Wearable

The WearPico is a new smartwatch based on a Raspberry Pi. It is an open source project, which means it is relatively easy to build. The smartwatch is also relatively compact.

Six months after it launched in China alongside the Mix Fold 3, Xiaomi finally looks set to bring the Smart Band 8 Pro to the global market, with a new leak now revealing its pricing ahead of what could be an MWC debut later this month.

Incovenient: A new update for the Fitbit Charge 5 not only brings new features, but also massive problems that are said to be severely limiting the usability of the watch, according to numerous user reports.

Developer Christian Selig has just released Juno, a dedicated YouTube app for the Apple Vision Pro, weeks after YouTube stated that it will not be developing one. A more refined alternative to opening the YouTube website on Safari, Juno’s UI matches visionOS and provides most of the functionality one would expect. The app costs a one-time $4.99 to download.

A vlogger has gone beyond the ever-growing plethora of Apple Vision Pro unboxings and/or walkthroughs to reveal that the ~$3,500 headset is a surprisingly high drop risk. Then again, if it does fall, it might stand a good enough chance of survival - provided the user doesn't care about quite all its functional or structural integrity.

HMD has indicated that it will sell the personal electronics it makes under its own name rather than that of its best-known Nokia brand going forward. That includes its audio peripherals and tablets and well as its phones - smart or otherwise - all to be marketed under a new "Human Mobile Devices" tag-line in the near future. On that note, the OEM has hinted that its upcoming Nokia 3310 successor will have as much 5G as its next Android handsets.

The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Ring has been spotted in the company’s Good Lock app; the recently teased device is now listed as an option under a battery-related setting. It has been suggested that the addition of the unreleased wearable could mean an earlier-than-expected launch date.

The Rogbid M5 is a new smartwatch advertised with numerous features for a relatively low price tag. The display is based on AMOLED technology and promises strong color reproduction.

A new certification has outlined initial information about the Honor Band 9, a successor to the Honor Band 7. Arriving in at least two variants, the Honor Band 9 could make its way to MWC 2024 in Barcelona later this month alongside the Magic6 Pro.

Huawei is rolling out software version 4.0.0.219 to a smartwatch that was launched last year. The update contains three new features, one of which aims to extend the battery life of the wearable. As this is a relatively large update, the company suggests ensuring the smartwatch is connected to Wi-Fi before proceeding with the installation.

The Huawei Watch Fit 2 is reportedly receiving new software, version 2.1.0.211. The latest update brings several new features and optimizes various tools across health, wellness and smart notifications. While some users have already received the update, whether the software rollout is complete remains to be seen.

Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 3 LTE and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra smartwatch users have been invited to a new beta program. Successful candidates will receive the latest Wear OS 3 update and are asked to test the eSIM activation process. Plus, the software supposedly includes a small easter egg.

The launch of the next-generation Galaxy Fit appears to be imminent, as Samsung has just leaked the fitness wristband on its own website, officially confirming earlier rumors of a brand new design and a much larger display.

A popular Garmin smartwatch has now received a new beta update. Rolling out at Beta 9.19, the update contains a curious set of changes and alleged battery drain-related bugs.

The Coros February update is now rolling out to various smartwatches via a beta program; reports suggest a public version of the software will launch in early February. Update 3.0307.0117 contains three new features to help you check your running form, stress levels and overall wellness with a quick test.

Rollme is selling the Hero R1 smartwatch with features supposedly including an ECG and non-invasive blood glucose measurement. Other tools include exercise tracking and Bluetooth calling. However, customers may want to consider several points before they purchase the relatively inexpensive model.

Garmin continues to release odd updates to one of its latest smartwatches. Distributed as Beta 9.18, the update makes no obvious improvements over previous Beta Program builds. Garmin has now advised owners how to re-enable ECG functionality that earlier beta updates disabled, though.

Meta says it welcomes the launch of the Apple Vision Pro as it could help drive further sales of its own Quest-branded range of spatial computing headsets. The company says it would like to position its headset as the ‘Android’ alternative to Apple’s offering that offers a more affordable entry point into the technology.

Garmin has released an update for one of its recent Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out with various bug fixes, including one dedicated to addressing 'slow notification updates', the firmware should be gradually making its way to units enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program.

A relatively new Garmin smartwatch is now eligible for a new software update. Currently restricted to Garmin's Beta Program, the update makes various changes aimed at improved an owner's overall user experience.

The new Model A smartwatch from Rogbid offers interesting and unusual features. Among other things, the Android-based watch offers an HD camera for video calls. Other features include blood pressure monitoring and a large battery.

The iHeal 5 smartwatch is now available in a stylish version with a stainless steel strap in two colors. The impressive-sounding features remain unchanged. Among other things, the manufacturer promises ECG and blood glucose monitoring on the wrist for $45.

Garmin has released beta software version 18.15 for the Forerunner 265 smartwatch series. This is the first update in the 18.xx cycle for the wearable, despite other Forerunner devices receiving upgrades earlier this year. The software includes several new tools and various bug fixes for the watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 255 smartwatch series is receiving a new beta update: version 18.15. The software is rolling out in phases, with one model able to skip the queue. The update brings a gesture-based feature to the wearable alongside several bug fixes, some addressing issues that could lead to crashes.

TORRAS asserts that its upcoming Apple Vision Pro accessory range is worth holding out for as the best way to keep one's $3,499 headset as mint and fully-functional for as long as possible. The OEM claims to have thought of everything in these terms, from relieving potential neck-strain to making sure the "spatial computing" is as clear as possible at all times. The line also contains an innovative way of keeping the Vision Pro going for longer.

Blue Spark has launched VitalTraq, a vital signs monitoring platform for remote healthcare. A disposable, wireless thermometer patch and a face scan enables physicians to detect abnormal vitals from anywhere in the world.

Fossil smartwatches have been around for quite a good amount of time. The company has stood as a key player in the Wear OS smartwatch range. But there has been little to no progress after the release of the Gen 6 lineup, which debuted over two years ago. Now, the company has chosen to call it quits.

Freeaim has updated their Freeaim VR shoes with improved features. VR users can more confidently walk about in SteamVR worlds by taking steps in real life. Improved stability turning, sidestepping, and taking tiny steps allow beginner gamers to take baby steps on their way to utilizing the full power of these wheeled VR shoes.

The Huawei Watch GT 4 is receiving new software with version 4.0.0.161. The update contains several new features and improvements across various functions, including privacy, security and alarms. It remains unclear whether the company has completed the rollout or if the software will arrive in phases.

Amazfit has released software version 9.55.3.2 for an older smartwatch, the T-Rex 2. The update contains new sports activities alongside various improvements for cyclists and rowers. The software can be downloaded via the Zepp app, though whether the rollout is complete remains to be seen.

According to new reports, Wear OS will return this year with a fifth major revision. Missing out on interim Wear OS 4 updates altogether, Wear OS is rumoured to be moving onto Android 14, with Samsung already preparing builds for the Galaxy Watch7 and its Exynos 5535 chipset.

In an interview with the head of Samsung's Mobile Digital Health division, a neck-and-neck race with Apple for supremacy in two important areas of health over the next few years is on the cards: Both the non-painful measurement of blood sugar and continuous blood pressure monitoring with individual risk analysis are said to be at the top of Samsung's to-do list. The newly teased Galaxy Ring is set to come onto the market in several variants.

Garmin has released another update on its Beta Program for various recent flagship smartwatches. Rolling out as Beta Version 16.13, the update should arrive automatically within the next 24-48 hours and can also be downloaded manually if needed.

The Amazfit Active smartwatch is now receiving an update via the Zepp app with new workout-related features. These include AI training plans for running races, real-time exercise analysis and additional post-workout data. Plus, you can now use a wrist gesture to bring up fitness metrics quickly.

Suunto touts its latest product as the ideal audio accessories to take along on one's next adventure holiday, mountain hike or training session. The Wing headphones have an open-ear design for environmental awareness, and even support Head Movement controls for completely hands-free use. They may also be able to help keep both themselves and their user safe with LED lighting and an IP67 rating.

Wear OS 3.5 is being rolled out in phases to the Mobvoi TicWatch E3 as part of a broader move to push all of the brand’s products to Wear OS 3 early in 2024. The update brings a refreshed UI and new Google apps, though some are also lost through the update. Plus, the latest software will allegedly boost the wearable’s battery life.

The import ban on the Apple Watch in the US has been reinstated. The move has been received positively by Masimo, the company claiming patent infringement on its SpO2 technology, which will be used in its upcoming Freedom wearables. Plus, the brand has announced an offer on the new smart watch and band, which are expected to arrive this year.

Garmin has released another update to one of its latest smartwatches. Distributed through its Beta Program, the new update is reported to contain the same associated bugs that it is designed to resolve.

Garmin has pushed a new update to a few of its latest smartwatches. Arriving as the second update in as many weeks, Beta 9.16 disables ECG functionality without warning or the ability to download a rollback file to return to stable builds.

The iHeal 6 is a new and suspiciously inexpensive smartwatch that can supposedly measure numerous vital parameters. The watch also comes in three colors.

ZeppOS 3.0 is being rolled out to the Amazfit GTR 4 smartwatch via update version 6.3.2.3. The new software brings a range of features, including a refreshed user interface, additional wellness tools and various improvements to enhance your workouts. However, some users have reported issues after installing the update.

Despite expectations, Apple has failed to sell out of its Vision Pro on launch day. This is despite estimates of day 1 availability being limited to between 60,000 and 80,000 units.

Another smart ring has just been introduced: The new iHeal Ring 2 Health Monitor covers the usual health features, is available in various designs and costs the equivalent of less than $100.

The new Rollme Hero M5 smartwatch offers an impressive range of features at a low price of less than $50. It supposedly comes with ECG and blood glucose monitoring, a skin temperature sensor and many other health features.

Some wireless earphones are marketed as capable of withstanding sweat and splashes, yet none are overtly backed as worthy of keeping on in the swimming pool. The Shokz OpenSwim Pro, on the other hand, are touted to launch with the same official ingress-protection as smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for potentially increased peace of mind when these open-ear buds are exposed to liquid.

With the Vision Pro going official on Apple’s website, a number of previously undisclosed details have now become public, including its weight. The headset has now been revealed to weigh about as much as a 12.9-inch iPad Pro.

Sony has added PC compatibility to its mocopi tracker system for 3D VR motion capture. Originally targeted to smartphone users, the new beta feature expands compatibility to laptops and desktops running SteamVR, SlimeVR, and VRChat.

A reliable leaker has unveiled the launch window for the OnePlus Watch 2. The same leaker has reiterated that the OnePlus Watch 2 will be the company's first running Wear OS, unlike the current OnePlus Watch.