Smartwatch

Launching back in late 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 has been at the center of much controversy particularly following the debut of watchOS 7 in fall 2020. For a company renowned for making products that are built to last, planned obsolescence seems to be in play for this vintage wearable.

According to a renowned leaker, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro could offer significantly longer battery life than the Galaxy Watch5 or Galaxy Watch4 series. Meanwhile, European prices for the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro have leaked, underlining just how expensive the Galaxy Watch5 Pro will be.

Huawei has released HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237 to the Watch 3 Pro, the first update for the smartwatch in seven months. Unsurprisingly, HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237 contains numerous changes and optimisations. The new update is rolling out now as an over-the-air (OTA) download.

Anker has announced that it will launch the latest generation of its high-speed chargers during an upcoming July 2022 event. The OEM has already alluded to the "cutting-edge" gallium nitride (GaN) technology to come in these new accessories. They will be pitched at both in-place and on-the-go use-cases, and will come in a variety of wattages, some of which will exceed the 100 watt (W) mark.

Garmin has released another Alpha software update for the Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series. Building on a build that went live earlier this month, Alpha software version 22.75 features eight changes, including two new features. Garmin has included several bug fixes too, among other changes.

A new GitLab project lets you turn the Casio F91W watch into a Bluetooth-capable smartwatch. All parts are replaced apart from the casing, and an upgraded OLED screen is installed. You can use the modified watch for Bluetooth calling and to receive notifications. The project has now been handed over to the community.

An update to the Garmin Connect app has added a blood pressure data sharing tool. A new setting asks for your permission to share the data with the Apple Health app. However, it is unclear how Garmin would collect this blood pressure data; it could be via a rumored blood pressure cuff, manual entry, or a potential smartwatch feature.

OPPO has confirmed that it has secured the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 wearable platform for its 2022 flagship Watch. In fact, the OEM has indicated that there will be more than 1 version of this third-gen smartwatch, which will also be first to the market with its new chipset. OPPO has hinted at its ability to boost performance in its inaugural vehicle.

Amazfit has presented the Band 7, a smartwatch that shares more similarities with the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 than its name. Available for US$49.99, the Amazfit Band 7 has a large display, plenty of health monitoring options and a variety of colour options. The Amazfit Band 7 is orderable now in multiple markets and can last up to 28 days between charges of its 232 mAh battery.

Realme sub-brand DIZO has introduced the Watch D Sharp, a smartwatch that follows in the footsteps of the DIZO Watch D. Available in three colours, the DIZO Watch D Sharp has a 1.75-inch display, 5 ATM waterproofing, up to 14 days of battery life and smart controls, among other features.

The latest update for the Fitbit Charge 5, version 1.171.50, is now available. The update brings the Find Phone tool to the device, enabling you to generate a loud noise on a connected smartphone, similar to Apple’s Find My Phone feature. Also included is a fix for the recently spotted battery drain issue alongside various other improvements and bug fixes.

Mobvoi has announced that a next-generation TicWatch smartwatch is in the works. Presumed to be the TicWatch Pro 4, Mobvoi has teased that the smartwatch has a robust design with ultra-fast performance and improved battery life. The TicWatch Pro 4 will be one of the first smartwatches with the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1, Qualcomm's latest smartwatch platform.

Samsung is preparing to launch several new products, with its next Galaxy Unpacked event scheduled for August 10. Although Samsung has not announced any of its rumoured devices yet, it is taking Galaxy Buds2 Pro, Galaxy Watch5, Galaxy Watch5 Pro, Galaxy Z Flip4 and Galaxy Z Fold4 reservations in the US.

A United States credit union has taken Apple to court over the Cupertino giant's Pay service. The plaintiff in this case has taken issue with what it sees as the imposition of the app as a default option on users, and with the extra fees financial institutions incur as a result. Therefore, Apple is now at risk of losing this apparently happy state of affairs in its home country soon.

Evan Blass has outlined details about the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 and W5+ Gen 1, two chipsets that will replace the Snapdragon Wear 4100 series. With process node, co-processor and GPU refinements, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 series should deliver better battery life and performance for upcoming Mobvoi and Oppo smartwatches running Wear OS.
Update: Qualcomm announces Snapdragon W5+ and W5 Platforms.

Initial signs of a next-generation TicWatch Pro smartwatch have emerged online. Currently thought of as the TicWatch Pro 4, the TicWatch Pro 3 series successor should feature a refined design and new health monitoring functionality, among other changes.

Garmin has released the HRM-Pro Plus, a heart rate monitoring strap. The gadget can also measure your running dynamics, such as vertical oscillation, ground contact time and stride length. Plus, the device can track your step count and calories burned. You can connect the strap to compatible smartwatches, equipment or apps via Bluetooth.

A 10-video series from Montblanc has provided insights into the user interface of Google Wear OS 3.0. This will be the first watch to use the operating system without the Samsung skin. The videos detail various button pushes and swipe gestures that you can use to navigate around the gadget. The Montblanc Summit 3 with Wear OS will launch later this month.

The product design relationship between Apple and Jony Ive has finally come to an end. The former executive at Cupertino was responsible for the distinctive looks of the MacBook line, but has only been a consultant to the OEM since 2019. Ive's contract for this role has now expired, and his former employer has declined to renew it.

Specifications and details for two new Amazfit smartwatches have leaked online. The Amazfit GTR 4 and GTS 4 will feature larger batteries than their predecessors, among other changes. Amazfit plans to sell the pair with various watch strap designs, too.

The Vwar Stratos 2 Pro is available globally. The smartwatch has a 1.39-in AMOLED screen, making it larger than the Vwar Stratos 2. The gadget has new features such as Bluetooth calling and music playback. With 8 GB of storage, you can store over 500 songs on the device. Plus, the watch has built-in health tracking features such as an SpO2 monitor.

Garmin has released a second Alpha update for the Instinct 2 series in a week. Now on Alpha version 9.11, the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S have now support a compass lock feature within the reference point app, among other changes. Alpha version 9.11 is available to download now for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S.

Inbase has launched the Urban FIT S smartwatch in India. The gadget has a rectangular 1.78-in AMOLED display, with a similar design to the Apple Watch. The company claims that the device’s battery can last up to 10 days with regular use. You can use the watch to make Bluetooth calls and measure your blood oxygen level and heart rate.

Realme has just confirmed that its square-faced smartwatch series is indeed headed for a third generation. The Watch 3's teasers are now running alongside those for the Pad X on the OEM's official Indian channels, suggesting that the 5G-capable slate will take the stage next to the new wearable later in July 2022.

Samsung has introduced a fourth beta update for the Galaxy Watch4 series as it readies One UI Watch 4.5 for public consumption. With only a few bug fixes and changes, R8xxXXU1ZVG3 only makes minor improvements to the operating system that some people are currently testing on their Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic smartwatches.

Qualcomm has hinted to fans that it is on the verge of announcing new smartwatch chipsets. Rumoured to be the Snapdragon Wear 5100 and Snapdragon Wear 5100+, the chipsets could make their way into Wear OS smartwatches later this year and beyond. Qualcomm's next-generation smartwatches are expected to feature some similarities with the Wear 4100 and Wear 4100+, but there should be some major changes too.

Samsung has confirmed availability for One UI Watch 4.5 later this quarter. Starting with the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, One UI Watch 4.5 may gain more features when the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro arrive in August.

Samsung has offered up more hints about what wearables it plans to release in the next few months. Potentially as an Easter Egg for Samsung fans, the appearance of both the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Buds2 Pro in the Galaxy Wearable app predates their release by well over a month.

Garmin has announced Alpha version 9.10 for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, two of its mid-range smartwatches. Available to download now, Alpha version 9.10 contains many bug fixes and a few new features too.

Garmin has released a new early access software update to several of its latest smartwatches. Currently, the Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series are eligible for Alpha version 9.15, which adds support for new features and fixes several outstanding issues. Alpha version 9.15 is available to download now through Garmin's website.

Amazfit has presented the GTS 4 Mini with up to 15 days of battery life and a 1.65-inch AMOLED display. Already available in the US for US$119.99, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini is also coming to India, where it will be orderable from third-party retailers like Amazon.

According to reports, the rumoured Apple Watch Extreme could arrive as the Apple Watch Pro instead. As the latter's name suggests, it will contain a few features that regular Apple Watch Series models lack. Unsurprisingly, the Apple Watch Pro will also command a 'Pro' launch price.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch5 series will make its debut alongside the Galaxy Z Fold4 and Galaxy Z Flip4 at Unpacked next month. Ahead of that event, however, the smartwatches now appear to have been listed on official Samsung websites across Europe.

Amazfit is currently holding a Mid-Year Sale on its US website, with deals on a number of its smartwatches, even its latest models such as the T-Rex 2 and Bip 3 series. Its latest GTR and GTS flagships are also involved, as are slightly older "best-sellers" such as the GTS 2 Mini. These offers are available for a very limited time, however.

Huawei has introduced a new update for the Watch FIT 2, one of its newer fitness trackers. Rolling out in Europe, HarmonyOS 2.1.0.133 includes improved iOS integration, among other changes.

According to new reports, Apple plans to release an alternative to the standard Watch Series refresh this year. Reputedly, the company is working on an 'Extreme Sports' model with plenty of changes from the rumoured Watch Series 8.

New 360-degree renders of the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro have been posted online. They showcase key design elements of the wearables, including the lack of a physical bezel on the Watch5 Pro.

Garmin has presented software version 11.12 for the Forerunner 955 series, a stable update that is gradually reaching eligible smartwatches. Released a month after the series' introduction, software version 11.12 aims to fix a few outstanding bugs, while also making a few improvements to the smartwatch's operation.

Xiaomi may have just announced the Band 7 Pro, but it has already issued a firmware update. Released in China, firmware 1.2.22 brings WeChat support, among other changes. The Band 7 Pro sells in China for CNY 399 (~US$60), where it is available in multiple colours.

Huawei has revealed HarmonyOS 2.1.0.237, an update for the Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro that the company is rolling out globally. Available through the Huawei Health app, the update brings the Huawei Watch 3 series onto HarmonyOS 2.1, as well as expanding the smartwatch series' language support.

Garmin has announced a new Alpha software update for the Fenix 6 series, also available to Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series smartwatches. With Alpha version 22.73, Garmin has added several features while also fixing over half-a-dozen outstanding bugs. Alpha version 22.73 is to download and install now.

The Bip 3 series is Amazfit's latest affordable-grade smartwatch options with large 1.69-inch displays, SpO2 monitoring and a 5ATM water-resistant build. They are also now available on the Indian market. Some, but not all, of its options have been released to Amazon.in so far.

Samsung is rolling out a new update to the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic. Currently, the pair are eligible for One UI Watch 4.5 Beta 3, which Samsung still bases on Wear OS 3.5. Packed with various changes and optimisations from its predecessor, One UI Watch 4.5 Beta 3 arrives alongside an updated Watch4 Manager app.

The latest set of alleged AirPods Pro 2 renders arrived with claims that these upcoming flagship TWS earbuds would become increasingly powerful health-trackers as well. However, a well-known tech correspondent purports to debunk these claims. Then again, 2022's Apple Watch is apparently in a better position to launch with the new features in question.

The Amazfit Band 7 has appeared in some leaked renderings alongside a list of key specs and a purported, and somewhat reasonable, price tag. The Amazfit Band 7 will be entering a crowded fitness-tracker market and will have to face stiff competition from the likes of the Xiaomi Smart Band 7.

According to a renowned analyst, Apple has decided to upgrade the size of the Watch Series display again this year. While the Watch Series 7 is available with up to a 1.9-inch display, Ross Young claims that Apple will push the Watch Series 8 to within touching distance of 2-inches.

KOSPET has released the TANK M1 PRO Smartwatch, a cheaper gadget with up to 50 days of battery life in standby mode or 10 days with daily use. The outdoor watch has health features such as a heart rate monitor and a sleep tracking feature. You can make or receive a call and play music thanks to Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity.

Xiaomi has now launched its latest and greatest fitness tracker yet, the Xiaomi Band 7 Pro, in China. The Band 7 Pro debuts with a watch-esque design, a buckle-style strap, new materials, built-in GPS, NFC, and a host of other features, all for a price tag that converts into about US$60.

A Redditor claiming to work at Fossil has posted "an update" assuring the smartwatch brand's fans that it is making progress on completing and launching its latest UI and smartphone companion app for its devices. This, apparently, involves the long-awaited upgrade to Wear OS 3, thereby purporting to confirm that it is still on track to drop in 2022.