Wearable

Vuzix touts its new smart glasses as so well-designed they can be worn while working out or training. They are based on the OEM's Ultralite platform for a head-worn, hands-free connection to a smartphone or smartwatch. The new S-variants are also backed to eliminate some typical on-the-go augmented reality (AR) issues that might persist with other glasses.

Zappar has released the Zapbox mixed reality headset for Android and Apple smartphones. The cheaper Zapbox can playback Apple Vision spatial videos and includes Bluetooth controllers to interact with and build content.

In North America, Garmin has launched the Fenix 7 Pro – Solar Edition (No Wi-Fi) and the Fenix 7X Pro – Solar Edition (No Wi-Fi) smartwatches. The new models are almost identical to their Wi-Fi-capable counterparts, though they lack the ECG app and Wi-Fi connectivity. This removes various map and music-related features.

Cheap and well equipped: The North Edge Mars Pro is a new watch made of carbon and equipped with many sensors. A thermometer and compass are also installed, as well as a sensor for measuring air pressure.

The Haylou S8 is a new and affordable smartwatch with a display based on AMOLED technology. The display is rounded at the edges, giving a high-quality impression overall.

myFirst will soon be offering a new wearable, the R2, for a special target group. The round smartwatch also allows video telephony and has its own connection to the mobile network.

Huawei opened a new research facility in the Finnish capital at the end of October where, among other things, it is conducting research in the areas of sports and health for its wearables. We paid a visit.

Garmin has pushed a new update to the Instinct 2 series, including the Instinct Crossover, for smartwatches enrolled on its beta program. Beta Version 14.11 is available to download now and contains various bug fixes for all eligible models, including a few specific to certain smartwatches.

Amazfit has pushed a new stable update to the Balance, one of its latest smartwatches. The Amazfit Balance can now provide real-time performance alerts while running, among other changes.

Ocutrx has announced the OcuLenz AR/XR headset targeted to macular degeneration sufferers. The headset will actively remap live images of the world around the areas of vision loss allowing users to see a complete image of the world.

The Garmin Public Beta Version 17.21 update is now available for the Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 smartwatches. The software includes bug fixes for missing images and devices that crash when syncing. Plus, the change log lists new features that were also included in the previous update.

Fitbit has just released a new software update. According to the company, this update was heavily influenced by user feedback and introduces features requested by the community.

Following legal issues, the Iris Smart Ring is now called the VELIA Smart Ring. The company has also announced that it is a CES 2024 Award Honouree. The wearable, available to pre-order, can track health metrics such as heart rate and blood oxygen level, with more features in the pipeline.

Amazfit has started pushing a new update for the Falcon and T-Rex Ultra, which it is rolling out as firmware version 9.24.3.2. According to the company's changelog, the new update introduces navigation functionality when skiing and snowboarding, as well as improved workout and GPS tracking.

The Circular Ring Slim is a new smart ring that is now available. It is said to have numerous functions and is compatible with both Android and Apple smartphones. A vibration motor is built in.

Garmin has released the quatix 7 pro smartwatch designed for sailors and fishermen. Besides usual health tracking features, the quatix 7 pro adds unique features such as remote control over trolling motors when fishing to keep boats on the selected location.

The Xiaomi-linked mobile gaming brand Black Shark has released its latest accessories just in time for the 2023 Black Friday/Cyber Monday event. The T9s seem like standard budget AirPod clones in black or white; nevertheless, they do offer up-to-date Bluetooth technology. They have started with a discount: the same as the rest of the OEM's line for the holiday season.

A University of Washington led team has developed AI headphone technology allowing wearers to pick specific sounds to hear while blocking all others. This advanced noise-cancelling targets any sound from animals to machines creating a new kind of sound targeting called semantic hearing.

After recent Public Beta updates, new features were reported for the Garmin Fenix 7 and Forerunner 265 smartwatches that were not listed in the change logs. Three new items, Daily Summary, Stress Alerts, and Rest Alerts, have been added to the Health and Wellness menu. These tools are already available on other wearables like the Vivoactive 5 and Venu 3.

Garmin smartwatch users can now search for live events via the Ahotu calendar in Garmin Connect. The database covers a wide variety of races, from 5ks to marathons in 187 countries. Once you have selected a race, you can use the Garmin Race Widget to tailor your training accordingly.

Garmin has launched the Descent Mk3 and Mk3i dive computers and smartwatches in countries worldwide. There are five new products with varying display sizes, straps and features. Tools included with the wearables include a new Dive Readiness score, SubWave communication technology and a greater maximum operating depth of 200m (~656 ft).

The Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition is the third entry in Garmin's Descent G1 series. Available exclusively with solar charging, the Ocean Edition is said to be Garmin's 'most sustainable multiuse watch ever'.

Garmin Health, a division of smartwatch maker Garmin, has partnered with Labfront to offer an award worth US$1,750 to assist research into mental health. The goal of the hardware and software award is to accelerate data collection and analysis for improved mental health research and solutions.

A possibly leaked picture appears to show the Garmin Descent Mk3 series watch-style dive computer. Four models are shown, which could correspond to the rumored Descent Mk3, Descent Mk3i, Descent Mk3S and Descent Mk3Si. Expected features include an AMOLED display, built-in flashlight and SubWave sonar technology.

Vivo has presented the Watch 3, an affordable smartwatch available in several finishes. The Vivo Watch 3 is also a showcase for BlueOS, a new OS that supports third-party apps and helps the smartwatch achieve up to 16 days of battery life from a single charge.

Even though its successor came out a month ago, the Meta Quest 2 remains a good alternative for people who aren't interested in mixed reality. On Amazon US, it's currently off by US$50, making the 128 GB model US$249, while the 256 GB SKU will set users back US$299.

Nærwear has unvieled the STUND watch, its take on timekeeping without hands or even a display. While KonMarie fans will immediately get this design, the lack of any visible time display will challenge wearers to understand the passage of time as one of life's rhythms.

A new study proves the accuracy of the Apple Watch - even when it is worn in an unusual place. The study also shows that the watch can be used in rather unusual situations.

Amazfit has significantly expanded the range of features of the Cheetah series and added a function that is particularly relevant for runners. This is intended to allow users to optimally adjust their own speed or training plans.

Google has started rolling its November 2023 update to the Pixel Watch 2. Inexplicably, this month's update is restricted to the Pixel Watch 2 LTE for now, with other models eligible for the time being.

According to reports, OnePlus is developing another smartwatch, having released two smartwatches so far. Reputedly, the company's next model will be the OnePlus Watch 2, which will directly succeed the now two-year-old OnePlus Watch.

It appears that Samsung is preparing to launch a cheaper alternative to the Galaxy Watch6 series. Leaked press images of the Galaxy Fit3 have now surfaced online, in which the forthcoming fitness tracker can be seen from multiple sides.

Garmin has announced the Public Beta update version 8.25 for the Vivoactive 5 smartwatch. The change log for the latest software has many similarities to the first update, version 8.23, with new enhanced icons. As with the previous update, it will be pushed to eligible smartwatches automatically.

The Garmin Public Beta software version 8.25 is now available for the Venu 3 and Venu 3s smartwatches. The change log suggests that the update is broadly the same as its predecessor, v8.23, with an additional improvement to translations. Garmin notes that the software will be automatically pushed to eligible wearables.

Ossia asserts that it is ready to bring its Cota Real Wireless Power to any USB type-C device with its new Universal Adapter. Furthermore, the compact gadget is touted to charge a compatible device over the air, received from a Hub located within a 30-foot range. The OEM touts this latest product as the next step toward a world where electrical power works more like Wi-Fi than it does an Ethernet connection.

Beta Version 26.82 is now available to download for the Fenix 6 series, as well as across Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq smartwatches. The new beta update brings a few changes to eligible smartwatches, including the option of checking for new updates via Bluetooth.

Garmin has brought a new round of bug fixes to the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro. Also available for the Epix 2, Enduro 2, MARQ Gen 2 and Quatix 7, Beta Version 15.71 is available to download now from smartwatches enrolled on Garmin's Beta Program.

The Humane Ai Pin is billed as being able to replace your smartphone thanks to a Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset, a small projector and various sensors. While the device is now rumoured to cost significantly less than earlier rumours suggested, an expensive monthly subscription will be required to use the device in any meaningful sense.

The RayNeo Air 2 XR Glasses are now on sale in the US at Amazon, with a discount for early customers. The company suggests the wearable will soon roll out to more markets with the JoyDock gaming adapter. You can use the glasses to create a virtual 201-in (~511 cm) screen for video or gaming via Samsung display panels with a 1080p resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

Huawei has released HarmonyOS 4.0.0.122 (C00M02) for the Watch GT 4. Available globally, the update introduces two changes of note, including another sleep tracking refinement.

Wellnesys has launched a Kickstarter Crowdfunding campaign for its new YogiFi Smart Ring. You can use the device to track biometrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen level and skin temperature. Plus, an accompanying app provides insights into your health and wellness with guided meditation and breathing exercises.

CT scans have revealed the differences between the AirPods Pro 2 and fake alternatives. Not only does Apple include more complex hardware inside its earbuds, but counterfeit manufacturers even place small weights inside their charging cases to fool unaware buyers.

Vivo has revealed that its upcoming third-gen Watch will have a lot in common with the Pixel Watch 2 ahead of its launch. Those similarities are mostly appearance and hardware-based, although its software will not be WearOS-based. Instead, the OEM has developed a new in-house UI with a strong focus on AI.

McLEAR has launched two new colors for its RingPay 2 contactless payment wearable. You can now buy the ring in Silver and Stealth (Matte Black), with the same design as the black and white versions of the RingPay 2. Features of the smart ring include cashback rewards and app-based controls.

CLOMP has launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its muscle oxygen saturation tracking wearable. The device, worn on the leg, can help runners track muscle fatigue. You can use these insights to track performance with customized workout regimes provided in an accompanying app.

Anthro Energy's flexible energy storage systems will be used in next-generation electronic devices and are currently being sold to the first wearable manufacturers. The development team has identified promising applications for the fireproof batteries, particularly in electric vehicles and laptops. By integrating them into belts, straps and other "dead spaces", Anthro batteries are expected to extend the service life of devices by 2 to 5 times.

Huawei could soon launch the Eyewear 2 smart glasses in Singapore. A certification from the IMDA suggests that the wearable will soon go on sale in the country, though further information is lacking. You can use the smart glasses to make voice calls and listen to music, controlling them with touch controls or an app.

Vivo has confirmed the launch date of its next smartwatch, as well as its flagship X100 and X100 Pro smartphones. The company has also revealed what the Vivo Watch 3 looks like, which it will sell in two stylish finishes.

The Garmin Vivoactive 5 smartwatch has received its first Public Beta Update, version 8.23. The new software brings several features to the wearables relating to activity tracking and sleep insights. Garmin notes that the update should be installed on eligible smartwatches automatically.