Smartwatch

According to reports, Google is finalising the development of two new smartwatches. Reputedly, Google plans to release a second-generation Pixel Watch, currently thought of as the Pixel Watch 2. A child-friendly smartwatch is also expected to land this autumn too but under the Fitbit brand.

Goertek predicts that extended, mixed and/or augmented reality (XR/MR/AR) is ready to take over, through the medium of the glasses it helps other companies to make. To this end, the OEM also now asserts that smartwatch-like devices will be best to pair with and control this eyewear of the future. It has presented a reference "smart bracelet" demonstrating the high-speed, high-precision connectivity that this combination might need to work.

Beta Version 15.15 and Version 4.15 for the Garmin Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 smartwatches are being rolled out. The updates include viewing the battery remaining in days on the watch face. Plus, the watches now support accessing the power guide in the race widget when cycling and a wide range of bug fixes.

The Forerunner 265 has now received Beta 4.15, its second beta update. Also a release candidate, Beta 4.15 focuses on addressing bugs that shipped with the Forerunner 265's launch software.

Garmin has released Beta Version 15.15 for the Forerunner 255, likely the last beta build before a new stable build arrives. Beta Version 15.15 brings several bug fixes to the Forerunner 255, as well as support for a few new features.

The Beta Version 12.19 update for the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches has arrived. The new software brings a range of bug fixes to eligible models. For example, v12,19 resolves two issues linked to the Daily Suggested Workout and fixes a problem which could incorrectly trigger the Incident Detection feature.

Samsung has presented a new version of One UI Watch, now known as One UI 5 Watch. Arriving later this month via a public beta, One UI 5 Watch is not slated to launch until the new Galaxy Watch series smartwatches do. In the meantime, Samsung has outlined a few changes between One UI Watch 4 and One UI 5 Watch.

The Garmin Pre-Rollout Beta 13.12 update for the Venu 2 smartwatch series is now available. The new software provides bug fixes, such as resolving an issue with hydration notifications. While Garmin says the rollout is complete, some users have reported problems with updating the Venu 2 Plus model.

New Garmin Endurance Score and Activity Impact metrics may soon be available, according to a report by the5krunner. The Endurance Score would help you understand how well you sustain activity over a prolonged period, considering your activity intensity, speed and VO2 max. It is unclear exactly how you will be able to use the Activity Impact tool.

Garmin has released a new beta build for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches ahead of an eventual stable rollout. Available as Beta Version 25.85, the beta build features a few bug fixes from last month's Beta Version 25.81 build.

Garmin has started rolling out Beta Version 13.15 for several smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.15 introduces over a dozen changes, including a new feature and numerous bug fixes.

Google has delivered the May 2023 round of updates for its Pixel portfolio. Available for the Pixel 4a (5G) onwards and the Pixel Watch, this month's updates introduce various security improvements and should refine touchscreen response on the Pixel 7 Pro.

Motorola has made its latest smartwatches official today. The Moto Watch 70 and Moto Watch 200 both have a form-factor most like the Apple Watch, although only one has an AMOLED display and an SpO2 sensor. The higher-end model also integrates Google Fit and Strava, and supports up to 14 days of battery life.

Garmin has reduced the price of its Venu 2 Plus smartwatch in the US and Canada on its website and Amazon storefront. The cost of the wearable is reduced by up to 12%, with the deal available on all colorways. Features of the watch include the Garmin ECG App, Bluetooth calling and Garmin Pay.

Amazon Canada has outlined all key details about the TicWatch Pro 5, Mobvoi's first Wear OS 3-powered smartwatch. Equipped with the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 platform and 2 GB of RAM, the TicWatch Pro 5 will contain numerous changes from the TicWatch Pro 3, as well as many of its predecessor's popular features.

Apple is now tipped to launch a major update to watchOS that revives the Glances feature from an earlier version. The rumored switch from apps to iPhone 14-style widgets is backed to make the "Watch X" (or "series 9") more intuitive and convenient to use. The potentially substantial software upgrade is thought to distract from minimal health-tracking feature updates, however.

The Dexcom Connect IQ app for Garmin devices is rolling out to provide “expanded region availability”. The app allows you to track your blood sugar levels on a Garmin smartwatch or bike computer alongside other training insights. However, you must purchase a Dexcom CGM system and have your smartphone nearby to view the transmitted data.

At Amazon US, you can buy the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 Pro smartwatch for US$363, the lowest price at the store since Black Friday. The standard and LTE models are reduced in price, though the LTE model is discounted to US$439. Features of the watch include a blood pressure sensor, GPS and 80-hour battery life.

According to a renowned leaker, Samsung has settled on bringing back the design of the Galaxy Watch4 Classic for the Galaxy Watch6 Pro. However, Samsung is expected to introduce a few design modernisations, including thinner display bezels.

Garmin has reduced the price of its Fenix 6S - Pro Solar Edition smartwatch by US$470 in the US, meaning you can currently buy the gadget for just US$329. Features of the wearable include solar charging for enhanced battery life of up to 10.5 days. You can also use the watch for heart rate monitoring, GPS and training tools.

The Public Beta Versions 15.12 software for the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch is now available. The update provides new features to the wearable, including Daily Suggested Workouts for cycling, Wrist-Based Running Dynamics and an Acute Chronic Workload Ratio measurement.

Garmin has discounted several versions of the Instinct 2 Solar at Amazon and its online store in the US. A discount of US$150 is available on the Tactical Edition watch, while customers can save US$100 on the Standard and Surf Edition wearables. In the right conditions, solar charging enables unlimited battery life.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.14 for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.14 makes over half a dozen changes from Beta Version 13.13, such as Race Access now being visible within the Calendar widget.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.15 for the Instinct 2 series. According to the company, the new update is designed to address several issues that arose in versions 12.13 and 12.14. The issues were so bad that Garmin pulled both updates.

Samsung has activated the temperature sensor it includes in the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, months after releasing the pair. The infrared sensor should be capable of collecting precise data, but only in certain circumstances. The new feature arrives through the pair's latest software update.

Huawei is now rolling out a new update for the Watch GT 3 Pro in Europe. Available as firmware version 3.0.0.76, the update addresses an issue that caused problems with the smartwatch's ability to measure SpO2 levels.

The LEMFO S59 smartwatch is now selling worldwide via AliExpress. The wearable has alleged health features, including heart rate and blood oxygen monitors, alongside training analysis. Other tools include NFC payments, Bluetooth calling and music playback, with a maximum battery life of seven days.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series is now discounted to the lowest price seen at Amazon US. Both LTE and Bluetooth models are on offer, with up to 24% off the wearables. Health features of these smartwatches include blood pressure and heart rate monitors, as well as body composition measurements such as skeletal muscle and BMI.

Google has released a new Public Preview update for the Google Home app. The update allows smartwatches running Wear OS 3 to display notifications with preview images from Nest cameras and video doorbells, among other changes.

According to reports, Samsung is finally set to replace the Exynos W920 with this year's Galaxy Watch series, which it offers in all its One UI Watch-based smartwatches. The new Exynos W980 is rumoured to feature performance upgrades, while the top Galaxy Watch6 model is set to receive narrow display bezels too.

Garmin Public Beta Version 15.12 is now available for Forerunner 255 and 955 smartwatches. The update brings a new data field for the watch face and improved graphs. Several issues have been resolved, including a bug preventing users from viewing an intensity minutes value.

Public Beta Version 4.12 for the Garmin Forerunner 265 smartwatch is rolling out. The new software adds tools such as pre-event workout suggestions and glance shortcuts. Plus, a host of bug fixes resolve problems like inaccurate time or distance data, and mis-triggered alert tones.

Garmin has released the first beta update for the Forerunner 965, just over a month after its launch. Beta Version 4.12 introduces numerous changes and improvements to the Forerunner 965, including compatibility with Connect IQ System 6 watch faces. The inaugural beta build is also a Release Candidate and should soon be rolling out to all Forerunner 965 smartwatches.

Garmin has introduced Beta Version 25.81 for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches. Available as an OTA update via GCM, Beta Version 25.81 contains a few bug fixes ahead of a new public release.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.13 for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. While the new beta update is light on new features, it contains plenty of bug fixes and several improvements within its 33 changes.

Xiaomi has introduced the Smart Band 8, its next-generation fitness tracker. While the Smart Band 8 looks a lot like its predecessor, Xiaomi has improved the fitness tracker's versatility with more watch bands to choose from, as well as a pendant and a clip for attaching it to a running shoe.

The Garmin Beta update v12.13 for the Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches has been released. The latest software includes several bug fixes, resolving potential crash issues and problems with the saved locations list. As with other updates, eligible smartwatches will receive the software automatically.

Apparently, Fitbit is preparing to release a new smartwatch with an LTE modem and a front-facing camera. Codenamed Project Eleven, the smartwatch is expected to be aimed at children, which explains its colourful design.

It appears that Xiaomi is on the verge of launching the Smart Band 7 NFC in Europe. While the company has not commented on the fitness tracker's whereabouts yet, authorised Polish retailers are already selling the device, confirming a modest price increase from the regular Smart Band 7.

The Casio G-Shock G-SQUAD DW-H5600 smartwatch has been announced in Japan. Several models will be available, including a limited edition version. The wearable can measure heart rate, blood oxygen level and step count. Plus, the Polar algorithm can analyse your workouts and sleep health.

The Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) of 2023 is already touted to go down in history as the event during which Apple's first-gen VR/AR headset is unleashed. However, the latest version of iOS is now also projected to vie for the spotlight by unlocking app sideloading on iPhones for the first time. The Conference is also now rumored to introduce iPadOS optimized for OLED and watchOS optimized for an underwhelming hardware upgrade.

The Garmin Beta version 15.11 for the Forerunner 255 Music and Forerunner 955 has been released. The software provides many bug fixes, such as resolving issues with cycling and golf activities and problems with alert sounds and vibrations. Plus, the update adds the ability to enter a decimal weight during a strength activity.

Xiaomi has now confirmed the imminent debut of its next-gen fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Band 8. The Band 8 will launch in China on April 18 as a direct successor to the Band 7, and will do so alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi Pad 6 series.

Garmin has unveiled the Instinct 2X Solar and Instinct 2X Tactical Edition. Arriving as larger versions of the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, the Instinct 2X series has integrated solar cells for practically limitless battery life, as well as a few unusual features.

While evidence has emerged that Xiaomi is on the road to releasing the Smart Band 8, the company is also preparing to introduce the Smart Band 7 NFC globally. The NFC model will be compatible with MasterCard and Visa services but will feature the same core functionality as the regular Smart Band 7.

Garmin Beta Version 12.11 for Fenix 6 and MARQ has been released alongside Beta Version 25.79 for Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The latest software includes a range of bug fixes, including resolving an issue which could cause the wearables to shut down. While v12.11 will automatically be delivered to eligible smartwatches, v25.79 must be loaded manually.

Google has released RWDA.230114.010 for the Pixel Watch. Available to download now, the April 2023 update arrives the same as equivalent updates for Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series smartphones.

Google is continuing to carve up the Fitbit ecosystem, having already removed several features from the Fitbit app. Now, the company has set a timeline for Fitbit to Google account migration, with existing users spared until 2025.