Wearable

Suunto has launched the Race smartwatch, a wearable to monitor your race progress and training. Features of the gadgets include an AMOLED display with up to 1,000 nits brightness and a maximum battery life of 26 days with power-saving settings. Other tools include an AI coach, GPS tracking and offline maps.

Leica has announced the new ZM 11 mechanical watch, which carries the same iconic design DNA as its cameras, and has a dual-layered dial inspired by the play of light and shadow. The three variants feature a titanium or steel case and a Swiss-made mechanical movement with 60-hour power reserve. It will be available in November, starting at US$6,775.

A Sleep Pulse Ox widget is now available for some smartwatch owners in the Garmin Connect app. The tool lets you track several sleep metrics, such as Avg SpO2, Low (SpO2) and Avg HR. Plus, a mysterious Events section has been added, which could be used in the future to help users detect sleep apnea.

The Garmin public update version 14.68 is now available to all owners of various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Enduro 2 and Quatix 7 models. The latest software brings new features to the devices, including a Gaming App, Golf enhancements and weather forecasts for multiple locations.

The Apple Vision Pro has arguably failed to raise early-adopter enthusiasm as a high-end virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR) platform. However, Apple might still hold out hope for less indifference to its successor, which is said to come with a vanilla counterpart that might drum up more support (and purchases). It is now thought to do so by launching as more of a hybrid between an iPhone and a Meta Quest 3.

World Rugby is introducing smart mouthguards with in-game alerts to detect high acceleration events that could result in concussion. This will help pitch-side doctors assess the severity of individual impacts as well as monitor long-term effects in players. An initial €2 million is being invested towards adoption of the new technology, supplied by Prevent Biometrics, and debuting this month in the WXV elite women’s competition.

Garmin has released a trio of new MARQ 2 smartwatches. All sold under the MARQ Carbon Collection, the smartwatches feature a 'unique Fused Carbon Fiber build' with a higher price tag to match.

Qualcomm has revealed that it will cut over 1,200 jobs, or those of about 2.5% of its current employees, later in 2023. All of the affected staff members are located in the same region, although they will be obliged to leave their posts in two different facilities within it. Nevertheless, the OEM has announced its intention to keep investing in different business areas at around the same time.

Honor has introduced the Watch 4 Pro, a new smartwatch with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED display set within a stainless steel case. The Honor Watch 4 Pro also has an eSIM, GPS and NFC, as well as precise heart rate and SpO2 sensors, among other features.

Polar has finally replaced its Vantage V2 smartwatch series. In its place arrives the Vantage V3, which comes in Sky Blue, Night Black and Sunrise Apricot colour options. All available for US$599.95, the Polar Vantage V3 has a large AMOLED display, dual-frequency GPS and over a week of battery life, among other features.

Supersapiens has updated its iOS app to support glucose monitoring directly on the Apple Watch. The new 3.1.1 update can replace the watch face with readouts such as glucose level, trends, and sensor status from the Abbott Libre Sense Glucose Sport biosensor. The Libre Sense Glucose sport is recommended only for athletes and not for medical diagnosis or monitoring of diabetes.

The Garmin Venu Sq Music smartwatch is discounted at Amazon in the US, the UK and EU countries such as the Netherlands as part of the Prime Big Deal Days event. The wearable lets you track your health and fitness with other everyday tools, such as music playback and contactless payments.

Garmin has discounted its Forerunner 745 smartwatch in the US as part of the Amazon Prime Big Deal Days event. The wearable is also reduced in price at Amazon in EU countries, including the Netherlands and France. The Forerunner 745 has been designed for runners and triathletes with GPS tracking and various tools to help you improve your fitness.

OnePlus' inaugural Watch launched to limited critical acclaim on its launch. Nevertheless, a second generation is now projected to be on the way. It is believed to debut in 2024, and may be intended to accompany the OEM's next flagship smartphone, as it mirrors the 12's camera hump in terms of design language.

CASETiFY has partnered with Nothing to recreate the latter's signature Glyph lighting system on some of the former's latest cases. However, they are not for the Phone (2), or even the Phone (1), but for the newest top-end iPhone instead. The cases debut alongside the inaugural Nothing x CASETiFY Mini Pouch, which is for the brand's Ear (2) TWS earbuds in that instance.

The Garmin Beta 16.10 software is now available for the Venu 2, Venu 2S and Venu 2 Plus smartwatches. This is the first update from the 16.xx series, with the 15.xx round ending several weeks ago. The changelog for v16.10 is relatively small, with bug fixes and a Text Language update.

Garmin has pushed another beta update for the Fenix 7 series and its equivalents. The new update is rolling out as Beta Version 14.68 and is designed to resolve various outstanding bugs, including those that could cause system crashes and synchronisation issues.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is estimated to affect about one billion people worldwide, and is currently associated with the risk of developing severe cardiovascular and neurological disease. Samsung has announced that its Galaxy Watch series is now officially approved to detect symptoms of the disorder in users, thereby possibly increasing their chances of early diagnosis.

Huawei has opened orders for the Watch Ultimate Design, an 18K gold version of the Watch Ultimate. Previously known as the Watch Ultimate Gold Edition, the Watch Ultimate Design retails for nearly €3,000, making it one of the most expensive smartwatches around.

Amazfit has started selling the Active, a mid-range smartwatch with a 1.75-inch AMOLED display. Offered with up to 14 days of battery life, the Amazfit Active also supports GPS services and weighs less than 25 g before a strap is factored in.

The Garmin Venu Sq 2 smartwatch can now receive the Public Beta version 2.56 update. The software includes various improvements and bug fixes, alongside sensor hub and graphics updates. Version 2.56 is a Release Candidate, meaning an identical update will soon be available to all owners of the Venu Sq 2.

Noise has launched the Luna ring in India, though the wearable is currently out of stock. The lightweight gadget can measure your heart rate, SpO2 level and skin temperature and track your sleep and exercise. According to Noise, the device should typically run for around five days.

New details about the Pixel Watch 2 have emerged, following hands-on demos with Google's latest smartwatch. Surprisingly, the Pixel Watch 2 is compatible with existing Fitbit chargers, but not the original Pixel Watch charger. This year's Pixel Watch adds inertial scrolling too, a welcome improvement from the first model.

Google has re-released its flagship TWS earbuds in new colorways to mark its latest major product event. The Pixel Buds Pro will also soon upgrade to the Redmond giant's Clear Calling feature, and will also start optimizing latency in gaming soon. Then again, these new features are compatible with the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones.

Xiaomi has made the Smart Band 8 Active available to order globally, shortly after it released the Smart Band 8 outside China. Available for under US$20 in the US, the Smart Band 8 Active has a 1.47-inch display, up to 14 days of battery life and is available in multiple colour options.

Today, Made by Google boss Rick Osterloh will take the stage and give us all the official details of the Pixel 8, the Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2. The final Android 14 version should also be available for older Pixel generations starting today. If you want to join us and millions of other viewers, watch the livestream here.

One more to go! A few hours ahead of the official Pixel launch event today a leaker provides us with many new, official marketing images, but also some useful documents, such as the official spec sheets of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.Last but not least, we have the supposedly final US prices for all model variants including the Pixel Watch 2.

Samsung has introduced the Galaxy Buds FE, a cheaper alternative to the likes of the Galaxy Buds2 Pro. While Samsung's first Fan Edition earbuds start at under US$100, they retain ANC, Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity and 30 hours of battery life with their charging case factored in.

Polar is preparing to launch the Vantage V3, a smartwatch that it is teasing as an athlete's dream. Arriving later this month, the Polar Vantage V3 will be available in multiple colour options but only one case size.

The Poly Voyager Surround 85 UC are new Bluetooth headphones that the user can charge simply by placing them on their custom stand. It is powered by NuCurrent NuSync technology to power up via a "unique" near-field communication (NFC) system. The Surround 85 UC headset also supports adaptive ANC and is rated for up to 21 hours of use.

The Pixel Watch 2 is almost upon us, as are the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. While Google is set to launch all three tomorrow, a renowned leaker has revealed an entire Google Store listing for the Pixel Watch 2 that confirms several earlier rumours.

True wireless stereo (or TWS) earbuds are a prominent personal audio category by now. According to the latest market analysis, they still have a lot of growth left in them - as much as ~US$121 billion of it over the next four years, in fact. More affordable earbuds are thought to drive the segment to these heights.

The Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for the Ring One from Muse Wearables is now live. The Early Backer Special pledge allows you to buy the device for under US$200. Features of the wearable include blood pressure monitoring, a skin temperature sensor and contactless payments via NFC.

The launch of the Pixel Watch 2 is only a few days away. Nonetheless, a reliable leaker has revealed European pricing for all SKUs, as well as launch colour combinations.

Samsung now finally seems ready to launch the third-gen Galaxy Fit wearable, having gotten the device through testing by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ahead of this event. If the fitness tracker has something new to help it compete with rivals such as the Xiaomi Band 8, it is not immediately apparent from this leak, however. Then again, it may at least look up to date on its reveal.

Fitbit is preparing to launch the Charge 6, its next fitness tracker. In the meantime, two leakers have shared official images of the Fitbit Charge 6, plus specifications and US launch pricing.

The CMF Watch Pro has debuted as Nothing's first smartwatch. Arriving alongside other CMF-branded products, the Watch Pro has an AMOLED display set within a squircle housing, long battery life and various modern features.

Xiaomi has launched the Smart Band 8 in Europe, following its unveiling in China earlier this year. The gadget can track your health with exercise monitoring and heart rate and blood oxygen level sensors. Plus, a range of accessories allows you to wear the watch as a pendant or attach it to your trainer.

Xiaomi has now presented the Watch 2 Pro, its first smartwatch since the Mi Watch in 2019. The Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro has a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chipset, a 1.43-inch AMOLED display and optional LTE. Available from €269.99, the Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro is cheaper than its competitors, whether that be the Galaxy Watch6 and TicWatch Pro 5 or the forthcoming Pixel Watch 2.

Huawei has formally unveiled its latest FreeBuds Pro-series TWS earbuds as part of its major Autumn 2023 product event in China. The in-house Kirin A2 chip is touted to confer industry-first "super-CD-level lossless transmission" on the accessories. The Pro 3s are also rated to support LDAC as well as Huawei's own L2HC codec for around US$200.

Google is a little over a week away from delivering the Pixel Watch 2. In the meantime, UK pricing has leaked online, as has an official promotional video that compares various upgrades from the original Pixel Watch.

Muse Wearables will shortly launch an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign for its Ring One smart wearable. The ring can track health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature. Other features include sleep monitoring with insights in the accompanying app and contactless payments.

OnePlus has announced a new version of its flagship TWS earbuds for the European market. The 2Rs have most of the same specs as their premium counterparts, which include wide-band active noise cancellation (ANC), LHDC codec support and up to 39 hours of battery life. Then again, OnePlus might have factored the discounts that make the original Buds Pro 2 a better deal into their pricing.

Xiaomi has begun offering the Redmi Buds 5, a pair of earbuds that retails for CNY 199 (~US$27) in China. Available in three colours, the Xiaomi Redmi Buds 5 has ANC, 8 hours of battery life with the technology activated and Bluetooth Multipoint, among other features.

The Garmin Beta Version 14.67 has arrived for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro and Enduro. The update provides bug fixes for problems with Body Battery, the music player and translation. The software is available to download on wearables enrolled in the Garmin Beta Program.

Amazon has revealed the Echo Frames (3rd Gen) and Carrera Smart Glasses with Alexa, launching soon. Compared to older models, the devices have enhanced speakers and improved battery life, lasting up to 14 hours with moderate use. Plus, you can mute the microphones and connect to two devices simultaneously.

Black Shark - which started out as Xiaomi's gaming smartphone division - has heralded its "new gaming era" with the Green Ghost controller. It boasts ALPS joysticks for enhanced "durability" and "2,000-level accuracy". It has been joined by a new smartwatch, open-ear earbuds and a new MagCooler 3 Pro in the brand's updated web-store.

It should now be possible to more closely analyse your sleep quality when using a Garmin smartwatch and an iPhone or iPad. As of Garmin Connect v4.71, iOS and iPadOS will be able to access sleep stage data, not just sleep duration.