Wearable

One of Garmin's current-generation Forerunner smartwatches is eligible for a new stable update. Available to download now, the software contains bug fixes, improvements and new features, including the addition of a Garmin's jump rope activity.

Garmin has released a new update for one of its recent Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out now through the company's stable software distribution channels, the update brings plenty of bug fixes to the older wearable, as well as several new features.

Garmin has released a new public update, version 18.22, for Forerunner 955 smartwatches. The software brings several new features, like an auto-detection tool for multisport activities. Also included is an improvement to the optical heart rate sensor, though many customers have flagged further problems here.

A new public update has been rolled out to two of Garmin’s more recent smartwatches. Firmware version 9.24, originally a beta update, brings new features and a range of bug fixes to the wearables. Plus, an issue with the ECG app, flagged during beta testing, appears to have been resolved with the software.

Huawei is rolling out new software for the Watch Fit 2, version 2.1.0.211(SP1C00M07). Despite the similarity to the name of the previous update, the change log shows that the two are different. The software appears to bring relatively few changes to the smartwatch and is downloaded via the Huawei Health app.

A well-known standards organisation has revealed ASUS intentions to refresh its VivoWatch series. Likely launching later this year, the VivoWatch 6 will be the first new VivoWatch smartwatch since late 2022.

According to a typically reliable source, Google is working towards delivering three new wearable devices later this year. On the one hand, two Pixel Watch 3 sizes are still rumoured, with a 45 mm size set to join the series' existing 41 mm design. On the other hand, a second-generation Pixel Buds Pro is also said to be in the works as the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

ViXion has opened presales of its ViXion1 autofocusing eyeglasses. Many working on detailed work often need to switch between wearing eyeglasses or not in order to see clearly due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or both. The ViXion1 eliminates this by continuously focusing everything clearly.

The Ringo is a new and smart ring that comes with a wide range of functions, depending on the model variant. The ring is currently still available at a significantly reduced price.

Yamada Orthopedic Clinic has introduced the Futto leg wearable to boost the walking ability of users. Made of interconnected rubber bands connected to a waist harness, this assistive device helps hikers, elderly, and the partially disabled walk faster and balance better by helping the leg muscles move properly. The passive design utilizes physics to enhance physiological performance.

Garmin has kicked off March by rolling out to an older mid-range smartwatch. The first update for the device since late last year, Beta 18.02 makes minimal changes despite the extended time between beta builds.

A new update has been released by Amazfit for a range of smartwatches. The latest software, which does not appear to provide the upgrade to Zepp OS 3.5, includes updates for offline maps, winter sports and the Zepp Coach. Plus, a new tool allows you to share health metrics with third-party devices like a bike computer.

Oppo has brought its OnePlus Watch 2 alternative to market following the latter's recent release. Starting in select markets, the Oppo Watch X marks a return to Wear OS for Oppo after a prolonged absence.

OPPO has launched the third iteration of its prototype assisted reality (aR) glasses, the Air Glass 3, sporting a lightweight and unassuming design. The device features an AI voice assistant, powered by Oppo’s LLM AndesGPT, as the main interface, and serves up useful information on a full-colour projected display. Oppo has not yet announced any plans to bring the Air Glass 3 into production.

The Apple Vision Pro has proven to be even more complicated to disassemble or re-assemble compared to its iPhone or Mac counterparts. However, as a prominent teardown vlogger claims to have found, the first-gen headset has something in common with its potentially more affordable Apple siblings: the dreaded anti-repair parts-pairing issue.

At MWC 2024, Honor has shared plans for a new smart ring. The company’s CEO revealed the upcoming health-tracking wearable in an interview, though few details were confirmed. While the release date remains uncertain, the use of AI for personalized suggestions, like a customized workout schedule, was mentioned.

Two Samsung executives have confirmed the expected battery life of the Galaxy Ring at MWC 2024. Prototypes of the wearable are on show at the event, with the gadget expected to launch later this year. The estimated runtime of the wearable could make it the longest-lasting smart ring compared to major competitors like Oura.

Vera Health has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the Vera Ring. The company suggests the new wearable has a wide range of health tracking features, taking measurements like SpO2, VO2 Max and temperature. Plus, an AI assistant provides advice to improve your health and may be able to spot early signs of illness.

The RayNeo X2 glasses are now available to international augmented reality fans - albeit not as a retail product. The "AI + AR" spectacles' crowdfunding campaign has kicked off to bring their full-color microLED tech to the global market. They are also backed to deliver yet more world-firsts, Qualcomm Snapdragon XR2 power included.

Garmin has offered up another update for two of its recent mid-range smartwatches. Still restricted to its beta channel for the time being, the update officially contains numerous changes from earlier builds, plus improvements for icon animation and GCM translation softwares.

Garmin is rolling out a new Beta update, version 9.24, for one of its more recent smartwatches. The changelog lists a new workout type and fixes for bugs with music playback, Golf activity and battery drain. However, after installing the previous beta software, many users complained that the battery life was far lower than expected.

Ultrahuman has launched the M1 Live continuous glucose monitor in the US. The solution uses the FDA-approved Abbott FreeStyle Libre sensor, providing real-time data in the Ultrahuman app. Customers in the US can purchase bundles that are currently discounted or opt for a monthly subscription.

Lenovo has announced the ThinkPad Executive 16-inch Backpack as part of its MWC 2024 showcase. Arriving in spring 2024, the ThinkPad Executive 16-inch Backpack will be available for under $200 with numerous features, including an RFI blocking pocket.

Doublepoint has come to Barcelona to announce that WowMouse has upgraded to support for the Pixel Watch 2. The app is rated to turn a user's smartwatch hand into a "mouse" thanks to its support for Wear OS, and, thus, to add a new, touch-free level of control over PCs, mobile devices or VR/AR headsets.

Amazfit has revealed a timeline detailing when its latest operating system, Zepp OS 3.5, will reach five smartwatch models. The rollout started with the Amazfit Balance, which is receiving software version 3.17.6.3. Plus, the update brings a new tool, the Zepp Flow voice assistant, to the various wearables.

Samsung has shared more information on the Galaxy Ring at MWC 2024, where the wearable is on show. The device is particularly lightweight and available in various sizes and three colors. Features include a long battery life, heart rate and respiratory rate tracking, and a new My Vitality Score metric for the Samsung Health app.

According to a recent press release, the Lemfofit Lem 3 smartwatch has an ECG tool, which is certified by the CFDA. However, a lack of explanation means the accuracy of these measurements remains to be determined. The wearable also allegedly has non-invasive blood glucose tracking, Bluetooth calling and a voice assistant.

HMD has unveiled the plans for its "evolution" into a "multi-brand" tech OEM at MWC. They involve a summer of 2024 full of new releases, that for the next Nokia smartphone and "iconic device" included. The company also has something "for Barbie fans of all ages" in the works.

The Watch S3 is one of three wearables that Xiaomi has presented today at MWC 2024. The most unusual of the trio on the face of it, the Xiaomi Watch S3 has a modular design, plus a large AMOLED display and over two weeks of quoted battery life.

The Xiaomi Watch 2 is now orderable across Europe and the UK. One of the cheapest modern Wear OS smartwatches around, the Xiaomi Watch 2 has a large AMOLED display, a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chipset and up to 65 hours of battery life.

Apple is reportedly mulling the expansion of its wearables range with rivals for devices such as the Oura Ring - not to mention the Meta/Ray-Ban glasses - then again, they may be a long way off compared to others such as next-gen AirPods. To that end, the first-gen Ring from the Cupertino giant might lag significantly behind a Galaxy Ring rumored to make an imminent debut.

The Huawei Watch GT 4 seems to be receiving new software. However, the version number for the update is almost identical to that of an earlier release from January. Both the changelog and the size of the software suggest that this is a different version, bringing improved stability to the smartwatch.

Rehab Technologies IIT has presented the TWIN exoskeleton targeted to stroke and spinal cord injury patients. When worn, the non-self balancing suit assists patients with limited or no control over their legs and feet to sit, stand, and walk about.

Researchers say that companies who are promoting the daily use of headsets like the Apple Vision Pro should exercise “caution and restraint” until further research is undertaken into their effects.

Huawei has released a new Watch GT 3 Pro update, which brings Harmony OS 4 to the smartwatch. Features with the latest software include an enhanced app grid, a screen lock tool for use during workouts and customization of how workout data is displayed. Other optimizations improved the always-on-display and training data accuracy.

A new SuuntoPlus Stryd sport app is now available, providing advanced running metrics for smartwatches. Stryd is a running power meter which must be purchased separately from the Suunto wearable. Real-time measurements included with the app are Leg Spring Stiffness, Impact Loading Rate, Vertical Oscillation and Ground Contact Time.

Wandercraft has unveiled the Personal Exoskeleton enabling wheelchair-bound people with lower-body paralysis to walk again. The battery-powered exoskeleton utilizes real-time, 3D environmental mapping and adaptive AI gait to allow users to independently sit, stand, and walk around the city.

Oppo has announced the Watch X, its next smartwatch and its return to the Wear OS ecosystem. Arriving later this month, the Oppo Watch X appears to share most features with the upcoming OnePlus Watch 2. While only one promotional image has officially been released so far, numerous marketing and hands-on images have already leaked online.

OnePlus is already hyping unprecedented battery life for its upcoming Watch 2. Now, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has officially tested the hardware on which this claim is based. The leak also confirms a number of additional specs for the "new flagship" wearable in advance.

You can now also learn movement sequences from the best. That sounds like a quick shortcut to the laborious process of learning an instrument. But with the intelligent glove presented by researchers at MIT, even more is possible.

One of the world's biggest retailers has outlined the release date and launch pricing of another Xiaomi smartwatch. Joining the Xiaomi Watch 2 across Europe, the Middle East and South America, the Xiaomi Watch S3 will be much cheaper than the company's Wear OS offerings but with innovative design elements.

Xiaomi has not officially released the Watch 2 yet, let alone confirmed its existence. Nonetheless, Amazon has already opened pre-orders for the Wear OS smartwatch in Germany, confirming its launch pricing and release date in the process.

Garmin has introduced yet another software update for its current batch of flagship smartwatches. Rolling out now through its Beta Program as Beta Version 16.18, the update contains several bug fixes that were outstanding on earlier builds.

Samsung has presented its latest smartwatch. Rather than another Galaxy Watch model, the company has decided to return to its Galaxy Fit series after over a three-year absence. Unsurprisingly, the new smartwatch contains various upgrades over its predecessor, including a 1.6-inch AMOLED display.

The Garmin beta version 15.02 is rolling out to various Instinct 2 smartwatches over the air. The software is now available through this method to the majority of eligible users, with a side loading option also on offer. The update provides a range of bug fixes to the wearable, though some users have flagged further issues.

Razer touts its BlackShark V2 HyperSpeed as an "Ultra-Lightweight Esports" headset that unlocks a "fresh new level of clarity, power, and comfort". It is wireless, yet can also be used and charged via USB-C, and also boasts the OEM's HyperClear Super Wideband tech for its flexible mic. Furthermore, it has also just become available in white.