Wearable

Garmin has released a rare new update to one of its recent smartwatches. Replacing software that the company distributed late last year, Firmware Version 2.26 only introduces bug fixes and a few otherwise minor improvements.

Garmin Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 255 smartwatch users have spotted an unannounced feature improvement following a recent update. The change is related to how the Recovery Heart Rate metric is saved, with the data also viewable for each activity in Garmin Connect.

Garmin has brought a new round of updates for older high-end smartwatches. Rolling out on Garmin's Beta Program, Beta Version 26.91 adds new features and includes several bug fixes, among other changes.

The Garmin Team has been addressing concerns flagged by users of smartwatches like the Fenix 7 and Epix 2 surrounding the heart rate sensor settings in the beta 16.xx cycle updates. The OHR is enabled by default during an activity, which customers suggest causes battery drain and problems with data collected by an HRM.

Baseus has just released its first-ever open TWS earbuds for those who want to feel more like a "Free Spirit", particularly while working out or otherwise being active. The Bluetooth 5.3 accessories accommodate "Ultra-Large" drivers powered by a Deep Bass Boost Algorithm as well as potentially "Ultra-Long"-life batteries.

ESR has announced that the latest all-in-one wireless charging stand for mobile Apple devices also supports the next-gen Qi2. The gadget integrates a removable Apple Watch charger rated to work up to "5 hours faster" than the previous generation. It has now been released in two colors with special offers via certain channels.

Oura is now selling its third-generation Horizon and Heritage smart rings at Amazon in the US. Customers can choose from a variety of finishes and sizes, and an optional ring sizing kit is also on sale. These Oura Rings launched in 2023 as wearables to track over 20 biometrics with app-based insights.

Early signs of a Xiaomi Smart Band 8 successor have appeared online. Presumed to be launching in early spring as the Smart Band 9, the fitness tracker appears set to arrive in two variants, which a Chinese regulatory body has shown are being developed as M2346B1 and M2345B1.

A new wearable, the CIRCUL RING, will soon begin crowdfunding on Indiegogo. According to the company, the model has an unusual multi-part design, allowing it to “stretch” for a perfect fit on your finger. Other features include tracking health metrics like heart rate, SpO2 level, and blood pressure.

Anker has just unleashed a wide range of deals on its US website, with assorted coupons on the brand's fast-charging power banks, wall-warts and MagSafe accessories. There is also a "save $5 on every $100 spent" deal on top of that, although all offers are available for a very limited time.

MIT Self Assembly Lab has prototyped the 4D Knit Dress that achieves perfect fit through heat treatment. Heat shrink fibers are computer woven into a dress, then selectively shrunk and shaped by a robotic arm-mounted heat gun to achieve the perfect fit.

The Casio PRO TREK PRG-340SC outdoor watches are now available to pre-order in the US. The models feature a multifunctional sensor that combines a compass, barometer, altimeter, and thermometer. Other features include solar charging, a Super Illuminator LED backlight, and a dual-layer LCD.

The Garmin Instinct 2 series smartwatches can now receive a new beta update, version 15.03. The latest software provides a relatively minor update to the wearables, with the changelog listing two improvements. The new software is currently only available via side load, though an OTA version of the update may come at a later date.

Suunto has just augmented their line of open-ear headphone sets with the Sonic variant. Its Qualcomm internals confer some of the best advantages of the Bluetooth 5.2 wireless audio experience, aptX Adaptive, dual-device connection and cVc wind-noise exclusion for calls included. They also benefit from "premium" materials, "Enhanced Bass" and some waterproofing for under $150.

The Rollme R2 smart ring is now available globally. The wearable is said to have health-tracking sensors that monitor metrics like heart rate, SpO2 level, and sleep. Other alleged features include up to 10 days of battery life with typical use and remote operation of your smartphone camera.

Garmin has released a new update to various current flagship smartwatches. Still only a beta build, Beta Version 16.20 introduces several bug fixes, including one that could cause shutdowns when using heart rate in Connect IQ.

The FDA has cleared the Dexcom Stelo as a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for use without a prescription in the US. The solution, expected to launch later this year, can be used to track your blood sugar levels in an accompanying app. However, the FDA makes it clear that this product is not suitable for everyone.

Samsung Galaxy Watch6 users in the Republic of Korea are receiving an update. The latest firmware is available for four smartwatch variants, bringing a health-related tool to the wearables. However, customers have expressed surprise at Samsung’s decision to develop this feature over others.

Garmin is now rolling out a new stable update for one of its many Forerunner smartwatches. Available across all eligible devices, Software Version 18.22 introduces almost two dozen changes focusing on resolving outstanding bugs.

CheckMag Deal There isn’t much to differentiate between the Galaxy Watch Pro 5 and 6 Classic. If you can live without the latest and greatest, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is on sale right now with an unbelievable discount.

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.