Smartwatch

Beta Version 16.16 is now available for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265, two smartwatches that have not received beta updates for a few weeks. According to Garmin, both models have received an identical set of changes, which include several new features and nearly a dozen bug fixes.

COROS has launched a limited Chamonix Edition of its Apex 2 Pro smartwatch. The new version has a design inspired by the Alps, and it has arrived just before UTMB 2023. Features of the wearable include a 1.3-in (~33 mm) touchscreen, sun movement tracking, recovery time and effort pace tools.

The Garmin Epix (Gen 2) - Sapphire Edition 47 mm smartwatch is currently discounted at retailers in the UK and EU. RunningXpert.com is selling the wearable in the UK for just £600, with price cuts also seen at Amazon. You can use the smartwatch to track your health and exercise, with multi-band GPS and 16 days of battery life.

Garmin has released Beta Version 14.31 for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7S series. Available to download now, Beta Version 14.31 introduces a few bug fixes for the pair, as well as Enduro 2, Epix 2, Marq 2 and Quatix 7 models.

A Garmin Sleep Coaching tool is on the way, according to a report from the5krunner. The rumors suggest that the new feature will provide recommendations for your sleep habits based on data collected by the wearable. These would work alongside the existing sleep insights available on Garmin smartwatches.

The Garmin event database has been improved, presumably via the latest smartphone app update, Version 4.70. You can use the feature to find races in your area, with additional filters to find the right match. Plus, you can add the race to your training calendar to optimize your workout regime ahead of the event.

Google provided insights about its next smartwatch at least a month before its release. Not only has the company confirmed that the smartwatch will arrive as the Pixel Watch 2, but it has also revealed the smartwatch's Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, its RAM configuration and even a look at its design.

Updated: Polish retailer reveals pricing and earlier shipment dates.
According to a new report, Xiaomi still intends to release the Smart Band 8 globally. Reputedly, shipments may not begin until October, six months after the fitness tracker debuted in Xiaomi's home market.

Oppo has revealed first details about the Watch 4 Pro, its next flagship smartwatch. So far, the company has outlined that the Watch 4 Pro will combine the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset with 2 GB of RAM and a power-efficient Bluetooth chipset. New health tracking features are headed the way of the Oppo Watch 4 Pro too, including a skin temperature sensor.

Garmin has started rolling out a new beta update for Fenix 7, Fenix 7S and Fenix 7X smartwatches. Also available for the Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series, Beta Version 14.30 introduces over 20 changes with a focus on addressing outstanding bugs and issues.

The Garmin Public Beta Version 13.19 has been released for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2s, Instinct 2X and Instinct crossover smartwatches. The update contains a fix for a bug related to language settings. Garmin notes that the software is a Release Candidate, meaning a version of the update should soon be available for all wearables.

Mobvoi has announced that its latest flagship smartwatch will be available in a color besides black soon. In the meantime, the OEM is offering the opportunity to win the ~US$300 wearable in its new shade. The odds of doing so are in favor of those with the generative AI prompts that best fit the theme of Mobvoi's new contest.

Garmin has released Public Beta 2.51 for the Venu Sq 2. The latest software includes a new activity, several improvements, and bug fixes. The company notes that v2.51 is a Release Candidate, meaning Garmin intends to roll out a public version of the firmware in the near future.

The Garmin Public Beta 15.10 has been released for the Venu 2, Venu 2S and Venu 2 Plus smartwatches. The update is nearly identical to the last two but is the first in the 15.xx cycle for the Venu 2 Plus. The latest software should be automatically pushed to wearables enrolled on the Beta Program.

Amazfit has launched the Cheetah Square, the third model in the Cheetah series. The Cheetah Square has a large AMOLED display, a digital crown and dual-band GPS, all within a case that weighs 25 g.

The Smart Band 8 Pro is Xiaomi's latest smartwatch, and one that it equips with a 1.74-inch AMOLED display. The Smart Band 8 Pro also supports location services, NFC payments and has a display that delivers 600 nits peak brightness, all for CNY 399 (~US$55).

The first plausible details about the Apple Watch X have been provided by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. According to Bloomberg's sources the Watch Series 9 will be a snoozfest, but Apple is planning a major redesign for the 10th anniversary model that could likely be called the "Watch X".

The FCC has now published initial documentation for what is believed to be the Pixel Watch 2. Apparently, Google has prepared three variants, including a US-specific cellular option. Two new metal watch band options may be available too, although the Pixel Watch 2 appears to lack rumoured UWB integration.

Garmin has announced that it has removed the latest beta build for the Fenix 7 series, which it started rolling out yesterday. Apparently, Beta Version 14.28 breaks Bluetooth and wireless connectivity for some smartwatches, with up to 10% of models affected so far.

Xiaomi has now confirmed the imminent arrival of the Smart Band 8 Pro, a device that looks more like a conventional smartwatch than its fitness tracker branding suggests. Arriving next week alongside the MIX Fold 3, the Smart Band 8 Pro also looks the spitting image of recent Apple Watch models.

According to a new report, the launch of the iPhone 15 series is a little more than a month away. Supposedly occurring on a Tuesday this time around, the launch event is also rumoured to host the introductions of Apple's next smartwatches. Photos of the USB Type-C ports for this year's iPhones have also leaked online, revealing a few differences between the iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus and iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Google has published new updates for all its recent Pixel devices, Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet included. While Pixel smartphones and the Pixel Watch have received bug fixes through new security patch updates, the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet have also gained some Bluetooth and UI improvements.

Huawei has delivered a major update for the Watch 4 Pro, one of the company's latest smartwatches. Rolling out in China as the HarmonyOS 3.1.0.168, the update is said to add several new features to the Watch 4 Pro, as well as power consumption and performance optimisations.

Garmin has rolled out Beta Version 13.18 for Instinct 2 series and Crossover smartwatches. Available to download now manually, the update contains bug fixes for all eligible smartwatches, as well as more improvements for its new Gaming activity.

According to a reliable leaker, Oppo is working on delivering new flagship smartwatches under the banner of the Watch 5 series. At the top of the pile will sit the Watch 5 Pro, which will build on last year's Watch 3 Pro with a larger battery and other familiar features.

It appears that Garmin is preparing replacements for the Venu 2, Venu 2S and Venu 2 Plus. As expected, the company is developing the Venu 3 and Venu 3S, which are rumoured to be on track for an introduction month during IFA 2023 in Berlin.

Garmin has brought even more bug fixes and improvements to the Fenix 7, Fenix 7S and Fenix 7X series, among other smartwatches. Beta Version 14.27 contains 20 changes from Beta Version 14.26, including 15 bug fixes.

Kamila Wojciechowska has revealed new details about the Pixel Watch 2, Google's next and second-generation smartwatch. Expected to launch this autumn with the Pixel 8 series, the Pixel Watch 2 address many of its predecessor's limitations, including battery life and performance.

Garmin has released new beta updates for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965. Rolling out as Beta Version 16.12, the updates bring numerous bug fixes and changes to both smartwatches, with more headed to the Forerunner 965 than the Forerunner 265.

The Venu 2 and Venu 2S have received bug fixes via a new beta update. Available as Beta Version 15.08, the update makes a few changes to both smartwatches as Garmin works towards offering a new stable build.

The rugged outdoor wearable sports up to 11 days of battery life, while a 1.3-inch AMOLED display makes the Venu 2 one of the visually most attractive Garmin smartwatches in the affordable price segment of less than US$300.

Garmin has rolled out Beta Version 14.26 to various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7s and Fenix 7X. The new beta build features 19 changes from Beta Version 14.24, including the return of disabling touch inputs within the swim app.

Honor is now offering its latest smartwatch in Europe. Sold as the Honor Watch 4, the smartwatch has a large AMOLED display, a simple design and up to 10 days of battery life. One of the smartwatch's compelling features is missing from the global model, though.

A renowned leaker has revealed the watch faces that Google plans to offer exclusively on this year's Pixel Watch 2. With greater customisation options, the Pixel Watch 2 will also support dynamic theming thanks to Wear OS 4.

Amazfit has expanded its roster of smartwatches with the Bip 5, an affordable model that retails for less than US$100 in the Eurozone. The Amazfit Bip 5 features a large display and is available in three colours at launch.

Garmin is rolling out Beta Version 13.16 to Instinct 2 series and Crossover smartwatches. Beta Version 13.16 features a few changes and improvements as Garmin moves towards issuing a new stable build.

Some new leaks purport to spill more details on the new Apple Watch line-up for 2023, the second-gen Ultra version included. There may not be much deviation from the norm involved in the Series 9 variants compared to their predecessors, even if they do come with a specs boost. The Ultra, on the other hand, might get a welcome change of finish for its titanium casing.

Samsung's first gen "Galaxy Ring" could have a release date set in 2024 - so long as it goes into mass production soon. The South Korean giant is said to make a decision as to do so or not in August 2023, which might affect the Galaxy Watch series' new in-house rival's chances of being ready to go to retail by then. Meanwhile, the accessory is said to have potential VR use-cases as well as those of an advanced fitness-tracking device.

Samsung has now released a new version of its Golf Edition smartwatch. Based on the Galaxy Watch6 Classic, the Golf Edition contains a few design and software tweaks from the regular model.

Garmin has released Beta Version 14.24 for various smartwatches. Arriving after Beta Version 14.23 debuted, the new beta build focuses on addressing outstanding bugs, with a few new features thrown in for good measure.

According to a report, Google plans to offer the Pixel Watch 2 with only an aluminium housing. Succeeding the current stainless steel model, the Pixel Watch 2 should be lighter but more susceptible to scratching and less durable overall.

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Watch6 series, which is orderable from today. Available in four sizes, the Galaxy Watch6 series marks the return of Classic styling, which was last seen on the Galaxy Watch4 Classic.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.15 for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2S, Instinct 2X and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The update fixes several issues with the newly added Gaming activity and resolves a problem with the Expedition activity. The company notes that customers with an eligible wearable must load the new software manually.

The Garmin Beta version 14.10 software for the Venu and Venu 2S smartwatches is now available. The update is relatively small, bringing battery life improvements to the wearables. Garmin notes that the new software will be pushed to eligible gadgets automatically, and it intends to release a public version of the update shortly.

Garmin has released Beta Version 14.23 for the Fenix 7 series and its counterparts. Arriving as the first beta build in a month, Beta Version 14.23 contains 45 changes for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches, as well as new Fenix 7X and Epix 2 Pro models.

Although more will come on July 26 at Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked launch event, the Galaxy Watch family has just taken a big step forward. This wearable lineup has just received the first WhatsApp smartwatch app alongside Samsung Wallet and Thermo Check, which measures temperatures remotely.

According to a well-respected and typically accurate source, Apple will launch a second generation of the Watch Ultra later in 2023. This top-end wearable will still have parts made of titanium - however, they may be manufactured in a whole new way. The cutting-edge technique is said to make it cheaper and easier for the Cupertino giant to make its latest flagship smartwatch.

Xiaomi has now started selling the Redmi Watch 3 Active in Europe. Available for about a third of the price of the Redmi Watch 3, the Redmi Watch 3 Active has a 1.83-inch LPD display, a 289 mAh battery and is 5 ATM water resistant.