Smartwatch

Huawei has confirmed that the Watch GT 3 Pro will make its debut soon. The OEM is also now teasing the wearable as a new deep-sea diving companion thanks to improved, apparently independently-verified ingress protection. The spec may make the upcoming accessory much more water-tight than its average counterpart.

Apple is reportedly working on a satellite network of its very own; furthermore, the Cupertino giant might have it ready in time for its latest mobile devices to launch able to connect with it out of the box. Then again, the combination is not exactly intended for full-blown GSM-independent communications on the part of the upcoming iPhones and smartwatches.

The Google Pixel Watch is expected to debut alongside the Pixel 7 series in October. The first-gen wearable from Google has now made its first appearance in the flesh, after being conveniently forgotten at a restaurant in the US.

Renders of the POCO Watch and POCO Buds Pro have leaked, confirming their similarities with existing Xiaomi Redmi devices. The pair will launch on April 26 alongside the POCO F4 GT and should be available in multiple markets.

New rumours allege that Samsung plans to drop the Galaxy Watch Classic brand after just one generation. In its place will arrive the Galaxy Watch5 Pro, details about which have leaked previously.

The official announcement of Huawei's upcoming Mate Xs 2 product event has led to speculation that the long-awaited Pro version of this OEM's Watch GT 3 will also make an entrance during this show. The allegedly upcoming smartwatch is now tipped to do so in at least 2 sizes and case material options, one of which may be titanium.

Huawei has introduced 11.1.3.20 for the Band 6, a software update that makes a few changes to the fitness tracker. Rolling out as a 9.63 MB download, 11.1.3.20 finally brings PIN code availability to the Huawei Band 6, along with the option of waking the display when you touch it.

The Garmin Vivosmart 5 has arrived and with a much larger display than its predecessor. Garmin has made other changes too, such as including a physical button and allowing people to change their watch straps if needed. The Vivosmart 5 is orderable from today for US$149.99.

A closeup of the Pixel Watch has leaked, just a few weeks ahead of the Google I/O 2022 conference. The Pixel Watch has a curved display, a digital crown and will support Fitbit integrations. The Pixel Watch is not rumoured to be available until October, though.

It seems that Garmin hopes to release multiple new smartwatches soon, such as the Venu Sq 2 and Vivomove 2. The pair will be joined by the Forerunner 255, Forerunner 255s, Forerunner 955 and the Instinct Analog, among others.

The Finnish outfit GlucoModicum has shared encouraging news about its needle-free magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) technology. The company aims to integrate MHD with its Talisman sensor and Flint wristwatch to offer a non-invasive glucose monitor that is as accurate as more-intrusive methods.

Allegedly, Xiaomi has settled on a name for its first POCO smartwatch. While the device may launch in Europe, it could be built by 70mai, rather than Xiaomi or POCO directly.

Garmin has rolled out two new updates to the Epix 2 and Fenix 7 series. Now brought up to Software Version 8.14, the pair have received over 80 changes, including new features and bug fixes. The Epix 2 has benefited from more improvements than the Fenix 7, for some reason.

Polar has lifted the lid on the Pacer and Pacer Pro, two smartwatches that come in several colours. Both smartwatches are orderable today, but only the Pacer Pro will ship this month. The Polar Pacer series starts from US$199.95 and is available in other markets.

A new report alleges that a body-temperature sensor is back on for the Watch Series 8, Apple's flagship smartwatch for 2022. The body-temperature sensor will only have limited functionality at launch, but Apple is expected to introduce new health-tracking features and even a new power-saving mode with watchOS 9. Details about why it is taking Apple so long to release an Apple Watch with a blood pressure monitor have also emerged.

Garmin on replacing the Forerunner 245, a smartwatch that is almost three years old. Reportedly, Garmin will announce Forerunner 245 successors as the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 255s, both in music and non-music/non-Wi-Fi editions.

Huawei's next smartwatch has leaked ahead of an anticipated launch later this month. The Watch GT 3 Pro will arrive in multiple styles and will resemble the 46 mm version of the Watch GT 3.

Already thinking about how to burn off some calories from those devilishly delightful Easter treats? A wearable may help quantify your workouts and keep up motivation. Brands like Amazfit, Motorola, and Redmi have some great fitness and health tracking smartwatches and bands that won't break the bank.

Reportedly, Samsung is looking to shake up its smartwatch offering again this year. While the company is preparing to release successors to the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, it is rumoured to be developing an entirely new model with a trick up its sleeve.

Garmin has unveiled the tactix 7, available in Standard, Pro and Pro Ballistics models. Starting at US$1,099.99, the tactix 7 rises to US$1,599.99 for the Pro Ballistics Edition. All models have 1.4-inch displays, long battery life and access to the Connect IQ store.

The GTS 2 Mini is a better-priced example of Amazfit's popular line of health- and fitness-tracking smartwatches. Now, the brand has announced a re-release for this product, with new colors and slightly modified specs this time around. It will go live via its Indian-market sales channels later in India.

Samsung has released a new update to the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, still the only smartwatches with Wear OS 3. This month's update arrives as R8xxXXU1FVC8 and contains a few minor changes.

Apple has issued a "call to code" with its official WWDC 2022 announcement. The Cupertino giant has now outlined some events and activities that will form part of this show, tipped to unveil the latest in software for its iPads, Macs, iPhones and more. The conference is also now confirmed to be "all-online", although there is scope for in-person attendance on its opening day this year.

A new trademark application has offered an insight into the future of Huawei wearables. Filed with the EU, the Watch Buds would be Huawei's first smartwatch with built-in earbuds. While the idea is not new, no other major smartwatch manufacturer has sought to combine the two product categories to date.

The Garmin Forerunner 955 has leaked again, three months after its first appearance on Garmin Australia's website. The smartwatch could launch as soon as this month and should be available in a Solar variant.

The Polar Pacer Pro has leaked, seemingly the more expensive version of the upcoming Pacer smartwatch. The Pacer and Pacer Pro may share quite a few features, although the Pacer Pro may arrive with more premium materials.

Garmin has issued a new update for the Fenix 6 series that introduces plenty of changes to the former flagship smartwatch. Rolling out as version 20.82, the update adds support for Connect IQ system 5 and an Endurance Horseback Riding Activity, among other changes.

Thanks to its latest software update, the Forerunner 945 has gained several features from the Fenix 7. The update, which arrives as software version 9.56, is available to download now from Garmin’s website.

Afon has shared some intriguing news about its work on a non-invasive continuous glucose monitor (CGM). The company had previously hinted that progress had been made on the Afon blood sugar sensor, and it now appears that positive accuracy results produced by the CGM mean it could be the pain-free game-changer that is hoped for by millions of diabetics.

The watchOS 8.5 update appears to be breaking fast charging on the Apple Watch Series 6 and Watch Series 7. Experiences vary, but some third-party chargers have stopped working completely.

Polar has another smartwatch in the works as it looks to return to its Pacer brand. The Polar Pacer will launch in multiple colours and with a design that draws similarities with the Vantage V2. The Polar Pacer could be closer to the Polar Unite in price, though.

Huawei has issued a new update to the Watch GT 2 globally. According to Huawei, Lite OS 11.0.15.10 makes modest improvements, reflected in its 80 MB file size. Huawei is distributing Lite OS 11.0.15.10 now through the Huawei Health app.

The high-end D2 Mach 1 is the latest aviation smartwatch from Garmin. The wearable has an expensive finish with a titanium bezel and a sapphire lens. The device has many features designed for pilots, including maps, weather reports and information about your destination airport.

Google has requested FDA approval for Fitbit's passive heart rate monitoring algorithm. The technology was found to detect cases of atrial fibrillation with 98% accuracy in a recent study of Fitbit users. The data was collected using PPG technology built into Fitbit devices.

APK files from the Fitbit app suggests that three new smartwatches could be released by the Google-owned company, with none of them featuring WearOS. The rumored devices could include the Versa 4, Sense 2 and Luxe 2 models, based on evidence such as display resolutions.

Update version 11.0.15.10 for the Huawei Watch GT 2e smartwatch is rolling out to customers in China. The new firmware includes the preinstalled AutoNavi maps app and improvements to the device's sleep monitoring. It is anticipated that the update will be released in waves, becoming available to global customers later.

OnePlus is rumored to have already started production of the OnePlus Band 2 and the OnePlus Watch 2. No specifications have been leaked for either wearable, but with production beginning, both the OnePlus Band 2 and OnePlus Watch 2 should soon make an appearance in markets in Asia and Europe.

Jon Prosser has dashed hopes that the Pixel Watch could launch in time for spring 2022. Instead, the leaker claims that Google has pushed the device's formal release way back to October, when it will also unveil the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. The change in plans does not look good for Wear OS 3, either.

Withings has released an update for its ScanWatch. Version 2421 includes several new features, such as a workout mode and an activity reminder. Withings is also rolling out more widely its 10:10 hands feature, which makes it easier for you to see the digital screen on the watch.

New rumours claim that the Pixel 6a and Pixel Watch could both make appearances at Google I/O 2022 in May. Unfortunately, we may only be treated to a fleeting visit from the Pixel Watch, while it could take the Pixel 6a another two months before it begins shipping.

Garmin is taking more steps to reduce the costs of OLED displays in its smartwatches. Purportedly, the company's patented technology could so make its OLED displays more efficient than the ones in the Venu 2 Plus.

Huawei has started rolling out the first update for the global version of the Watch GT Runner. Issued as HarmonyOS 2.1.0.219, the update introduces a new feature to the 1.43-inch smartwatch and squashes a few software bugs.

The Apple Watch Series 3 is allegedly heading for its product cycle end-of-life according to a well-known analyst. The third-generation smartwatch has served Apple well since its release in 2017 but is expected to be discontinued when the Apple Watch Series 8 and watchOS 9 become fully available.

OnePlus is expected to launch the OnePlus Nord Smartwatch later this year. It is slated to cost around INR 8,000 (US$105) and will be unveiled alongside the OnePlus Nord 3. A pair of Nord-branded TWS earbuds are also en route.

The Apple Watch has no ports, rendering it impossible to force it into a hardware recovery mode. Thankfully, Apple has finally addressed this shortcoming of Apple Watches with watchOS 8.5, which is available to download on the Watch Series 3 through Watch Series 7.

Wear OS 3 is still not ready for existing smartwatches, but more screenshots of the upcoming OS have emerged. Google's next smartwatch OS will launch with a next-generation Google Assistant, among other changes from Wear OS 2.

Huawei has released an update for its GT 2 Pro smartwatch. The latest firmware brings two new features to the device, including a self-diagnosis tool to detect and suggest solutions for hardware issues.

Visionox has reportedly introduced its latest display development as a "world-first", as it is a type of AMOLED designed to reduce power consumption through attaining ultra-low refresh rates, but does not rely on typically high-end LTPO technology to do so. This new display panel type could thus allow the smartwatches of the future to feature always-on displays at a lower cost.

Google has announced the dates of this year's I/O Developer Conference, which returns to the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. Google I/O 2022 will start with a live broadcast, which Google has used to present new products in previous years.

Zepp Health, the owner of the increasingly popular fitness-tracking wearables brand Amazfit, has now released its fourth-quarter (4Q2021) and full-year earnings report for 2021. It claims revenues of nearly 6.3 billion yuan (or about US$985 million) for this year, about 27% of which came from 4Q2021. Despite these impressive figures, however, the company has seen the impact of global events over the last ~12 months.