Smartwatch

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.10 for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S series, as well as to Instinct 2X and Instinct 2 Crossover smartwatches. The new beta build bundles various new features for Instinct smartwatches, including a workouts app and Morning Report support. Beta Version 13.10 should address a few outstanding bugs too, among other changes.

Honor has introduced the Watch 4, its first smartwatch with a built-in eSIM. The new wearable also has a large AMOLED display and up to 10 days of battery life, among other features.

Garmin has released Public Beta Version 16.09 (Pre-Rollout) for the Forerunner 955 smartwatch. The update adds new glances, muscle maps and a Workout app. Several bugs have been addressed, with fixes for Pace Pro, Spotify and the flashlight delivered in the new software.

Garmin has released a new beta build for the Forerunner 255. Available as Beta Version 16.09, the update packs various new features, improvements and bug fixes for the Forerunner 255 ahead of a stable update rollout.

Garmin has discounted its Instinct and Instinct Solar smartwatches at its Amazon US storefront. The Instinct is now available for US$142.49, while the Instinct Solar’s price is now reduced by 43%. The wearables have Multi-GNSS support, a wrist-based heart rate monitor and smart notifications.

Garmin has discounted its Descent G1 and Descent G1 Solar smartwatches in the US, offering US$100 off. The gadgets combine a dive computer with a smartwatch, with several dive modes included. Other features such as GPS, a dive compass, smart notifications and contactless payments are also offered.

The Garmin Pre-Rollout Beta 15.04 has been released for the Garmin Venu 2 and 2S smartwatches. While the update marks the start of a new Beta cycle, it is relatively minor, adding a new feature for gamers. Garmin notes that the update will automatically be pushed to eligible wearables via Wi-Fi.

Samsung has now confirmed the date of its next Galaxy Unpacked event, in which it is expected to introduce the Galaxy Z Flip5 and Galaxy Z Fold5, as well as the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Tab S9 series. The company is also offering discounts and prize draws for those who register on its website.

The rugged wearable was officially announced in late 2022 and comes with practically unlimited battery life, which is one of the main reasons why many outdoor enthusiasts prefer a solar smartwatch like the Garmin Instinct Crossover over more prominent products such as the Apple Watch Ultra.

The first sightings of two Xiaomi Watch S2 Pro models have been spotted online. Certified as M2311W1 and M2312W1, both smartwatches should feature LTE connectivity, unlike other flagship Xiaomi smartwatches.

The versatile Garmin smartwatch is now on sale with a considerable discount of 59 percent off the original list price, which makes the Fenix 6 Pro Solar a suitable choice for outdoorsy users and prospective wearable buyers who would like to track their frequent workouts and avoid charging another gadget on a daily basis.

Xiaomi is preparing to launch the Redmi Watch 3 Active globally. Seemingly a sibling of the Redmi Watch 3 Youth Edition, the Redmi Watch 3 Active has a 1.83-inch display, up to 12 days of battery life and a simple design, among other features.

Amazfit has introduced the Pop 3R, a smaller alternative to the new Pop 3S. Equipped with a round AMOLED display that measures 1.43-inches across, the Amazfit Pop 3S will be available in two styles, both with simple designs.

Several new Garmin sports features are rumored to be on the way to various smartwatches and Edge bike computers. The tools include Course Climbs, advanced filtering when selecting a workout and Garmin Connect alarms. Plus, tweaks to watch faces will allow you to view more data fields.

Garmin has discounted its Venu 2 and Venu 2S smartwatches at its Amazon storefronts in the US, the UK, the Netherlands and France. The Venu 2 wearable has a 45mm screen and up to 11 days of battery life, whereas the Venu 2S has a smaller 40mm display and works for up to 10 days between charges.

A typically knowledgeable tech correspondent now purports to have outlined the rest of Apple's 2023 product launch schedule for it in advance. The line-up also allegedly continues into early 2024, which is apparently when next-gen iPads and MacBooks are slated to make their respective appearances. Furthermore, they just might be joined by an iMac that finally switches to a new screen size.

The Fossil Group has finally started enabling Google Assistant on its Gen 6 smartwatches, eight months after distributing Wear OS 3 upgrades. Previously, Fossil Gen 6 smartwatches made do with Amazon Alexa.

Vonmählen seems confident that it has made the ultimate portable pocket-sized power accessory in the form of the new allroundo Pro. The power bank has a novel "double-sided" wireless charging feature that might allow a user to connect their smartphone, tablet and wearable to it all at the same time. Furthermore, the device comes with its own "ecosystem" of modular accessories designed to let the user keep either their iPhone or a cable on it at all times.

The Amazfit Cheetah (Round) and Cheetah Pro smartwatches have been launched, the first dedicated running wearables from the brand. The gadgets feature the MaxTrack GPS antenna for improved positioning accuracy, and various running tools like a Track Run mode and AI coaching. Other features include Bluetooth calling, music playback and Amazon Alexa.

Garmin has issued a significant new beta release for the Venu 2 and Venu 2S. Available as Beta Version 14.07, the new build finally moves the Venu 2 series on from Version 13.xx builds.

The Garmin public software version 12.25 has been released for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2S and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The new Instinct 2X also receives a public update, version 12.26. The software brings new features, improvements and various bug fixes to the wearables and marks the end of the 12.xx Beta software cycle.

The Garmin Connect IQ version 6.2.0 is now available for app developers. Several new features, such as scalable fonts and a new review request tool, are available for various smartwatches. Plus, the Red Shift tool, released with the Epix (gen 2) Pro smartwatch, can now be simulated.

Nothing is preparing to release the Phone (2), its second smartphone and first powered by a Snapdragon 8 series chipset. The company also seems busy developing its first smartwatch though, which it has certified under the model number D395.

Samsung remains a few weeks away from releasing the Galaxy Watch6 and Galaxy Watch6 Classic. Nonetheless, a leaker has outlined display, RAM and battery details about both smartwatches. The pair are tipped to feature narrower display bezels, larger batteries and 25% more RAM than last year's models.

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.