Wearable

Apparently, Fitbit is preparing to release a new smartwatch with an LTE modem and a front-facing camera. Codenamed Project Eleven, the smartwatch is expected to be aimed at children, which explains its colourful design.

Fairphone is preparing to release the Fairbuds XL, a pair of over-ear wireless headphones. Not only has the design of the Fairbuds XL leaked, but so has its European retail price.

Huawei has just made the latest generation of its Band official in both NFC- and non-NFC form. The fitness tracker is mainly touted as a lighter version of its predecessor with more band options that are more user-friendly this time. The fitness tracker has launched alongside the Enjoy 60X, a new smartphone that brings top-end Mate-series design and a massive battery to its mid-range segment.

It appears that Xiaomi is on the verge of launching the Smart Band 7 NFC in Europe. While the company has not commented on the fitness tracker's whereabouts yet, authorised Polish retailers are already selling the device, confirming a modest price increase from the regular Smart Band 7.

The Casio G-Shock G-SQUAD DW-H5600 smartwatch has been announced in Japan. Several models will be available, including a limited edition version. The wearable can measure heart rate, blood oxygen level and step count. Plus, the Polar algorithm can analyse your workouts and sleep health.

The Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC) of 2023 is already touted to go down in history as the event during which Apple's first-gen VR/AR headset is unleashed. However, the latest version of iOS is now also projected to vie for the spotlight by unlocking app sideloading on iPhones for the first time. The Conference is also now rumored to introduce iPadOS optimized for OLED and watchOS optimized for an underwhelming hardware upgrade.

The Garmin Beta version 15.11 for the Forerunner 255 Music and Forerunner 955 has been released. The software provides many bug fixes, such as resolving issues with cycling and golf activities and problems with alert sounds and vibrations. Plus, the update adds the ability to enter a decimal weight during a strength activity.

Xiaomi has now confirmed the imminent debut of its next-gen fitness tracker, the Xiaomi Band 8. The Band 8 will launch in China on April 18 as a direct successor to the Band 7, and will do so alongside the Xiaomi 13 Ultra and Xiaomi Pad 6 series.

According to conflicting reports, Mobvoi may upgrade all its Snapdragon Wear 4100-based smartwatches to Wear OS 3, TicWatch Pro 3 included. Previously, the company outlined that only the TicWatch E3 and TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra would receive a major OS update, albeit not until towards the end of 2023.

Garmin has unveiled the Instinct 2X Solar and Instinct 2X Tactical Edition. Arriving as larger versions of the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, the Instinct 2X series has integrated solar cells for practically limitless battery life, as well as a few unusual features.

While evidence has emerged that Xiaomi is on the road to releasing the Smart Band 8, the company is also preparing to introduce the Smart Band 7 NFC globally. The NFC model will be compatible with MasterCard and Visa services but will feature the same core functionality as the regular Smart Band 7.

Garmin Beta Version 12.11 for Fenix 6 and MARQ has been released alongside Beta Version 25.79 for Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The latest software includes a range of bug fixes, including resolving an issue which could cause the wearables to shut down. While v12.11 will automatically be delivered to eligible smartwatches, v25.79 must be loaded manually.

Google has released RWDA.230114.010 for the Pixel Watch. Available to download now, the April 2023 update arrives the same as equivalent updates for Pixel 4, Pixel 5, Pixel 6 and Pixel 7 series smartphones.

Google is continuing to carve up the Fitbit ecosystem, having already removed several features from the Fitbit app. Now, the company has set a timeline for Fitbit to Google account migration, with existing users spared until 2025.

New details about the Garmin Instinct 2X series have surfaced online, courtesy of a third-party retailer. While the Instinct 2X series will be smaller than expected, Garmin is set to raise prices by €50 relative to the Instinct 2 series.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses, which will soon be available via a pre-sale campaign in China. The gadget contains a speaker and microphone, allowing you to listen to music or take calls with the wearable. You can use touch gestures on the arms to control the device, which supports voice commands.

The electric car brand Tesla also now sells a wireless charger that purports to rationalize its ultra-premium price through its ability to do what Apple could not with the scrapped AirPower project. The "Cybertruck-inspired" accessory's ODM has achieved this via a fascinating arrangement of coils and more, as revealed during a new online teardown.

A Peloton Watch App for Samsung Galaxy Watch5 and Watch4 smartwatches is rolling out. The app lets you connect your wearable to Peloton equipment, viewing your heart rate on a bigger screen. You can also use the app to view data such as your Strive Score on your smartwatch.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.51 to the Forerunner 245, Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945. Available to download through Garmin's GCM service, Beta Version 12.51 addresses outstanding bugs, including one that caused sudden elevation changes during an activity for the Forerunner 745 and Forerunner 945.

Garmin is now rolling out Beta Version 25.78 to the Fenix 6 series and its associated smartwatches. Beta Version 25.78 brings a few changes to the Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix Delta, Quatix 6 and Marq, with Garmin focusing on addressing outstanding bugs.

A new update for the Garmin Fenix 7 and Epix smartwatches, Beta Version 13.10, is now available. The latest software brings a new Cycling Readiness page to the wearables and improvements to the activity stage menu. Several bugs that could cause the Garmin smartwatches to shut down have also been fixed.

Garmin is beginning to roll out a new beta software update for the Forerunner 955. Arriving as Beta version 15.09, the update introduces numerous bug fixes to the Forerunner 955 and adds support for sleep schedules and wrist-based running dynamics, among other changes.

Amazfit is currently promoting its program by which it sells some units of its wearables that have been "professionally" refurbished with even more attractive discounts. They consist of the rugged T-Rex Pro or 2 premium smartwatches at up to 20% off their already reduced "renewed" prices via the brand's Amazon Store for a limited time.

The Nord Buds 2 have now been unleashed to bring active noise cancellation (ANC) and the latest Bluetooth standard to its line of mid-range OnePlus audio accessories. They are also touted to get the user in the groove with software-based BassWave optimizations, "all-day" battery life and large drivers with "titanized" diaphragms. They have been released for sale in multiple markets, with availability in more to follow.

It appears that Mobvoi has set a rough date for when it will start updating some of its existing smartwatches to Wear OS 3. For some reason, the company has left out the original TicWatch Pro 3, despite its similarities with the TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra and TicWatch E3.

Official images of the Instinct 2X Tactical have leaked online. Sporting a rugged design, the smartwatch will support solar charging, a night mode and will feature a built-in torch, among other features.

Nothing touts its ear (stick) as an even better new pair of TWS earbuds than usual as a result of their latest software upgrade. The OTA is rated to confer improved battery life during voice calls and connection stability on the accessories, and may grant them more access to bass during audio streaming.

Garmin is rolling out Beta 15.09 for Forerunner 255 smartwatches, currently only available for the Music version of the wearable. The update brings a new wrist-based running dynamics feature to the device and an improved calorie burn calculation algorithm for swimmers. Bugs, such as incorrectly calculated distances in workouts, have also been fixed.

Sony has introduced a new pair of wireless earbuds. As expected, the WF-C700N has arrived ahead of the expected WF-1000XM5. Building on the WF-C500, the WF-C700N features active noise cancellation and is available in multiple colours.

Huawei has released the Watch Ultimate in Europe, roughly two weeks after launching the smartwatch in China. Equipped with an LPTO AMOLED display and a huge battery, the Huawei Watch Ultimate is also suitable for diving and should be a more hardy alternative to Huawei's other smartwatches. Its flagship two-way satellite messaging system is missing from the global model, though.

According to the latest predictions of respected industry figures, Apple's first-gen AR/VR product is not ready to be unveiled during 2023's WWDC event. Now, however, a well-known tech correspondent now purports to negate these rumors and asserts that the opposite is the case. This may be because Apple plans to make xrOS app development a reality during the "historic" show.

Press images for the forthcoming Garmin Instinct 2X Solar have emerged online. Not only will the Instinct 2X Solar offer nearly infinite battery life, but it will also come in a much larger case size than the existing Instinct 2.

European pricing has surfaced for the Sony WF-C700N, as well as various release dates across the region. A full specification sheet for Sony's next mid-range earbuds has leaked too.

A new leak has showcased details about the WF-C700N, Sony's replacement for the WF-C500. Launching later this in at least four colours, the WF-C700N will also feature ANC, Bluetooth Multipoint and DSEE integration, among other things.

Garmin has started rolling out Beta version 13.09 to Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. With a changelog stretching to over 30 items, Beta version 13.09 is a substantial update for eligible smartwatches. Garmin has made a few changes to its Beta Program distribution method too.

Garmin has issued two new Beta updates; version 25.77 for the Fenix 6 and MARQ and version 12.10 for Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. The new software 25.77 contains fixes for several bugs, including a problem with receiving texts, while 12.10 adds a new setting for the wearables.

AOHi's latest crowdfunding campaign combines wireless charging and a power bank into one product - however, it also purports to be much more than that. The OEM asserts that it makes for the ultimate grown-up toy, as the user gets to put it together themselves. This new method of "assembling your way to faster charging" is taking off on Kickstarter with nearly US$10,000 worth of backing already.

Sony is finalising WF-1000XM5 development, having already certified the upcoming earbuds with the FCC in the US. Now, the company has registered the WF-1000XM5 with the Bluetooth SIG in another step towards bringing the WF-1000XM4 replacements to market.

Fiido has introduced its latest e-bike as a 'city' model that comes in either step-through or step-over frame types. They are called the C21 Pro and C22 Pro respectively, and come with the same 250W rear hub motor and torque sensor. They are also both rated for top speeds of 32 kilometers per hour (km/h, or 19.9mph) and ranges of up to 80km, and come with early-bird offers such as US$200 off their RRP and a free smartwatch that unlocks its paired bike automatically.

Apple is now thought to issue a potentially important and popular refresh for the AirPods Pro 2 later in 2023. These versions of the TWS earbuds are believed to be the first to ship in a charging case with a USB type-C port instead of a Lightning connector. The rumored accessories may thus act as a prequel for type-C-enabled iPhones on the market this year.

Apple has reportedly held an event during which its inaugural mixed-reality headset had been revealed - however, it was apparently a private launch preview for about one hundred of the OEM's own top executives. Then again, this alleged exclusive sneak peek is billed as a potentially pivotal juncture in the Reality series' development, as it was held in the same venue as that of many of the Cupertino giant's public and ever-popular product launches.

Garmin has released Beta Version 25.76 for Fenix 6 and MARQ series smartwatches. The update brings several improvements and adds a new activity to eligible devices. Various bugs have been fixed, such as issues with low battery power mode and when connecting headphones.

Garmin Beta Version 12.09 is now available for Instinct 2 series and Instinct Crossover series smartwatches. The new software adds an activity and several improvements to the devices. Issues when sharing heart rate data and problems with the Morning Report feature have also been resolved.

The newest OnePlus Nord Launch Event teaser includes an interesting Easter egg: a teaser concerning second-gen Buds for this series' device ecosystem. They may or may not debut alongside the upcoming CE 3 Lite smartphone, yet have been revealed as having an updated take on their predecessor's design. The Nord Buds 2 are also thought to debut with noise cancellation and Bluetooth 5.3.

Xiaomi is now selling the Redmi Watch 3 outside China. The Redmi Watch 3 has a large display within a small chassis, as well as a GPS module and 5 ATM water resistance, among other features.

Huawei has presented the TalkBand B7, a successor to the 3-year-old TalkBand B6. The TalkBand B7 features a 1.53-inch AMOLED display, a built-in earpiece and a battery life that should last up to two days between charges.