Smartwatch

Apparently, Google has developed more innovations for Wear OS 4 than it initially announced. Not only will this year's update bring cloud backups to the Wear OS platform, but it will also introduce animated tiles, plus various gold and health-focused improvements.

The Public Beta Version 15.16 is rolling out to eligible Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatches. The update is identical to the v15.12 update, which was halted due to several issues. The latest software brings new features, including Wrist-Based Running Dynamics and suggested cycling workouts.

Garmin has discounted the Venu Sq smartwatch in the US; discounts of up to 41% are currently available at the Garmin online store, Best Buy and Amazon. The GPS watch has health tracking features like heart rate and blood oxygen level tracking. You can also use the wearable to make contactless payments and receive smart notifications.

Huawei has released a new firmware update for the global versions of the Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro. While firmware version 3.0.0.159 does not introduce any new features to the Watch 3 series, Huawei has patched a vulnerability that circumvented the Bluetooth pairing process.

The wearables OEM Mobvoi has just announced that "something BIG is coming", in the form of its next-gen TicWatch Pro 5 flagship. The new wearable has yet to be hyped in terms of its specs, although its initial trailer seems to confirm a rumored major design update. In the meantime, it is up for grabs as a prize in an official social media-based giveaway.

Garmin is on the verge of releasing new Fenix 7 series models with 'Pro' monikers. Based on an extensive leak, Garmin will introduce the Fenix 7 Pro, Fenix 7S Pro and Fenix 7X Pro within the next few weeks, all with Solar and Sapphire Solar variants.

A new leak has showcased the Epix 2 Pro series, which Garmin is expected to release within a few weeks. Building on earlier rumours, the leak confirms that the Epix 2 Pro series will be available in three sizes and with dedicated sapphire glass variants. The Epix 2 Pro series is rumoured to start at €900, €50 less than was previously assumed.

According to a renowned leaker, Garmin is only a few weeks away from refreshing its golf smartwatch offering. Soon, the company will introduce the Approach S70, a successor to the Approach S62 that will come in two sizes and multiple colourways.

Garmin has released another Release Candidate for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, two of its latest smartwatches. Rolling out now, Beta Version 4.17 is likely the last beta build before Garmin releases a new stable update for the Forerunner 265 and the Forerunner 965.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.17 for the Fenix 7 series and various other smartwatches. Rolling out just after Beta Version 13.16 arrived, the latest beta build addresses several bugs, including one that caused PulseOx to stop working.

Zepp has added artificial intelligence to the Amazfit GTR 4 in a bid to optimise workouts. The smartwatch's latest update, firmware version 3.23.3.1, also contains other changes aimed at further improving workouts.

The Garmin Public Beta Version 15.17 for the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 smartwatches is being rolled out. The latest update brings new altimeter calibration options, cycling event views, and sleep schedule updates. Plus, the software fixes some bugs that could cause the watch to crash.

Honor has now launched the Band 7 in Europe and the UK. The Honor Band 7 has a large OLED display, and is compatible with most Android smartphones or iPhones. The fitness tracker provides 5 ATM water resistance too, among other features.

Garmin has released the Public Beta Version 12.52 update for Forerunner 245, Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945 smartwatches. The new software resolves a bug causing problems with metrics like VO2 Max and Training Load. Garmin notes that this is a Release Candidate, meaning a general public update is coming.

The Garmin Beta Version 12.22 update for the Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches has been released. The new software contains bug fixes for the wearables, resolving issues with course elevation and a battery-saving tool. Garmin notes that this update must be manually loaded to your watch.

Google has revealed Wear OS 4, despite its Wear OS 3 rollout remaining incomplete. The first Wear OS update in two years, Wear OS 4 will ship with battery life improvements and backup/restore functionality, among other changes. Wear OS 4 is likely to debut in the Pixel Watch 2 and the Galaxy Watch6 series.

Mobvoi has now provided some clarity about the state of Wear OS 3 across its TicWatch smartwatch series. While the company hoped to start rolling out the OS update last summer, it is only now getting around to commencing Wear OS 3 beta testing.

Samsung has announced that the Galaxy Watch6 series will be its first smartwatch capable of warning people of an irregular heart rate without manually performing an electrocardiogram (ECG). The company hopes to bring the same functionality to all smartwatches running One UI 5 Watch, spanning the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 series.

Garmin has published Beta Version 13.16 for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches, a week after debuting its predecessor. Beta Version 13.16 should fix several outstanding bugs and updates translations across Garmin's operating system.

Huawei has introduced the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro, its latest flagship smartwatches. Both feature several exciting features, including a dive mode, fall detection and premium designs. Both have premium launch prices to match their high-end feature set, though.

Huawei is preparing to release new flagship smartwatches under the Watch 4 series. Expected to arrive in three variants split between the Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro, the Watch 4 series will receive a Chinese release later this month. Based on initial teasers, the company may launch the Watch 4 series globally soon, too.

Garmin has filed three devices with the TLS in Singapore. Two of the devices are listed as GPS Golf smartwatches with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity; these could be successors to the Approach S62. The final product is a Handheld GPS device, already released in the US as the GPSMAP 67.

The Casio G-SHOCK MOVE DWH5600 smartwatch can now be pre-ordered in the US. The wearable allows you to track your heart rate and blood oxygen level, with a connection to a smartphone permitting GPS tracking. Other features include a MIP LED display and solar charging.

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.