Smartwatch

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.

The T-Rex 2 is Amazfit's latest AMOLED smartwatch pitched at "extreme" or "outdoor" use, and is as such rated to have passed 15 military-grade tests of robustness. The OEM has decided to test these durability-enhancing attributes by partnering with a group that launches things over 100,000 feet into the air to see if the watch could survive such near-outer-space conditions.

The OnePlus Nord Watch is on its way. According to a new leak, the Nord Watch is set to launch imminently and has now entered production across Eurasia. The Nord Watch will, of course, be an affordable alternative to the negatively received OnePlus Watch that was released last year.

The Amazfit T-Rex 2 is gearing up to become India's latest GPS-enabled, AMOLED-display smartwatch. It is also touted as "ready for action" with a second-gen rugged build and specs such as 10ATM water-resistance and an up-to-24-day battery life. The T-Rex 2 will become available through Amazon.in imminently.

Evan Blass has provided details about One UI Watch 4.5, the launch software for the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro. Based on Wear OS 3.5, One UI Watch 4.5 will support dual-SIM connectivity and a full keyboard, among other changes.

Fossil has introduced a new version of the Gen 6, the company's most recent smartwatch. Still running the Snapdragon Wear 4100 Plus and Wear OS 2, the Fossil Gen 6 Venture Edition comes with a different watch strap, a slightly different design and retails for US$299.

Garmin has brought a raft of new features to several of its latest flagship smartwatches. With Alpha version 9.14, Garmin is testing out multiple changes for the Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series. However, there are a few known issues, including a possible lag incurred when using Connect IQ widgets.

Huawei has released HarmonyOS 2.0.0.26 to the Band 7, an update that is rolling out now in some markets. Available as an 11 MB download, HarmonyOS 2.0.0.26 brings a few improvements to the Band 7, which Huawei released last month globally.

Xiaomi has now officially confirmed the imminent launch of its next fitness tracker. The Xiaomi Band 7 Pro will debut on July 4 alongside the Xiaomi 12S series, and will ditch the Band 7's design for a more watch-like look, a la Redmi Smart Band Pro.

Garmin has updated its Connect IQ app with support for two new major features. Seemingly, Garmin could soon offer blood glucose monitoring on some smartwatches, as well as the option of setting a swimming aerobic threshold.

OPPO is now tipped to devote its second half of 2022 to the launch of a salvo of new and premium mobile ecosystem devices, the latest upgrades to its flagship smartwatch and fitness tracker series included. They are apparently to be known as the Watch 3 and Band 2 respectively, and may come in a range of colors and possibly keep pace with the market in terms of specs and connectivity.

Google has brought another feature from Android and Chrome OS to Wear OS. According to a new support document, Google's smartwatch OS now supports Fast Pair, presumably to make upcoming flagship smartwatches compatible with one of the Pixel Buds Pro's major features.

Skagen has unveiled the Gen 6 Hybrid, a series of smartwatches available in 38 mm and 42 mm sizes. Siblings of the Fossil Gen 6 Hybrid, the Skagen Gen 6 Hybrid series features a more stylish look with the same functionality, including Amazon Alexa, Android and iOS compatibility.

Fossil has just added a Hybrid variant to its Gen 6 series of Wear OS smartwatches. The new model comes in 2 sizes, both of which upgrade to blood-oxygen measurements as well as heart-rate monitoring for the first time. It is also rated for sleep tracking, step-counting and Amazon Alexa support.

Garmin has released Beta update 6.04 for the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch. The software includes several new features, such as Real Time Stamina, Sleep Insights and Run/Walk Detection. There are also improvements to the media player stability and fixes for crashes and missing data.

Xiaomi has just released its global variant of the Smart Band 7, with buyers in the UK and Europe already snapping up the attractive fitness tracker at temporarily discounted prices. Fans in the US can also now purchase the wearable directly from Amazon, but this appears to be the Chinese Xiaomi Mi Band 7 variant. Fortunately, there are cheaper alternatives to be found.

Xiaomi has started registering an unreleased smartwatch with regulatory bodies in China. Referred to by the codename M2134W1, the smartwatch could be the successor to the Watch Color 2, nominally called the Xiaomi Watch Color 3. Seemingly, the M2134W1 will debut in China before making its way to other countries.

Realme has unveiled the TechLife Watch R100 with a week of battery life. Also equipped with a 1.32-inch display and an aluminium case, the TechLife Watch R100 comes in two colours, both with two physical buttons. The Realme TechLife Watch R100 will be available in India on June 28 for INR 3,499 (~US$44).

According to a renowned leaker, the Galaxy Watch5 series will start at higher prices than the Galaxy Watch4 series did. Although an entry-level Galaxy Watch5 is expected to be available for less than €300, the Galaxy Watch5 Pro could arrive for nearly €550 if you opt for the LTE model.

Montblanc has announced a new addition to its Summit smartwatch lineup. The new Summit 3 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 4100 Plus SoC and is the only other smartwatch apart from the Galaxy Watch4 Series to run Wear OS 3. The Montblanc Summit 3 will be available from July 15 for €1,250.

Samsung continues to issue One UI Watch 4.5 beta builds, which it bases on Wear OS 3.5. Distributed as R8xxXXU1ZVF5, the beta build addresses power consumption and GPS issues, among other changes. One UI Watch 4.5 may make its stable debut in the Galaxy Watch5 series.

Fitbit has recognised that its Charge 5 fitness tracker has a connectivity issue, at least for several units. For some reason, affected units lose connection with paired Android or iOS devices, breaking data syncing with the Fitbit app. There are no obvious workarounds for all problematic units, either.

Xiaomi has started rolling out an update for the Smart Band 7, the same day that the fitness tracker launches globally. Software version 1.16.0.7 is available in China and features several changes. Xiaomi has included several fixes in the fitness tracker's latest update too.

The Zeblaze Beyond 2 is now available to pre-order via Banggood. The smartwatch has up to 40 days of battery life when in Power Save mode. Health features of the device include built-in heart rate and SpO2 monitors, plus you can use the device to track your activity. The gadget has a 390 x 450 px display with a range of watch faces.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Smart Band 7 globally, with sales to start in Europe first. Launching for €59.99, the Smart Band 7 is significantly more expensive than its predecessor. Xiaomi has equipped the Smart Band 7 with a larger display than the Mi Smart Band 6 though, among other changes. Xiaomi has decided against releasing the Smart Band 7 with NFC outside China yet, for some reason.

Garmin has released system software 22.10 to the Fenix 6 series, including solar and sapphire editions. rolling out now, this month's update is available to download directly on your smartwatch and comes with various bug fixes.

The Mi Band 6 was incredibly popular last year and it appears its direct successor, the Xiaomi Band 7, toes a similar line. Currently only available in China, Xiaomi has now confirmed that it has sold over a million units of the smartband, less than a month after it made its debut.

New certifications have confirmed that Samsung will release versions of the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro with mobile connectivity. Unfortunately, the Galaxy Watch5 series will miss out on 5G connectivity, while also providing the same battery capacity for Bluetooth and LTE models.

Realme's TechLife smart-ecosystem spin-off has released smartwatches before; however, the new R100 will be its first wearable with a round face. It is also the first one with support for phonecalls as a selling point. It will launch via Realme and Flipkart in India soon.

According to reports, Google hopes to bring multiple types of watch straps to market for the Pixel Watch. Unfortunately, all of them will feature Google's proprietary locking mechanism that it debuted in May at I/O 2022.

Months before the pair's anticipated launch, colour options have leaked for the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro. While the Galaxy Watch5 Pro is expected to arrive with a titanium build, there will be two Galaxy Watch5 sizes, referred to internally as Heart_Small and Heart_Large.

Garmin is rolling out system software 8.37 to the Epix 2, a smartwatch series introduced in January. System software 8.37 brings some new features to the Epix 2 series, but Garmin has focussed on addressing various bugs, including an inability to remove Connect IQ apps via a paired smartphone.

Two FCC certifications suggest that Garmin is close to releasing Venu SQ and Venu SQ Music successors. While the pair will feature 205 mAh batteries, only the Venu SQ 2 Music will feature Wi-Fi connectivity.

Garmin is issuing software version 8.37 for the Fenix 7 series. Rolling out gradually to smartwatches globally, software version 8.37 contains various changes, including several bug fixes.

Samsung has begun rolling out the June 2022 security patch to the Galaxy Watch4 series. Available as R8xxFXXU1FVE1, the update should be available globally through the Galaxy Wearable app or on your Galaxy Watch4 or Galaxy Watch4 Classic itself.

It seems that the Amazfit Band 7 is on the cards, potentially alongside the GTR 4 series. According to early leaks, the Amazfit Band 7 will look like the Redmi Smart Band Pro, albeit with a larger battery than Xiaomi's fitness tracker and even GPS support.

Amazfit has just officially announced the Bip 3 series as its latest new wearables. The 3 and 3 Pro have very similar specs, which include a 1.69-inch display, blood-oxygen measurements, 14 days of estimated battery life and ~60 workout modes. Then again, the Pro is the only one with GPS.

TAG Heuer has released a new Lens watch face feature that enables you to showcase your NFTs on a Connected Calibre E4 smartwatch. You can choose from various animated layouts and time displays. Plus, the company has partnered with Ledger to ensure the NFTs are accessed securely.