Wearable

A insider report appearing in Korean media claims that Samsung Electronics Chairman Jae-yong Lee has expressed anger over the recently launched Galaxy Buds 3 series' and Galaxy Watch Ultra's controversial Apple-inspired designs, as well as quality issues and software bugs. It's also said that action has been taken against some of the senior management at Samsung's mobile division.

Garmin has decided to push a new beta update to several of its popular mid-range smartwatches after previously claiming that it had concluded beta development for 16.xx builds. Rolling out now as an over-the-air (OTA) download, the new update aims to address various outstanding bugs that have shipped in recent beta and stable updates.

Oura appears to be working on a meal-tracking tool for its smart ring. The unreleased feature was spotted hidden in a recent app update from the company, with launch date unknown. Plus, the tool has an AI element to minimise the amount of data you need to input manually.

The first advert showing the Pixel Watch 3 in two sizes has been posted online. Not only does the advert confirm the pair's designs, but it also outlines various features that Google hopes can tempt people to upgrade from an older Pixel Watch or a rival smartwatch.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 has officially entered discount territory after the launch of the Galaxy Watch 7. The 30%-off deal is currently available at both Best Buy and Samsung US, but Amazon knocks the price down even further, offering a 33% discount on the previous-gen Galaxy smartwatch.

Nintendo has unveiled its Zelda-themed wireless earbuds in new white and green colors. The earbuds claim to deliver high-quality sound with deep bass and clear treble. Unfortunately, these earbuds are currently exclusive to the UK and Ireland, with no immediate plans for a wider release. Priced at £34.99, the earbuds come with essential accessories, and they feature Zelda's 'Triforce' insignia on the earbuds as well as the game logo on the charging case.

OnePlus' next flagship wireless earbuds are projected to land with a new charging case in an updated choice of colors. Now, they are also believed to be more expensive than their Buds Pro 2 forebears on their launch. Meanwhile, more of their specs have allegedly been exposed in another new leak.

Casio is rolling out a new digital watch, the WS-B1000, to countries worldwide. The wearable has a simple feature set, with controls and insights in an accompanying app and a two-year battery life. Plus, customers in the US can currently buy one version of the product at a discounted price.

Paraplegic Kevin Piette has walked with the Olympics 2024 torch while wearing the Wandercraft Atalante X exoskeleton. The 36-year-old exoskeleton pilot had an accident 11 years ago that left him unable to use his legs. Piette is an exoskeleton pilot working at Wandercraft to help develop assistive technologies for the disabled.

A new public beta update for users of two Garmin smartwatch models is available. The update focuses on improvements for one activity in particular. However, it does not appear to fix a battery drain problem flagged by some customers after the last stable update, version 10.20.

Realme has introduced the Watch S2 as its first wearable with an on-board AI assistant. It is also touted to get up to 20 days of normal use peer charging, and also offers health and fitness tracking features. Its stainless steel case is rated for advanced water- and dust-proofing, and comes in a range of colors with varied strap options.

Outdoor gear maker Arc-teryx and startup Skip have unveiled the MO/GO exoskeleton trousers, which use powerful motors and carbon fibre braces to boost leg strength while hiking on inclined terrain or climbing stairs, relieving up to 30 lbs (13.5 kg) of weight. Weighing just 7 lbs, MO/GO runs for over 3 hours or 5-6 miles. Although still in final development, it can be pre-ordered now and will cost $5000 upon launch.

The smartwatch previously rumoured to launch as the Google Pixel Watch 3 XL could actually be called something else at launch. A new leak says Google plans to do what everyone else does and include the screen diameter in parentheses.

Xiaomi's latest wearable could reach global audiences much sooner than the Smart Band 8 or Smart Band 8 Pro did following their initial Chinese releases. Supposedly, one of the world's biggest retailers not only revealed Xiaomi's global release date for the Smart Band 9, but also sub €50 launch pricing.

A reliable leaker has demonstrated that Bose will soon release new versions of its QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Ultra Open Earbuds. While a release date remains unknown for now, all upcoming refreshes have already been pictured from various angles.

Vivo has announced that it has partnered with Rokid to make the X100 Ultra capable of 3D photography. The new feature is backed to turn users of the top-end flagship Android smartphone into aspiring extended or augmented reality (XR/AR) content creators using the Ultra's Zeiss-tuned cameras. Vivo has also now hinted that it will release its first ever headset soon.

Two upcoming smartwatches from Huawei, the Watch GT 5 and the Watch GT 5 Pro, have been revealed by various certification bodies. Information on the expected specifications is also already available.

OPPO has a lot to offer in terms of new mobile devices for the rest of 2024, according to a famous leaker. Those products include what might be new flagship wireless earbuds and premium mid-range smartphones as well as the third generation of the OEM's top-end tablet. OPPO is also now slated to introduce the latest version of its skin for Android, ColorOS, alongside this hardware.

Garmin has begun offering a new update for the Fenix 7 series and its siblings, like the Enduro 2 and Quatix 7. Available exclusively through its Beta Program for now, the update is said to address bugs that could cause system crashes if otherwise left unchecked.

Samsung's Galaxy Buds3 Pro design update has apparently backfired on the company with reports of generationally reduced build quality thus far. However, the new flagship wireless earphones' switch to an Apple AirPod-like design has a point, according to a popular YouTuber. It may make it easier for a Buds 3 Pro user to remove and replace some (but not all) important components.

Fitbit has released a firmware update for four of its smartwatches and fitness trackers, bringing the ability to remotely control YouTube Music as well as more accurate heart rate tracking and GPS-based mapping, among other enhancements.

Garmin has started rolling out a new stable update to one of its popular mid-range smartwatch series. Available now globally, the update seeks to resolve various outstanding bugs, including plenty that could cause issues in a variety of activities.

Garmin has launched a new beta update, version 20.15, for the Forerunner 255 smartwatch. The release notes list a couple of new features for the wearable, like Garmin Share, as well as improvements and bug fixes. However, a possible new bug has already been reported on the Garmin forum.

A beta update is on the way to one Garmin smartwatch, marking the start of a new testing cycle. Version 20.15 is expected to roll out in waves, bringing several new features to the wearable. Plus, a range of bug fixes tackle issues with sleep mode, calendar, and data display errors.

CheckMag The WearOS smartwatch scene already has a handful of great choices for those who are looking for a smartwatch to buy. However, if you don’t want a WearOS watch, here are four other smartwatches that you can buy, and the best part is that they don’t cost as much as their WearOS counterparts.

Garmin has published a new update for its flagship Forerunner smartwatch. While the update is currently restricted to the company's Beta Program, it indicates that dozens of improvements will eventually be headed the Forerunner 965's way when a fresh stable update eventually lands.

The Forerunner 955 is in line for a new update, two months after Garmin last updated the smartwatch. Rolling out on Garmin's Beta Program, the update contains over a dozen improvements, including the option of backing up and restoring device settings.

Garmin has finally rolled out a new update to the Forerunner 265, two months after finishing up the development of v19.xx builds. As expected, the company has now kicked off v20.xx updates, albeit only on its Beta Program so far.

The Withings ScanWatch 2 is being updated with Firmware 3.0. The latest release is said to bring various improvements to the smartwatch, such as enhanced heart rate and sleep tracking. On top of this, there are a range of UI changes for the wearable, including a new default Large Watchface mode.

At the time of launch, many assumed that the Galaxy Ring would only work with Samsung phones and tablets. As it turns out, any Android phone running Android 11 or above will do. Better yet, the wearable might get iOS support soon.

Shortly after the launch of the Samsung Galaxy Ring, Oura appears to be preparing to launch the fourth-generation Oura Smart Ring. The Oura Ring 4 has already been spotted at a certification with a new design and a revised sensor arrangement.

CheckMag The recent launch of the Samsung Galaxy ring has captured attention, but it's important to acknowledge Oura's role in popularizing smart rings. The Oura ring 3, while still the flagship, is becoming outdated. Although Oura hasn't announced a new model, certification filings hint at the upcoming Oura ring 4. Below are the top 4 things we expect to see on the next Oura device.

Augmented reality (AR) is one of the most popular and prevalent uses of smart glasses, headsets and heads-up devices today. Now, its market is projected to increase in value until it is worth just over $210 billion by 2031. AR gaming is backed to contribute to a third of this growth.

The Huawei Watch Fit 3 has just received a major software update, which is not only intended to improve stability, but also adds new functions. Navigation is now possible on the smartwatch.

Samsung touts the new 3 Pros as the most 'techy' iterations of the Galaxy Buds series thus far. Ironically, however, their new LED-laden design has led to problems for those who ordered them as a result of the recent Unpacked 2024 event. Some of their buyers have reported the suspension of their pre-orders as the OEM apparently deals with some defect-prone aspects of its new flagship TWS buds.

Xiaomi may not have released the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses outside China. However, it is now possible to purchase Xiaomi's smart glasses globally through a popular importer for just over $100 in multiple styles.

Garmin has rolled out two new updates for many of its mid-range smartwatches. Both arriving on the company's Beta Program, the updates are said to resolve potential system crashes that could occur in multiple scenarios.

Xiaomi has updated its Smart Band portfolio with the Smart Band 9, which has arrived alongside the MIX Fold 4, MIX Flip and Redmi K70 Extreme Edition, among other devices. As expected, the Smart Band 9 contains numerous improvements from the Smart Band 8, including longer battery life.

Xiaomi touts the Buds 5 as a new source of flagship-level audio with features such as spatial audio and HiFi sound quality in an "exquisite" new design. The new Buds support the Qualcomm aptX Lossless codec as well as active noise cancellation (ANC), yet are priced at the equivalent of ~$100.

Xiaomi has unleashed the Watch S4 Sport as its new wearable for "intensive" pursuits and work-outs, diving included. To this end, it is reinforced with titanium (rotating crown included) as well as sapphire for its 1.43-inch AMOLED display. The S4 Sport also has standalone connectivity and up to 15 days of battery life, yet starts at under $300 in China.

The tinyPod is a case for the Apple Watch with a unique scroll wheel that works with the Watch crown. Available in a non-scroll-wheel option as well, the tinyPod intends to help users curb social media habits while still being connected to the essential apps they need. Its size can be customized as per the Apple Watch, and is priced at $79.99, while the tinyPod lite is available for $29.99.

Google is expected to launch new Pixel Watch smartwatches next month at a future 'Made by Google' event. With specs for the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Watch 3 XL having already been made public, it is now the turn of launch pricing for both models to be leaked online.

Beats by Dre has teamed up with Minecraft to launch special edition Solo 4 headphones on July 18. Priced at $199, they have the same specs as the standard Solo 4 - Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm jack, 50-hour battery life, a 40mm audio driver and personalized Spatial Audio. The special edition Solo 4s will be available at Apple and Target.

OnePlus asserts that you can "Tune out the Chaos" with a pair of its latest wireless earbuds. The Nord Buds 3 Pro support the OEM's highest level of active noise cancellation (ANC) to date and can last for up to 44 hours per charge (albeit not both). The Basswave 2.0 accessories also support up-to-date Bluetooth 5.4 with dual-device connectivity.

The RingConn Gen 2 now has a price tag and buyers can secure a considerable discount. The device can be worn while swimming and offers many functions. Compared to the first generation, it is also said to have a longer battery life.

Motorola's upcoming Moto Buds I40 ANC have been spotted on a Singaporean retail website, Lazada. The listing reveals that the wireless earbuds will weigh 3.4g each, have a 40-hour battery life (with case), Bluetooth 5.4 and a 13mm driver. Three color options are available, with the price being $71.00 SGD ($53 USD).

Realme is now believed to have a new Watch to introduce alongside its upcoming 13 Pro series of premium mid-range Android smartphones later in July 2024. The new wearable is slated to be a second generation of the brand's original round-faced smartwatch, with in-demand features such as Bluetooth calling.

Garmin has flighted a new update for the Fenix 7 series and its peers. Since the build is the first public v18 update, it contains numerous changes from v17.28 with at least a dozen bug fixes, improvements and new features.