Garmin smartwatches.

Google is now rolling out the June 2023 Feature Drop to the Pixel Watch. The major update enables the smartwatch's SpO2 sensor, among other changes. Also, the company has announced availability for official metal watch straps.

Samsung has revealed eligibility for its irregular heart rhythm notifications (IHRN) software. Starting in 13 countries, the software will ship in One UI 5 Watch, which will debut next month in the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic before reaching Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 series models later this year.

There are still a few weeks to go before Samsung refreshes its foldable, tablet and smartwatch lineups with new models. In the intervening period, a retailer has shared an extensive list of first-party accessories destined for the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Tab S9 series, plus the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5. With nearly 100 entries, the list contains existing accessories and various new editions too.

Polar has released the Ignite 3 Titanium smartwatch. The original wearable launched last year, with the latest version including several new health features which are also available for the older model. These include Nightly Skin Temperature Sensing, Work-Rest Guide and Boost from Sleep to help you to track your overall wellness.

Rumors suggest a dedicated YouTube Music app for Garmin wearables is coming. The exact features of the app are unclear; fans speculate that it would allow you to stream or download music for offline playback. The company also appears to be developing apps for other wearables and devices like Apple TV.

New evidence about the Pixel Watch 2 has emerged, this time from the latest version of the Google app. Reputedly, Google has prepared two model variants, which it will launch alongside the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro this autumn.

Samsung has certified the Exynos W930 as a future wearable chipset, seemingly dispelling rumours that it planned to release the Galaxy Watch6 series with the Exynos W980. The model number of the Exynos W930 suggests that it contains hardly any upgrades over the Exynos W920 too.

Google has begun enabling full blood oxygen saturation monitoring on the Pixel Watch. Not available globally yet, the change arrives a few months before Google is expected to announce the Pixel Watch 2.

Google has boasted of many refinements and improvements as Wear OS proceeds to its next major upgrade. Then again, the smartwatch UI has been observed to retain various little niggles and annoyances from its bad old days, the obligation to put a watch through a full factory reset in order to switch it between multiple smartphones included. However, according to a new leak, that bug has finally been squashed.

Samsung has patented a method for determining how many calories have been consumed using a spectroscope. Theoretically, the patent will allow future Galaxy Watch smartwatches to automatically calculate the amount of calories a wearer consumes, which escapes the Galaxy Watch5 series.

Amazfit has now launched the Pop 3S, a new budget smartwatch with an AMOLED display. The Amazfit Pop 3S is also available with a stainless steel strap and numerous health features.

Amazfit has partnered with the non-profit group Coral Guardians to present a new Special Edition of the brand's T-Rex 2 rugged smartwatch. Accordingly, the AMOLED-screened wearable is rated to help conserve vital ecosystems as well as withstand active lifestyles to a MIL-STD 810G-certified standard in a whole new colorway. The Ocean Blue version also comes in "100% environmentally friendly" original packaging and a new recycled strap.

Huawei has now provided full details about the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro, its latest flagship smartwatches. Orderable from next week in Europe, the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro combine premium designs with modern hardware.

Huawei is preparing to release the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro in Europe, following last month's global launch. In the meantime, Huawei has rolled out a significant day-one patch that adds plenty of features, including Health Glance functionality.

The Garmin Beta Version 12.53 for the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 smartwatches is rolling out. The update brings two bug fixes to the smartwatches alongside minor GPS improvements. Garmin notes that the software is a Release Candidate and will be delivered to eligible wearables OTA.

Several new map features are expected to arrive on the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 smartwatches. The Split Screen, Perimeter Map Screen and Weather Map Overlays are already available on the new Fenix 7 Pro and Epix Pro models, allowing you to view multiple pieces of data on the same screen.

Samsung has now shared the first beta for One UI 5 Watch and Wear OS 4. Rolling out now as a 1.5 GB download for the Galaxy Watch4, Galaxy Watch4 Classic, Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, the update is the first change to test Wear OS 4 outside of an emulator.

Amazfit is preparing to release two new smartwatches. Purportedly to be sold under the Cheetah series, the Cheetah and Cheetah Pro have sporty designs and could be the A2292 and A2294 that were previously thought of as the Amazfit GTR 5 series.

Samsung has teased initial details about its next Galaxy Unpacked event. So far, the company has confirmed that it will showcase a new generation of foldable devices, rumoured to be the Galaxy Z Fold5 and Galaxy Z Flip5. Samsung has also hinted at the date of next month's hardware announcement, confirming earlier rumours.

Garmin is finalising its latest round of alpha and beta updates for the Fenix 6 series and its counterparts. While newer models have already started receiving new stable updates, the Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series have received their first Release Candidate update. Rolling out as Beta Version 26.00, the update should reach all eligible smartwatches soon.

Garmin has started rolling out new stable updates to various smartwatches, including the Fenix ​​7 and Instinct 2 series. This month's round of patches introduces a number of new features, such as an obstacle course activity and wrist-based running dynamics tracking.

The Garmin Beta Version 12.24 update has begun rolling out to eligible Instinct 2, Instinct 2S and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. Plus, the software is available for the new Instinct 2X model. The new software brings a series of bug fixes for the wearables, tackling issues with CIQ, cycling and watch face data fields.

Amazfit is preparing to announce a new Pop series smartwatch. Launching as the Amazfit Pop 3S, the smartwatch will feature up to 12 days of battery life, over 100 watch faces and a 1.96-inch AMOLED display.

Bluetooth and LTE versions of two forthcoming Galaxy Watch6 models have surfaced at the FCC, underlining their imminent release. Thought to be the 40 mm and 44 mm versions of the Galaxy Watch6, the pair should also be joined by more high-end options under Samsung's 'Classic' or 'Pro' branding.

The Find N3 foldable Android smartphone may be the next high-end mobile device to launch from OPPO. Now, it is thought to be joined on stage by a new smartwatch with the premium specs to match. It is tipped to have its Watch 3 Pro predecessor's cutting-edge curved build, yet outdo it in terms of battery size and dual-processor integration.

Garmin has rolled out a new beta update for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta smartwatches. Arriving as Beta Version 25.91, the update is available as an OTA or through Garmin's Connect Mobile and Express services.

Google has announced several new features for Pixel devices that it will start rolling out later this month. Available for the Pixel Watch too, the June Feature Drop arrives just before Google starts shipping the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet.

Amazfit has announced that it is now working on a purpose-built GPS Wear device for running - although its release is far from imminent. In the meantime, it has something else for aspiring fitness-enthused beta-testers: a chance to get a unit of the upcoming "sports watch" for free in advance, and assess its apparently cutting-edge tracking technology.

Garmin has introduced the Epix 2 Pro series, a trio of smartwatches that debuts alongside the new Fenix 7 Pro series. The Epix 2 Pro series is available with more battery life than their regular counterparts, as well as a new heart rate sensor, a built-in flashlight and new exercise tracking features.

The Fenix 7 Pro series consists of three sizes, starting with the Fenix 7S Pro. Available to order from US$799.99, the Fenix 7 Pro series adds a built-in flashlight and a new heart rate sensor to the Fenix 7 series package, among other changes.

According to a new report, the Google Pixel Watch 2 will feature two major changes from last year's model. Supposedly, Google has turned to Qualcomm for its second-generation smartwatch, with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset set to deliver significant battery life improvements. Google will also install cEDA and skin temperature sensors in the Pixel Watch 2, equivalents of which Fitbit already offers in the Sense 2.

Garmin has rolled out a new beta update for Fenix 6 series smartwatches and its counterparts. Curiously, Beta Version 25.89 contains fewer changes than its predecessor, with Garmin removing 17 bug fixes that it included in Beta Version 25.88.

The Garmin Beta Version 13.22 update is rolling out OTA to eligible Fenix 7, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and MARQ 2 smartwatches. The new software brings various bug fixes to the wearables, addressing watch face issues, locked wallets and unexpected shutdowns. Plus, a problem with the MARQ 2’s heart rate sensor has been resolved.

Garmin is edging ever nearer to launching the Epix 2 Pro series, one of two upcoming flagship smartwatch launches. Now, a Dutch retailer has listed one of Garmin's various Epix 2 Pro models, confirming several new features in the process.

Samsung Display has revealed a new OLED display that includes integrated sensor technology embedded within the panel itself. The panel can authenticate via a fingerprint, but also measure heart rate, blood pressure and stress levels.

Filings at SIRIM in Malaysia have appeared for the upcoming Garmin Venu 3 and Venu 3S smartwatches. Little is known about the wearables, which could feature the new Garmin ECG app, used to detect an irregular heart rhythm. The new watches are unlikely to launch ahead of the Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro models.

The Garmin Public Beta Version 15.19 update is currently rolling out to eligible Forerunner 945 LTE wearables. The software is a release candidate, meaning a public launch of the update is on the horizon. The new Beta version is almost identical to v15.16 and v15.12, bringing a new Sensor Hub Update.