Wearable

It appears that Bose is preparing to release a new pair of flagship ANC headphones. Dubbed the QuietComfort Ultra, the headphones feature design changes from the QuietComfort 45 and the Headphones 700, which are reached their second and fourth birthdays, respectively.

High-resolution renders of the Garmin Forerunner 965 have leaked online. The Forerunner 965 will retail for US$569.99, which will be significantly more expensive than its predecessor. Possible release dates for the Forerunner 965 have surfaced too.

Garmin has released a new stable software update for Enduro, Fenix 6, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches. Rolling out as System software 25.00, the update introduces several new features to the smartwatches, as well as various bug fixes and refinements.

Sony has finally brought the WH-CH520 to market after numerous leaks. The Sony WH-CH520 comes in three colours with up to 50 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity, among other features.

The WH-CH720N has arrived, Sony's lightest pair of over-ear headphones released to date. The headphones also feature the same Integrated Processor V1 that handles active noise cancellation, as well as up to 35 hours of battery life with ANC enabled or 50 hours with ANC disabled.

Garmin has started distributing a new stable update to many of its current smartwatches. Available on Fenix 7, Instinct 2, Tactix 7, Epix 2 series smartwatches, the update introduces several new features, including improvements for skiers and snowboarders and a jet lag monitoring app, among other changes.

Garmin has released another update for the Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2. Rolling out at Beta version 11.28, the update features several bug fixes to PulseOx, sensor hub and shutdown problems found in Beta version 11.25.

A retailer has listed the Garmin Forerunner 965 before the device's official introduction. Based on the leak, Garmin will offer the Forerunner 965 with a choice of three colours, an AMOLED display and up to 23 days of battery life, among other features.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has approved OnePlus' latest TWS earbuds for sale in markets such as the US. The group may also have dispelled any remaining mystery surrounding the accessories and what they can offer on their launch. These specs are likely to include an upgrade to noise cancellation and Bluetooth 5.3 when compared to their predecessors

Apple has been said to unleash its inaugural mixed-reality headset as early as March 2023. However, according to a famed tech correspondent, these plans have now fallen through, and the Cupertino giant will settle for debuting the first-gen hardware during its annual Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) in June instead. Then again, it is possible that this might be the better option.

Galaxy Watch-series devices are probably among the best-known Wear OS products out there. However, their maker Samsung may plan to upgrade their successors to a much more unique and unexpected feature: the ability to cast an extra display onto the user's hand thanks to their own tiny LED projectors. The concept could also lead to a future with sci-fi screen-free electronics and UIs.

A new update for the Garmin Forerunner 945 has arrived, Public Beta Version 11.85. The new software resolves several issues with the wearable, including a problem with bootup and a Wi-Fi syncing bug. The update is a release candidate, meaning it may soon be available to all Forerunner 945 gadgets.

The Pixel Buds Pro will soon receive head tracking support, courtesy of a new firmware update. In the meantime, Google has readied the Pixel Buds app for the new functionality, which will work in tandem with Spatial Audio.

Garmin has released more updates to Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches, having just rolled out a new build on its stable software channel. While Alpha versions 11.26 and 11.28 do not add any new features to the Fenix 7, they address numerous bugs that exist in the most recent stable software version.

Mobvoi has potentially enhanced its place in the health-tracking industry with its new online informatics platform. It is billed as a one-stop solution to help analyze one's health- and fitness-related progress over up to seven days via a desktop browser interface. The new Sports and Health Data Platform also offers downloadable reports and compatibility with other services such as Strava.

Huawei has released the Watch Buds outside China. Equipped with a large AMOLED display, the Watch Buds resembles a regular smartwatch. However, it also contains a pair of TWS earbuds that Huawei hopes will resolve the need to carry a smartwatch and earbuds separately.

Two forthcoming Xiaomi wearables have stopped by SIRIM in Malaysia, the TDRA in UAE and the NRRA in South Korea, before launching globally. Seemingly, Xiaomi plans to release the Watch S2 and the Smart Band 8, as well as the Watch S1 Pro. Only the Watch S1 Pro is expected to arrive at MWC 2023 later this month, though.

Meta is now slated to forge ahead with successors to the Quest Pro headset. The OEM is said to equip them with custom displays with microOLED from leading supplier LG Display. According to industry sources, SK Hynix may also contribute parts for these next-gen VR headset components.

A reliable leaker claims to have obtained information about the global launch of the Xiaomi Watch S1 Pro. Reportedly, the smartwatch will arrive with the Xiaomi 13, Xiaomi 13 Pro and Xiaomi 13 Lite, among other devices. The Watch S1 Pro will also be making its way to MWC 2023 in Barcelona, albeit for a significantly higher price tag than the Watch S1 or Watch S1 Active.

Mobvoi is making an effort to romance potential smartwatch buyers with up to 33% off selected wearables during its ongoing Valentine's Day sale. Then again, the best (premium) deal may be the 23% discount on the OEM's current TicWatch Pro 3 Ultra (GPS) flagship. The event also includes the more affordable TicWatch GTH Pro and E3.

Samsung has announced a partnership with Natural Cycles, which will bring a temperature-based cycle tracking feature to the Galaxy Watch5. The tool will be available via an upcoming update across North America, Europe and Asia. The feature uses the built-in infrared temperature sensors in the Samsung wearable.

The Sony WH-CH520 has leaked again, with a retailer showcasing product renders, specifications and pricing. While the WH-CH520 will be available for less than €100, the headphones will offer 50 hours of battery life, Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity and DSEE upscaling, among other features.

Sony is preparing to launch the WH-CH720N, a successor to last year's WH-CH710N. While the WH-CH720N retains its predecessor's 35 hours of battery life, Sony has made the newer model lighter with more padding to improve comfort. The Sony WH-CH720N offers Bluetooth 5.2 and Bluetooth Multipoint connectivity, among other features.

Another patent featuring an Apple Watch with a camera has surfaced; however, this recently granted patent reveals a surprising feature for this potential smartwatch. Instead of the camera being installed on the front of the device, this particular concept Apple Watch has a rear-facing camera.

Samsung has released its February 2023 round of updates for the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch5 series. While Samsung has only mentioned 'stability and reliability' improvements, it seems that One UI Watch's 'raise to wake' gesture is working again.

The Huawei Watch 3 and Watch 3 Pro are nearing their second anniversary, with no successors announced yet. Sightings of two unreleased smartwatches at a regulatory body suggest that Huawei could be in the final stages of Watch 4 and Watch 4 Pro development.

A pair of forthcoming headphones have leaked online. Not only have official images of both leaked, but so have a few specifications and alleged European pricing.

The Zepp E smartwatch is one of Amazfit's most unique smartwatches, as it comes with a choice of round or square faces. It is available at one of its best prices yet for the brand's Valentine's Day 2023 sale. There is also up to 30% off some of its 2022 flagship smartwatches, or 35% off the slightly older GTS 2e.

A non-invasive glucose monitor in the form of the Afon Blood Glucose Sensor has been given a target launch timeframe that will likely be encouraging news for the millions of diabetics who have to rely on painful finger-sticking methods. The Afon Blood Glucose Sensor can be used with a wearable device and offers continuous blood sugar level monitoring.

While Xiaomi looks geared to debut the Xiaomi 13 Lite, Xiaomi 13, and Xiaomi 13 Pro globally at MWC, the company's main flagship, the Xiaomi 13 Ultra will launch in a few months instead and could be joined by the Band 8, with the fitness band reportedly having now entered production.

Garmin has rolled out another beta update to the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S. Beta version 11.16 is another Release Candidate for the pair, with Garmin finding a CIQ watch face bug in Beta version 11.15 that prevented its stable release.

The Huawei Watch GT Cyber is now available in Mexico, signalling the start of a wider global launch. The unusual smartwatch, which has an interchangeable casing and strap, was launched in China last year. Features of the wearable include GPS, Bluetooth calling, voice assistant and a SpO2 sensor.

Majority touts its new Tru Bio product as a particularly sustainable example of wireless earbuds as they (their case included) are made with "eco-biodegradable" materials. They are also rated to deliver quality audio via large drivers (also compostable) and hardware that supports up-to-date Bluetooth connectivity (less so). The Tru Bio buds have an estimated 30 hours of battery life and charge back up with USB type-C.

NR-Light is a new type of 5G pitched at moderate-bandwidth applications that fall between those like SIM-enabled broadband devices and, for example, the things of IoT systems. Qualcomm has just introduced the first modem and RF system specifically for it. The Snapdragon X35 may thus be found in next-gen, upgraded counterparts to current 4G/LTE smartwatches, AR glasses and perhaps even laptops.

New patent documents have emerged for a Fitbit blood pressure wearable. The device would include a force sensor, potentially in the display, which the user would push with their index finger. It was confirmed several years ago that the company was working on this new technology, though a release date has yet to be indicated.

Philips has introduced the Fidelio L4 and Fidelio T2, over-headphones and earbuds, respectively. Both feature Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, as well as support for the Bluetooth LC3 codec, Bluetooth LE Audio and even Sony LDAC.

Know Labs, the company behind the development of Bio-RFID technology, has revealed its numerous strong partnerships as it targets FDA approval for its non-invasive glucose monitoring devices, the KnowU and UBand. The firm has acquired assistance in vital areas such as machine learning, product development, and FDA clearance process acceleration.

Garmin has commenced the rollout of Beta version 11.25 for Fenix 7, Enduro 2, Epix 2, Quatix 7 and Marq 2 series smartwatches. The fourth beta since the company released the last stable update, Beta version 11.25 makes a few changes ahead of a future Release Candidate build.

Although listed with different prices for each color choice, the Skullcandy Indy Evo TWS earbuds are now down by up to 57% on Amazon. This discount applies to the grey version, which carries a US$29.99 discounted price tag. However, the cheapest color choice is green mint, available for US$29.13.

OnePlus has released the Buds 2 Pro in the UK, US and the Eurozone. Available for free with OnePlus 11 pre-orders in some countries, the Buds 2 Pro costs US$179.99 in the US and offer 48 dB of ANC and 6 hours of battery life with the feature enabled.

The 11R has just been unveiled as the latest OnePlus smartphone exclusive to India. It has been revealed as a way to get at the latest Android flagship look (albeit not all of the specs) at about 70% of the cost of a new 11. It is now joined in its R series by equally market-specific version of the OEM's new flagship TWS earbuds.

Garmin has released Beta version 24.86 for Fenix 6, Enduro, Marq, Quatix 6 and Tactix Delta series smartwatches. Available to download now, the new build follows Beta version 24.85 and makes a few software improvements ahead of a forthcoming stable update.

The Garmin Connect app has revealed the company's plans to offer smartwatches with a new health monitoring sensor. It remains to be seen whether the new functionality will be enabled on existing smartwatches or if Garmin is preparing to restrict the functionality to new and unreleased models.

Garmin have not announced the Forerunner 265 or Forerunner 965 yet, but another retailer has listed the pair online. Both smartwatches will cost more than their predecessors. However, the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965 will contain several upgrades over the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955.

The Beta Version 11.15 update for the Garmin Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S smartwatches has arrived. Customers were disappointed to learn that the latest software removes the new Morning Report feature from the wearable. The update also resolved many issues, such as problems with Garmin Pay.

EarFun asserts that its latest TWS earbuds are the world's first audio products of their type with a "highly efficient" LE-Audio Bluetooth architecture. An up-to-date Qualcomm chip that confers aptX Adaptive and QuietSmart 2.0 Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation on the Air Pro 3s, which also support one of the latest audio codecs in order to aim for pronounced bass.

The Redmi Smart Band 2 has launched in Europe and is now available in the UK, the Netherlands, France, Spain and Italy. Plus, you can get 14% off the wearable in many of these countries. The thin gadget has a 1.47-in (~37 mm) display and can last for 14 days with typical use.