Wearable

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.

OnePlus has confirmed that its second-gen smartwatch is indeed "coming soon", as a star of the OEM's MWC 2024 show. Its hype as a "New Flagship" product with potentially unprecedented battery life is now definitely underway; then again, the OEM has also announced that the Watch 2 will debut with a combination of discounts and free gifts valued at up to ~$190 in some regions.

Garmin is now selling a new entry in its Forerunner smartwatch series. Arriving in two variants and four colour options, the new smartwatches start at significantly less than the Forerunner 265 that Garmin has been selling since last year.

A European retailer has shared initial details about a forthcoming Garmin product release. Rumoured to be a long-awaited successor to the Forerunner 55, the unnamed smartwatch is anticipated to arrive in two variants as the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music.

A new update has arrived for current flagship Garmin smartwatches. Currently distributed through the company's Beta Program, the update is available for Pro and non-Pro smartwatches, unlike its predecessor.

Casio has announced the limited-edition, TRN-50 Casiotron watch celebrating its 50th anniversary of watchmaking. The TRN-50 is modeled on the Casiotron QW02 launched in November 1974, but expands upon the automatic and useful features of the original. A limited run of 4,000 pieces will be available.

In an interview, the CEO of Polar spoke at length about various topics. According to his statements, a smart ring from the manufacturer in one form or another seems anything but unlikely.

CheckMag Top fitness trackers offer an easy-to-use yet informative gateway to better health, seamlessly tracking workouts and guiding users towards healthier habits. Here's a look at the top four picks in 2024, each tailored to meet diverse needs and styles.

Apple asserts that its inaugural Vision Pro will be to "spatial computing" as the iPhone was to personal mobile device use. However, if the Cupertino giant was hoping for universal acceptance of its new headset, it seems it is not getting it, as the device is reportly being returned in noticeable numbers.

Garmin's current flagship Forerunner smartwatch has received a new update. Only released to units that have been enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program, the update contains various improvements, including a fix that affected optical heart rate performance in cold weather.

A new update is now available for a popular older Garmin smartwatch. While the update is exclusive to the Garmin Beta Program for now, it should soon arrive as a stable update with all changes rolled out during the company's 18.xx beta development cycle.

Garmin has pushed a new update to a popular current Forerunner smartwatch. Only the second available to the device this year, the update addresses several outstanding bugs before a future stable rollout.

Garmin should be on the verge of offering up a new stable update to one of its older Forerunner smartwatches. Rolling out first as a beta update, v18.20 addresses a few outstanding bugs and should have already reached 50% of smartwatches enrolled on the Garmin Beta Program.

The Polar Vantage V3 and Ignite 3 smartwatches are receiving new firmware with updates 1.3.5 and 2.2.1, respectively. The changelogs for the two software versions are identical, revealing few details about the improvements and bug fixes. However, some users have reported an enhanced experience post-update.

Honor has confirmed all details and launch pricing for its latest smartwatch. Sporting a 1.95-inch AMOLED display and a 300 mAh battery, the smartwatch can also access five satellite systems on-watch for route tracking, among other features.

A new beta update is available for various Garmin smartwatches. Version 15.02 includes a range of bug fixes for the wearable, tackling issues with the flashlight and a problem which could cause the gadget to crash. The software is now available to download via the Garmin Forum.

TCL has launched a new pair of AR glasses called the Nxtwear S Plus. They are successors to the Nxtwear S, and just like the predecessors, you need to connect these glasses to a compatible device. That is, they are not standalone devices like the Apple Vision Pro or Meta Quest headsets. But the new TCL glasses are more affordable, coming with a price tag of $399 or £399.

Bose has launched the Ultra Open Earbuds, its innovative pair of open earbuds. The company claims that both the Ultra Open Earbuds and QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds will receive Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity via a firmware update later this year.

After months of rumors and extensive leaks, a full hands-on video exposé captures Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Fit 3 in a retail store exhibit for visitors to try out. The fitness tracker comes with a wider 1.6” screen, easily replaceable straps, and two familiar colors: gray and white.

It appears that the Xiaomi Watch 2 will arrive for even less than a previous leak suggested. Despite featuring a large AMOLED display, a Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1 chipset and up to 65 hours of battery life, the Xiaomi Watch 2 has been seen several times for less than €200.

A new report has revealed the first official images for the Forerunner 165, Garmin's next Forerunner-branded smartwatch. The same leak has also revealed launch pricing for two models, which would see the Forerunner 165 undercutting the Forerunner 265 by €220 for its cheapest version.

Canon Japan has unveiled the MD-100-GY Privacy Talk mask to mute speech. Users can talk with others online using the built-in microphone and earphones while the mask prevents bystanders from being disturbed by silencing voices.

Redmi has confirmed that it will bring its new Buds 5 to the Indian market soon. The new earbuds are already listed at a 40% discount off their listed MSRP, and also pack decent active noise cancellation (ANC) and battery life to drive their hype. They also come in a range of three attractive colors.

Apple has released a new version of visionOS, its equivalent of iOS or iPadOS for the new Vision Pro. It fixes the ultra-premium headset's famous passcode bug, by which a unit might have even required a trip back to the Apple Store to be unlocked. Nevertheless, its new ability does not compromise its security.

A mesmerising dress made with programmable fabric display technology from Adobe’s Project Primrose has hit the ramp at the NYC Fashion Week. Created by fashion designer Christian Cowan, it uses electroactive materials to interactively animate or change the pattern, thus bringing the dress to life.

Xiaomi is preparing another crack at established Wear OS options, whether that be the Galaxy Watch6, Pixel Watch 2 or the TicWatch Pro 5. Based on leaked retailer listings, Xiaomi's next smartwatch will arrive for about €200 but with the same core specifications as the Watch 2 Pro.

Frame is a newly launched pair of AI-enabled smart AR glasses from Brilliant Labs, featuring a discreet camera and a micro-OLED colour display projected onto the lens. Using a voice assistant and multimodal AI models, it can do a real-time online search for whatever one is looking at, as well as answer queries and translate text or audio. Priced at $349, the Frame competes directly with the likes of Meta’s Ray Ban smart glasses and the Rabbit R1.

Garmin has released yet another update for its current-generation flagship smartwatches. Rolling out as Beta Version 16.16, the update introduces a dozen refinements to all eligible models, albeit not for 'Pro' SKUs.

Volta asserts that its upcoming 120W power brick is for "techies" and gamers as well as travelers. It combines a multi-socket "~200-country" form-factor with the gallium nitride (GaN) III tech necessary for a combined up-to-120W output via USB-C. The OEM also backs its new Travel Adapter to debut with a compact form-factor and the potential safety boost of an extra fuse.

Mehler Protection has unveiled the ExoM armored exoskeleton designed to reduce the load on law enforcement and military operators while providing up to VPAM 8 class protection. The ExoM will greatly help reduce the musculoskeletal damage and fatigue that occurs from carrying over twenty pounds of gear during duty shifts.