Wearable

Garmin has started rolling out Beta Version 13.15 for several smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.15 introduces over a dozen changes, including a new feature and numerous bug fixes.

The Dexcom Connect IQ app for Garmin devices is rolling out to provide “expanded region availability”. The app allows you to track your blood sugar levels on a Garmin smartwatch or bike computer alongside other training insights. However, you must purchase a Dexcom CGM system and have your smartphone nearby to view the transmitted data.

According to a renowned leaker, Samsung has settled on bringing back the design of the Galaxy Watch4 Classic for the Galaxy Watch6 Pro. However, Samsung is expected to introduce a few design modernisations, including thinner display bezels.

According to reports, Garmin will soon launch a new flagship smartwatch under the Epix Gen 2 series. Reputedly available in three sizes and several versions, the Epix 2 Pro will also have an optional sapphire crystal display to minimise scratches.

Apple allegedly aspires to release devices with an upgrade to custom microLED displays as early as 2024. However, according to the latest industry reports, real life has gotten in the way of these plans, causing the Cupertino giant to enlist the help of Samsung and LG to take the next step onward from OLED in the near future. The putative upgrade is still projected to start with a next-gen Watch Ultra, however.

The Public Beta Versions 15.12 software for the Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch is now available. The update provides new features to the wearable, including Daily Suggested Workouts for cycling, Wrist-Based Running Dynamics and an Acute Chronic Workload Ratio measurement.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.14 for various smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 series. Beta Version 13.14 makes over half a dozen changes from Beta Version 13.13, such as Race Access now being visible within the Calendar widget.

Garmin has released Beta Version 12.15 for the Instinct 2 series. According to the company, the new update is designed to address several issues that arose in versions 12.13 and 12.14. The issues were so bad that Garmin pulled both updates.

Samsung has activated the temperature sensor it includes in the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, months after releasing the pair. The infrared sensor should be capable of collecting precise data, but only in certain circumstances. The new feature arrives through the pair's latest software update.

The allegedly upcoming new "Plus" version of the Beats Studio Buds have reportedly made it onto Amazon ahead of their scheduled release date by accident. The sales page may have revealed their specs and price as well as their latest, Nothing phone-like, colorway, prior to being yanked from the site.

Huawei is now rolling out a new update for the Watch GT 3 Pro in Europe. Available as firmware version 3.0.0.76, the update addresses an issue that caused problems with the smartwatch's ability to measure SpO2 levels.

Amazfit has just announced a Limited Edition of its GTR 4 - which, surprisingly, drops some of the flagship smartwatch's latest hardware features. Nevertheless, it is touted as the "elite" version of the wearable, having a back reinforced with ceramic and a 316 stainless steel case. Furthermore, it is the first of its line to debut with wireless charging.

Google has released a new Public Preview update for the Google Home app. The update allows smartwatches running Wear OS 3 to display notifications with preview images from Nest cameras and video doorbells, among other changes.

Apple is tipped to try and make the world accept its Reality (headset) during WWDC 2023. The first-gen VR/AR platform is now backed to come with its own version of Safari, FaceTime, Fitness, Siri and more on its allegedly impending launch. However, it seems the Cupertino giant has gone and developed something for it that might end up being a major sticking point to its adoption.

According to reports, Samsung is finally set to replace the Exynos W920 with this year's Galaxy Watch series, which it offers in all its One UI Watch-based smartwatches. The new Exynos W980 is rumoured to feature performance upgrades, while the top Galaxy Watch6 model is set to receive narrow display bezels too.

Garmin Public Beta Version 15.12 is now available for Forerunner 255 and 955 smartwatches. The update brings a new data field for the watch face and improved graphs. Several issues have been resolved, including a bug preventing users from viewing an intensity minutes value.

Public Beta Version 4.12 for the Garmin Forerunner 265 smartwatch is rolling out. The new software adds tools such as pre-event workout suggestions and glance shortcuts. Plus, a host of bug fixes resolve problems like inaccurate time or distance data, and mis-triggered alert tones.

Garmin has released the first beta update for the Forerunner 965, just over a month after its launch. Beta Version 4.12 introduces numerous changes and improvements to the Forerunner 965, including compatibility with Connect IQ System 6 watch faces. The inaugural beta build is also a Release Candidate and should soon be rolling out to all Forerunner 965 smartwatches.

Garmin has introduced Beta Version 25.81 for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches. Available as an OTA update via GCM, Beta Version 25.81 contains a few bug fixes ahead of a new public release.

Garmin has released Beta Version 13.13 for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. While the new beta update is light on new features, it contains plenty of bug fixes and several improvements within its 33 changes.

Xiaomi has introduced the Smart Band 8, its next-generation fitness tracker. While the Smart Band 8 looks a lot like its predecessor, Xiaomi has improved the fitness tracker's versatility with more watch bands to choose from, as well as a pendant and a clip for attaching it to a running shoe.

The Garmin Beta update v12.13 for the Instinct 2 and Instinct Crossover smartwatches has been released. The latest software includes several bug fixes, resolving potential crash issues and problems with the saved locations list. As with other updates, eligible smartwatches will receive the software automatically.

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.