Wearable

HarmonyOS 4 will shortly be rolled out to a select number of Huawei Watch 3 series smartwatch users in a closed beta program in China. The latest software is said to include new lock screen animations, and 3D gaming watch faces, among other features. The company has suggested a wider rollout of HarmonyOS 4 this year.

The latest Garmin heart rate monitor, the HRM-Fit, has been leaked via online retailers ahead of its expected CES 2024 launch. The new model has been designed for a more comfortable fit for sports bra wearers, clipping directly onto the clothing rather than sitting alongside it. As well as heart rate tracking, you can use the wearable to monitor other workout metrics.

France-based SilMach has launched TheTimeChanger – the world’s first watch utilizing a revolutionary MEMS movement. This silicon motor offers horologists lower power usage, anti-magnetic operation, and thinner profiles than currently possible with Lavet motors.

The iRhythm Technologies Zio ECG has gained EU medical device certification to monitor for abnormal heart beats. This wearable monitor can be worn up to 14 days continuously. AI heart data analysis is as accurate as a doctor in diagnosing cardiac arrhythmias.

Garmin has shared the first picture of one of its forthcoming smartwatches. While a release date remains a mystery for the time being, pricing for the unreleased wearable has already surfaced, as have full SKU options.

Kospet has launched the iHeal 5A smartwatch, which is now shipping to countries worldwide. The company claims the wearable has many health-tracking features, including sensors to track your blood glucose level, skin temperature, and blood pressure and take ECGs. However, the accuracy of these tools is uncertain.

A MIT research group has demonstrated the ability to mind-control a 4-legged Boston Robotics Spot. Participants wore a pair of AttentivU smart glasses with built-in electrodes that can mind-read. They were able to tell the robotic dog to fetch items and move about by thoughts alone.

The new iHeal ring from Kospetfit not only measures heart rate and blood oxygen levels, but also blood pressure, according to the manufacturer. It also promises a battery life of up to 100 days.

The iHeal 4 is a new and reasonably priced smartwatch with a large screen and extensive sensor technology. A rotating crown is also on board.

Yesterday was Xiaomi EV day, but fans of Xiaomi smartphones and wearables will also get their money's worth even sooner than the first SU7 and SU7 Max electric cars. The Xiaomi 14, Xiaomi 14 Pro and the Xiaomi Watch S3 are now available in the two pretty new colors of the Xiaomi electric fleet - at least in China.

The recently imposed ban on sale/import of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 has been temporarily lifted by a US Court of Appeals order. While online sale has resumed today, all Apple Stores will have them in stock by December 30. Meanwhile, the ITC will have a chance to argue for reinstating the ban, which follows a lawsuit over the pulse oximetry technology used in the watch.

Xiaomi unveiled its Redmi Watch 4 Xiaomi around a month ago and it is expected to be launched globally very soon. The smartwatch features a large AMOLED, an optical sensor system and a GNSS module.

iQOO has launched its first ever Watch today (December 27, 2023). The new wearable boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display powered by a custom OS for its health- and sleep-tracking features, and has the option of independent eSIM connectivity. The Watch is joined in its debut by new TWS earbuds of impressively long battery life for an attractive price.

There is currently no legal way to purchase Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 (models with pulse oximeters) in the U.S. Apple immediately appealed the ITC's decision.

The Fossibot W101 is a new smartwatch that aims to impress with its affordable price and solid features. A screen based on AMOLED technology is installed, and the manufacturer is quite generous in regard to the sensors.

The MIT Technology Review has compiled a list of the biggest technological failures of 2023. These include the Titan deep-sea submersible, General Motors' wayward cruise robotaxis, and Humane Ai Pin, among others.

Reports from sources close to Fossil or who have contracted its employees point out that the brand will no longer release Wear OS watches. This means there won’t be Gen 7 smartwatches. It’s also unclear if the Gen 6 wearables will receive the Wear OS 4 update.

The Garmin Venu 2s is now on sale at the lowest price ever at Amazon after a 50% discount off MSRP. The 2” OLED smartwatch lets you track your health and location, listen to downloadable music, and pay for food while out and about.

Noble Audio has launched the Falcon Max earbuds using solid-state drivers from xMEMS. The micro-electromechanical systems drivers are built using silicon on a microscopic scale rather than a conventional driver and cone. The result is superior audio reproduction with less distortion.

NOWATCH has launched their signature health tracker to support well-being and balance. The wearable has the unique option of swappable faces, so users can replace the analog dial with a display-less metal or gemstone face. This completely removes the digital distraction and stress of modern digital smartwatch displays and the pressures of time.

Neurotechnology firm Neurable has partnered with Master & Dynamic to create the MW75 Neuro, a noise-cancelling headphone with a built-in brain-computer interface, which will allow it to measure the wearer’s brain activity and thus help monitor focus or mental fatigue through the day. The headphone is based on Master & Dynamic’s flagship MW75 featuring 40 mm beryllium drivers and adaptive ANC.

Garmin has issued v15.77 for Fenix 7, Epix 2, Enduro 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series, the third stable update released for the smartwatches in December. Skipping Garmin's Public Beta program entirely, the new update brings bug fixes to all models, including Garmin's new titanium Marq 2 variant.

The Masimo Stork Baby Monitoring System has gained FDA clearance. The system consists of a wearable Stork Boot that continuously transmits baby vitals and alarms to parents and doctors.

The iHeal 5R is a new, robust smartwatch that offers support for blood glucose monitoring and ECGs. The watch can also be used to make phone calls.

Garmin has released a new stable update for the Instinct 2 series, including the Instinct Crossover. Rolling out as v14.12, the update marks the end of Garmin's beta program for this period and contains over a dozen changes for all eligible smartwatches.

According to some reports, Apple has sped up the production of the Vision Pro in China. If the manufacturing keeps up the pace and doesn’t run into production issues, the mixed reality headset will likely be launched in February 2024.

Garmin has released a new software update for many of its older smartwatches. Rolling out as Beta Version 26.85, the update introduces new bug fixes to the Fenix 6 and Fenix 6 Pro models, as well as Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq smartwatches.

Garmin is now offering the MARQ Athlete Gen 2 Performance Edition, a 46 mm smartwatch with an AMOLED display and long battery life. The new smartwatch also has a titanium grade 5 housing and a sapphire crystal display, among other features.

The Amazfit update 3.16.4.3 is currently rolling out to Balance smartwatches. The new software includes several new features for cycling accessories, winter sports, races and the Readiness score. Plus, there are various optimizations for tools like breathing exercises and Body Composition.

The Kospetfit iHeal 5 is another new smartwatch currently on sale. According to the manufacturer, it is equipped with ECG, blood sugar and blood pressure measurement as well as many other functions relating to health, sport and the like, but only costs the equivalent of less than $50.

One of Garmin’s latest smartwatches is now available in the US, Australia and some EU countries. Plus, customers in other areas can place a pre-order with deliveries expected in a matter of weeks. The powerful smartwatch has a large 1.4-in (~36 mm) AMOLED display, a durable titanium bracelet and a wide range of features.

The Komoot Garmin app for various smartwatches and bike computers can now display the brand’s maps. Until the latest software, users had to use their phones to access Komoot apps or layer Komoot navigation onto Garmin’s maps. However, early users have flagged several issues with the new tool, which will have limited access in the future.

Apple engineers are now reportedly working on an algorithm to change the way the oxygen blood sensor works. This comes after the impending ban on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 due to a patent dispute.

Mobvoi's new seasonal online giveaway offers the chance to win one of the brand's flagship TicWatch wearables and more besides. The "Cyber Xmas" event has started in conjunction with a new holiday sale that offers up to 70% off selected smartwatches on multiple platforms.

It looks like the next couple of years are going to be big for the Apple AirPods lineup with the possible introduction of two new AirPods models, the refreshed AirPods Max, and the AirPods Pro (3rd generation). Mark Gurman, the source behind the information, has also alleged that Cupertino is developing hearing aid functionality for the new AirPods.

The M1 is a smart ring currently on offer at a particularly affordable price. The model is designed to offer continuous monitoring of various vital parameters and activities.

CheckMag More than 200 million people wear smartwatches globally. In addition to simply showing you the time, smartwatches will let you check your fitness, monitor your health, help you find your way and track a range of indoor and outdoor activities. Everyone can benefit from one, so here are 5 smartwatches for all price ranges to give as Christmas presents this year.

iQOO has confirmed that it will launch the Neo9 and 9 Pro later in December 2023 - however, according to the latest leaks, the premium mid-range Android smartphones will bring an entire ecosystem of products along with them. They are said to include the brand's first round AMOLED display smartwatch, as well as some new wireless earphones.

German Bionic has launched the Apogee+ exoskeleton with robotic motors. This powered wearable helps nurses and other healthcare workers lift and move heavy patients with greater ease, less strain, and improved stamina.

The third generation of Amazon Echo Frames has been launched in the USA, but reviews from individual media sites have been restrained. The appearance of the Echo Frames is good, but the functionality is inadequate.

Meta is launching a prerelease version of Ray-Ban smart glasses with AI capabilities for select users in the USA. Using the glasses' camera system, Meta's AI can evaluate what you see and hear and give commentary.

Lenovo has introduced the Wireless VoIP Headset, a new Bluetooth headset that supports Multipoint connectivity. Shipping in early Q2 2024, the Lenovo Wireless VoIP Headset is Microsoft Teams certified and offers up to 30 hours of battery life, among other features.

Polar has brought another software update to the Vantage V3, the company's latest smartwatch. Rolling out as v1.2.5, the second update for the Vantage V3 should resolve several outstanding bugs that were present until now.

Rogbid has presented its first smart ring. For the launch, the compact wearable can be ordered at a whopping 50% discount. It offers 24/7 health features, touch control and a week of battery life, among other things.

Huawei has published a new update for the Watch GT 4 globally. Rolling out in Europe now, HarmonyOS 4.0.0.140 (C00M03) is rather light on changes. However, its main change should make it easier to identify apps within the app grid.

Various Garmin smartwatches are now eligible for another stable update, the second this month after v15.74. In its place arrives v15.76, which is also open to Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Enduro 2, MARQ Gen 2, Quatix 7 and Tactix 7 smartwatches enrolled on Garmin's Public Beta program.

Xiaomi is now offering a new AMOLED smartwatch in the USA and Europe, the Black Shark S1 Pro. The model reportedly offers AI support and can be used to make calls. The price is very reasonable, but Xiaomi is also facing stiff competition from many other wearables.