Smartwatch

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.

New details about the Garmin Instinct 2X series have surfaced online, courtesy of a third-party retailer. While the Instinct 2X series will be smaller than expected, Garmin is set to raise prices by €50 relative to the Instinct 2 series.

A Peloton Watch App for Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Watch4 smartwatches is rolling out. The app lets you connect your wearable to Peloton equipment, viewing your heart rate on a bigger screen. You can also use the app to view data such as your Strive Score on your smartwatch.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.51 to the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945. Available to download through Garmin's GCM service, Beta Version 12.51 addresses outstanding bugs, including one that caused sudden elevation changes during an activity for the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945.

Garmin is now rolling out Beta Version 25.78 to the Fenix 6 series and its associated smartwatches. Beta Version 25.78 brings a few changes to the Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq, with Garmin focusing on addressing outstanding bugs.

A new update for the Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix smartwatches, Beta Version 13.10, is now available. The latest software brings a new Cycling Readiness page to the wearables and improvements to the activity stage menu. Several bugs that could cause the Garmin smartwatches to shut down have also been fixed.

Garmin is beginning to roll out a new beta software update for the Forerunner 955. Arriving as Beta version 15.09, the update introduces numerous bug fixes to the Forerunner 955 and adds support for sleep schedules and wrist-based running dynamics, among other changes.

It appears that Mobvoi has set a rough date for when it will start updating some of its existing smartwatches to Wear OS 3. For some reason, the company has left out the original TicWatch Pro 3, despite its similarities with the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra and TicWatch E3.

Official images of the Instinct 2X Tactical have leaked online. Sporting a rugged design, the smartwatch will support solar charging, a night mode and will feature a built-in torch, among other features.

Garmin is rolling out Beta 15.09 for Forerunner 255 smartwatches, currently only available for the Music version of the wearable. The update brings a new wrist-based running dynamics feature to the device and an improved calorie burn calculation algorithm for swimmers. Bugs, such as incorrectly calculated distances in workouts, have also been fixed.

Huawei has released the Watch Ultimate in Europe, roughly two weeks after launching the smartwatch in China. Equipped with an LPTO AMOLED display and a huge battery, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is also suitable for diving and should be a more hardy alternative to Huawei's other smartwatches. Its flagship two-way satellite messaging system is missing from the global model, though.

Press images for the forthcoming Garmin Instinct 2X Solar have emerged online. Not only will the Instinct 2X Solar offer nearly infinite battery life, but it will also come in a much larger case size than the existing Instinct 2.

Google has started discarding established features from the Fitbit app. Numerous long-standing features have been removed, little over three years after Google completed its Fitbit acquisition. Allegedly, Google will add more features back to Fitbit smartwatches, but at an undisclosed date for now.

Nokia has announced Pure, its latest design language for smartphones and smartwatches. Arriving after the company introduced a new logo, Nokia Pure shows what software could look like with Nokia branding in future, whether that be on first-party or third-party devices.

Garmin has started rolling out Beta version 13.09 to Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. With a changelog stretching to over 30 items, Beta version 13.09 is a substantial update for eligible smartwatches. Garmin has made a few changes to its Beta Program distribution method too.

Garmin has issued two new Beta updates; version 25.77 for the Fenix 6 and MARQ and version 12.10 for Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The new software 25.77 contains fixes for several bugs, including a problem with receiving texts, while 12.10 adds a new setting for the wearables.