Smartwatch

The latest Garmin Public Beta for Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 smartwatches, version 14.08, has been released. Updates in the latest software include improvements to graphs and the Auto Rest feature. However, users have flagged in the Garmin Forum various issues in the release, including a bug which causes the wearable to restart.

Once known as Samsung Pay and available as Samsung Wallet since June 2022, the digital wallet platform of the South Korean tech giant continues its expansion. After reaching 13 new markets at the end of 2022, Samsung Wallet is now heading for 8 new ones, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, and more.

Samsung has released new updates for the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Not yet available to the Galaxy Watch4 or Galaxy Watch4 Classic, the updates bring previously promised features, plus a new device diagnostics tool for the Galaxy Buds2 Pro and Galaxy Watch5 series.

Samsung Display is moving into MicroLED panel production for smartwatches. Currently limited to high-end TVs, MicroLED panels offer superior brightness and contrast ratio values than conventional AMOLED panels while consuming less power to boot.

A range of new Garmin smartwatch features appears to have been leaked in a report by the5krunner. The alleged upcoming tools include ECG with Afib detection and alerts for a lower-than-expected SpO2 level when sleeping. Rumors also suggest new sports profiles, such as basketball, boxing, mixed martial arts, squash and table tennis, could soon arrive.

Skagen has reportedly started to push Wear OS 3 to its latest Falster Gen 6 smartwatch. However, numerous users have found that the hotly-awaited software upgrade has arrived without some features they may have expected. Furthermore, they also claim that others they had gotten used to on the Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus-powered wearable are now gone.

The inaugural Apple Watch Ultra is now tipped to be succeeded by a newer model in 2024. Not only could this product be touted as a second-gen premium 'adventurer-grade' smartwatch, but one with the first-even display from its own manufacturer. The panel in question is said to be based on advanced microLED technology and to be the first in a long line of Apple devices with proprietary displays.

Samsung has outlined new features headed to the Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4, plus the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 series. The new features should start arriving early next week, with others due in February.

Numerous marketing images of a future Garmin hybrid smartwatch have emerged online. Supposedly called the Vivomove Trend, the leak showcases the device's design, several features and even an idea of its launch price.

The United States' administration has ruled that Apple has infringed on the intellectual property of another company. Masimo asserts that the Cupertino giant appropriated their trade secrets in making the pulse oximeter found in Apple Watches since the 6 series. Now, the deliberations that might see the popular wearables banned from the market are slated to begin.

Huawei has provided the Watch GT 2 and Watch GT 2 Pro with new software updates. Rolling out as firmware versions 11.0.17.6 and 11.0.11.6, respectively, the updates are said to improve system security but no new features to speak of.

Google is now rolling out the first update of 2023 for the Pixel Watch. While this month's update focuses on security improvements, it also addresses a bug that affected third-party watch faces. The update should be available now as RWD9.220429.073.

DIZO is now selling two new Watch D smartwatches, building on the Watch D Plus. Billed as the Watch D Pro and the Watch D Ultra, the pair are available in the same colourways but with different feature sets.

Two new filings at the FCC in the US have appeared from Garmin, IPH-04452 and IPH-04453. Reports from Fitness Tracker Test suggest that these are linked to the alleged Garmin Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 265s smartwatches. Earlier rumors about these devices came from the5krunner, with supposed photos of the Forerunner 265s.

Citizen has introduced a new generation of CZ Smart smartwatches. Now running Wear OS 3, the CZ Smart relies on the Snapdragon Wear 4100+ chipset and a 1.29-inch AMOLED display, among other features. The new series of CZ Smart smartwatches will be available in March from US$350.

Fossil has launched the Gen 6 Wellness Edition Hybrid smartwatch. The wearable has an E-ink display allowing up to two weeks of battery life. Built-in lights help you to read the screen in low lighting, and analogue hands indicate the time. Health features of the gadget include SpO2, heart rate zone and VO2 Max tracking.

Garmin has filed three new multisport watches with the IMDA, a regulatory body in Singapore. The listings suggest that the wearables will have GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity. It is unclear whether these are three separate models or several versions of one watch. The gadgets are unlikely to be the Vivomove Trend, which leaked last year.

IWO PRO is now selling the DT8 Ultra+, or DT8 Ultra Pro, smartwatch worldwide. The gadget is similar in appearance to the Apple Watch Ultra, with a 2.13-in (~54 mm) larger display. Features of the device include GPS tracking, NFC and Bluetooth calling. Plus, the listing suggests that you can use the watch to monitor your heart rate and blood pressure.

The Redmi Watch 3 and Redmi Band 2 wearables are now available in China. The Watch 3 has a larger 1.75-in (~44 mm) AMOLED display, with GPS and Bluetooth calling support. The smaller Band 2 weighs just 14.9 g (~0.5 oz), and both smartwatches have SpO2 monitors and the ability to make payments via NFC.

The Honor Band 7 smartwatch is now available to pre-order in China. The slim wearable has a 1.47-in (~37 mm) display and is available in various colors. The smartwatch has health features such as SpO2 and heart rate sensors, and 96 sports modes to log your exercise. Plus, you can use Bluetooth 5.2 to enable tools like contactless payments and music playback.

Rockley Photonics is forging ahead with its work on clinic-on-the-wrist wearable tech. It is anticipated that a device, possibly the company’s Bioptx band, with hydration measurement could launch in the second half of 2023. A glucose indicator is penciled in for a Q1 2025 launch, with a potential Bioptx Pro or future Apple Watch eventually sporting the vital sensor.

The Zeblaze Vibe 7 Pro smartwatch has been listed as “coming soon” on AliExpress. The wearable has a larger 1.43-in (~36 mm) AMOLED display and a range of health features. Plus, you can use the watch to make Bluetooth calls, and the device lasts up to 30 days when in standby mode.

Garmin has announced that software Alpha version 11.15 is now available to download for various smartwatches such as the Fenix 7 and Epix (Gen 2). The update brings new features like Jet Lag Adviser, which can help you reduce the impact of travel on your body. Plus, the software brings support for Connect IQ System 6.

Released less than three months ago, the Fitbit Versa 4 is slightly thinner than its predecessor and sports an improved multi-path optical heart rate tracker. It comes with Google Wallet & Maps, automatic exercise tracking, and challenges. Amazon's ongoing 30% discount takes the US$229.95 list price down to US$159.95.

Xiaomi has started selling the Watch S2 in China, a smartwatch series that consists of 42 mm and 46 mm sizes. Only available in China for now, the Xiaomi Watch S2 features bright AMOLED displays, advanced health features and long battery life, regardless of the model chosen.

The TicWatch GTH 2 is a fitness-tracking smartwatch rated to track the user's skin temperature as well as their heart rate and blood-oxygen levels. It has a display 10% larger than its predecessor, yet is rated for up to 10 days of battery life. The GTH 2 is now available at a price of under US$100.

OPPO has unveiled new foldable Android smartphones as the acme of its market-ready mobile tech. However, it has also indicated that its successors might go beyond that in terms of design. They include a new kind of smartphone made completely of glass, a potential next-gen smartwatch and the OEM's latest edge-to-edge display tech.

KOSPET has launched a global pre-sale campaign for its TANK M2 smartwatch on AliExpress. The gadget is said to last for up to 60 days in standby mode or 15 days with typical use. The wearable allegedly has health features such as heart rate and blood oxygen level monitors, and you can receive Bluetooth calls on the watch.

OPPO has announced some new special editions of existing products as well as its latest foldable Android smartphones today (December 15, 2022). They include the Watch 3 Pro Glacier Gray, a new SKU of the OEM's highest-end smartwatch optimized for skiing; the Golden Years Edition of the Enco X2 flagship TWS earbuds and a new artist's rendition of the OPPO Pad.

ASUS has started selling the VivoWatch 5 Aero, a fitness tracker that debuted in September at IFA 2022. While the device's core feature set remains, it seems that ASUS has reverted to a clunkier design, eschewing the slim look of the original VivoWatch 5 Aero.

Masimo has announced that all W1 smartwatches will now receive a Hydration Index (Hi) tool. The feature lets you view your hydration level and observe how this affects your body. Plus, the wearable has other health monitoring tools, such as a pulse oximeter, heart rate and respiratory sensors.

The rather affordable outdoor smartwatch, which comes with a rugged design as well as GPS functionality, has now received a considerable US$65 discount that brings the price of the Garmin Instinct Solar down to just US$149.

Apple has released a raft of OS updates, with the company upgrading all core product lines ahead of the holiday season. macOS Ventura 13.1, tvOS 16.2 and watchOS 9.2 are rolling out now, as are iOS 16.2 and iPadOS 16.2.

North Edge is now selling its ECG smartwatch globally for US$39. Supposed health features of the wearable include the ability to measure your heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level. Plus, you can connect the gadget to your smartphone to enable Bluetooth calling and remote camera controls.

Garmin has discounted its Forerunner 245 Music smartwatch in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, offering customers up to 45% off the US$349.99 typical retail price. The gadget is discounted at the Garmin Store and Amazon with various deals. The watch has up to seven days of battery life, with built-in GPS and music playback.

Huawei has released the Watch GT 3 Pro Collector's Edition. The special edition model is available in China for now and has a more premium design than the regular Watch GT 3 Pro while retaining the same advanced health features, such as the ability to take ECGs.

Today, Huawei unveiled the Watch Buds, a smartwatch with an innovative design. As it name suggests, the Watch Buds also contain a pair of earbuds, which recharge beneath the device’s round AMOLED display. According to Huawei, the Watch Buds should last up to 3 days between charges too, despite the inclusion of a pair of earbuds.

696 is now selling the WL21 smartwatch worldwide via AliExpress. The wearable is listed as having heart rate, blood pressure and blood oxygen level sensors. Plus, you can connect the gadget to your smartphone for features such as Bluetooth calling and remote camera and music controls.

The MK66 smartwatch, with features such as Bluetooth calling, has arrived on Banggood, allowing purchases from customers globally. The product listing claims that the wearable has heart rate, blood oxygen level and blood pressure monitors. Plus, the gadget is said to last for up to seven days on a single charge.

Pricing for the forthcoming Xiaomi Buds 4 and Watch S2 has leaked online. While the Buds 4 will cost more than even the Buds 3 Pro at launch, the Watch S2 is expected to arrive for a little less than the Watch S1 did at launch. Both devices will debut during Xiaomi’s next hardware event, which is rumoured to have been rescheduled for later this week.

Although a few models still sell for the list price and others have single-digit price drops, there are some Garmin Fenix 6 deals worth checking out. The most tempting ones are the 50% discounted Fenix 6s Pro Solar, the 48% off Fenix 6 Pro Solar, and the 46% discount that applies to the Fenix 6S Sapphire.

Google has released new features for Wear OS. Available first later this month on the Pixel Watch, the new features include functional changes, such as Google Assistant refinements and new tiles as Google continues to modernise Wear OS.

Huawei has shared its first teaser for the Watch Buds, a smartwatch that also contains a pair of TWS earbuds. Originally slated for a December 2 release, Huawei has now postponed the launch date as a mark of respect to former CCP General Secretary Jiang Zemin.

Amazfit introduced the Falcon as its first-gen smartwatch with a titanium-enhanced build and 20ATM water resistance earlier in 2022. Now, it is expanding its availability to the Indian market. The 'precision GPS' wearable is slated to go to pre-order in its new market without delay.

Xiaomi continues to tease the Watch S2 on social media. Now arriving sometime in December, the Watch S2 will be available in multiple styles, two sizes and with a design reminiscent of the Watch S1. The Watch S2 will contain a few tricks though, one of which is already available in the Samsung Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 series.

Xiaomi has announced a launch date for its new 13 series of Android flagship smartphones. Now, the OEM has also revealed that it will debut its latest TWS earbuds and smartwatch alongside the premium mobile devices. The Buds 4 and Watch S2 have been teased with a premium gloss and updated designs thus far.