Smartwatch

Following a recent software update, many users have reported severe issues with their Garmin smartwatches. In some cases, devices appear to have lost a significant portion of their functionality, effectively rendering them unusable as smartwatches.

The Garmin Fenix 8 AMOLED smartwatch’s automatic brightness adjustment feature has been causing issues. In a thread on the company’s forum, many users have complained about the minimum brightness level being too low, while others have suggested that the screen is still too bright for them in low lighting.

Garmin has just launched a new chronograph globally. To mark its arrival, the company has issued a new update for many of its recent smartwatches that adds support for the Xero C2 in the process.

Garmin has launched a new update for many of its upper mid-range smartwatches. Rolling out now, the update should arrive as an over-the-air (OTA) download within the next few days.

Garmin has released a new update for many of its older high-end smartwatches. Rolling out globally now, the new update introduces 20 changes and improvements that should improve compatible smartwatches in numerous areas.

A new beta update is rolling out to three of Garmin’s older mid-range smartwatches. While the change log lists two bug fixes, it appears that the company has also tackled a more recent issue linked to music apps like Spotify and YouTube Music. This release is now available for all users of the Venu 3, Venu 3s and vivoactive 5.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 smartwatch is currently discounted at a US retailer. The limited deal is available on the larger of the two sizes, and in one minimalist colorway. Features of the running smartwatch include an AMOLED display, built-in speakers and a microphone, and popular tools like Morning Report.

A new beta update has arrived for a range of Garmin's older premium smartwatches. This appears to be the last release in the 25.xx testing cycle, suggesting that all users of the Fenix 7 and related smartwatches could receive a version of this update in the near future.

A new Garmin smartwatch, the Approach J1, has been revealed ahead of its upcoming global release. This model is the first of its kind, aimed at a new market for the brand. It has some more unusual features, and also offers an AMOLED display, GPS and an up to 10-day battery life with typical use.

Garmin has relaunched one of its latest high-end smartwatches with a new version. Already available to order in two colours, the new model adds a ceramic coating that should make it more durable than Garmin's other smartwatches.

The Polar Vantage M3, Grit X2 Pro, Ignite 3 and two other smartwatches are receiving a major firmware update to Polar OS 5. The latest operating system offers new widgets as well as numerous convenience features and improvements.

The Honor Watch GS 5 promises excellent value for money with its aluminum casing, 1,500-nit AMOLED display and a battery life of up to 23 days. The most interesting feature of the watch, however, is its purported ability to assess the risk of certain cardiovascular problems.

The Huawei Watch Ultimate Design Royal Gold smartwatch is now available in Europe. Revealed in 2025, this is a premium wearable with casing made from liquid metal, a ceramic bezel and gold plating. It offers a wide range of features, including eSIM calling, Health Glance and support for diving with an underwater messaging system.

A new update is rolling out to the Huawei Watch Ultimate 2. Currently available for users in China, this HarmonyOS release brings a new feature to help users monitor their risk of heart disease. It also brings a new wheelchair activity tracking mode, and improvements for Skiing and Outdoor Cycling activities.

The Garmin software version 15.52 update is currently rolling out to three of the brand’s smartwatch models. This stable release is said to bring improvements and bug fixes, alongside other changes which appear to benefit Garmin. The update is rolling out in phases to users of the Venu 4, Venu X1 and vivoactive 6 smartwatches.

A legal dispute could turn into a serious problem for various notable wearable manufacturers, and a sales ban for certain smartwatches might be the consequence. The issue concerns a fairly common feature, namely fall detection.

Garmin has launched a new beta update for many of its recent flagship smartwatches. A beta update for now, the build is said to improve the navigation experience across smartwatches like the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Pro while also refining Portal watch face readability.

Software version 15.52 is currently rolling out to the Garmin Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. The release brings minor improvements to users of these wearables, as well as a range of bug fixes. In a recent forum post, the company confirms how many users have received the update so far.

The Honor Watch GS 5 is a new and lightweight smartwatch that is also fairly thin and is promoted with a wide range of health features. The watch is even supposed to warn of sudden cardiac arrest, which might even save lives, in theory.

Garmin has released a new stable update for some of its older smartwatches. The first of 2026, the new update should improve the scrolling and touchscreen experience in some cases while also addressing Garmin Coach Plans issues too.

Garmin has issued a new stable update for many of its latest high-end smartwatches. Rather than the culmination of recent beta development, Garmin has return to its older development branch with a fresh set of urgent bug fixes.

The Solar Lite 2 is a new and particularly affordable smartwatch that comes with an AMOLED display and boasts a long battery life of over two weeks. The smartwatch also has a relatively stylish design, making it a practical everyday accessory not just for athletes.

Garmin has launched a new update for several of its older high-end smartwatches. Arriving in the wake of new smartwatch releases, the update is said to resolve a frustrating Wi-Fi connectivity issue that has plagued recent builds.

Amazon has dropped the price of the Garmin Quatix 7 marine smartwatch to its lowest price ever after a substantial $260 discount. The watch includes all the typical health-tracking, contactless payment, and worldwide mapping features of its regular models coupled with marine-specific features, such as remote boat piloting.

Zepp Health could be about to release another premium smartwatch: the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2. The existence of this unreleased smartwatch appears to have been confirmed in a recent update for the brand’s app. It is expected to build on the original T-Rex Ultra smartwatch, which launched in 2023.

The Garmin Instinct 3, Instinct E, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches are receiving a new beta update. The version 13.14 release tackles an issue with a recently added activity type for these wearables. Plus, there is a second bug fix for some users, resolving a problem related to workouts.

Garmin has revealed a new high-end smartwatch. Already available to order, the new release combines satellite and cellular connectivity with a bright AMOLED display and several features not found on many of Garmin's other smartwatches.

Garmin has introduced a new update for its current batch of high-end smartwatches. A rather confusing update, Beta Version 21.16 follows a build from last week that has left Beta Program participants scratching their heads.

The Garmin beta version 16.14 update is now available for users of three of the brand’s smartwatches. While the release notes suggest that it brings several features and improvements to these wearables, users of the Venu X1, Venu 4 and vivoactive 6 actually only gain one upgrade with this free release.

Garmin has released a new update for the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 smartwatches. Beta version 16.14 brings several improvements to these wearables, including a new always-on-display related setting. Plus, there is a change for the Morning Report, which should make for a better experience for divers.

Garmin has delivered new firmware for older smartwatches, including the Fenix 7 and smaller Fenix 7S. The second v25.xx update released to date, Beta Version 25.08 introduces several new improvements to Garmin's older high-end smartwatches with several aimed at improving the maps app experience.

For those who can't decide between a smartwatch and a traditional watch, the Smartlet One wristband solves that dilemma. It essentially straps two watches to your wrist and is also compatible with the Apple Watch.

A new update is being pushed to some of the Garmin Fenix 8, Fenix E, Enduro 3 and Tactix 8 smartwatches. Beta version 21.15 brings a new option for navigation guidance, as well as a wide range of bug fixes. The company notes that this update is not available for certain users and is rolling out in phases.

A redesigned version of the Fitbit app appears to be on the way. Recent reports suggest that users could receive a new tab structure in a future update. Plus, code behind the latest release from the brand indicates that two new sleep-related metrics are also in development.

Three Amazfit products are set to receive their last round of new features and improvements in 2026. The end-of-life product list on a Zepp Health website names two smartwatches and one other wearable, which are currently on a two-year update cycle. However, there are some circumstances under which there could be future updates.

Zepp Health recently made a public statement about the (upcoming) functionality of two smartwatches. Both the Active 2 and the Bip 6 will receive a new feature that many users have been eagerly awaiting and that should already be available on the devices.

Garmin has started 2026 by refreshing one of its existing smartwatches. Arriving for $100 less than its original MSRP, the new model adopts a Soft Gold finish to distinguish itself from Garmin's original releases.

The Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch is receiving another update: software version 4.3.8.2. Like a similar update for the T-Rex 3 Pro, it includes two new running metrics, a voice memo tool and support for third-party sensors. Plus, there are said to be improvements linked to map views.

Smartwatch manufacturer Suunto is currently rolling out a very comprehensive software update for several wearables. This update not only includes various bug fixes but also improvements and new features.

A new update has arrived for the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro smartwatch. In its first update in 2026, the wearable gains two new running metrics, as well as a new voice memo tool. Plus, the release also includes a range of improvements and optimizations linked to other workout types.

A new beta update, version 13.12, is now available for users of the Garmin Instinct 3, Instinct E and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. This second release in the 13.xx testing cycle brings a new activity to all users. Plus, there is an improvement for the Floor Climb activity type, as well as a couple of bug fixes.

Motorola has unveiled the Moto Watch as its latest attempt at making a smartwatch. The product boasts an 1.43-inch OLED display and advanced health-tracking features thanks to Polar.

Since October 5, smartwatches such as the Garmin Fenix 8 and Garmin Venu X1 have been able to track users' nutrient intake and even analyze the effects of food on workouts and sleep. However, this doesn't always work flawlessly in practice, as hands-on tests reveal.

The Ulefone Armor Watch Pro is a new rugged smartwatch packed with features. In addition to a GNSS module and an optical sensor, it also offers call functionality and support for digital assistants.

Garmin smartwatches like the Fenix ​​8 can now track nutritional intake. In addition to total calories, macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) are also recorded, while "Active Intelligence" is designed to help users achieve their nutritional goals.

Amazfit is rolling out its BioCharge feature to users of another of its smartwatches in a recent software update. The version 3.8.0.1 release also brings new integrations and more accurate sleep scores to these users. However, some owners of the Bip 6 have flagged an issue with this update.

The Oppo Watch S is getting a global launch. Advertised with very high brightness, an ultra-slim stainless steel body, cross-OS dual-phone pairing and sensors intended to provide real-time data for health enthusiasts and ambitious athletes, it remains to be seen whether the smartwatch indeed lives up to the hype.

Coros and Polar are smartwatch manufacturers that also compete with Garmin and Amazfit, and were also quite active in 2025. In addition to new wearables, they also introduced a number of new software features.

Garmin is expected to further expand the functionality of Garmin Connect in the future. Specifically, this will likely enhance and simplify the tracking of one's diet, which will be particularly relevant for individuals who want to lose weight or ensure optimal nutrient intake.

A portable charger for your keychain is designed to simplify the use of Garmin smartwatches while traveling, as the watches can be fully charged via the charger's integrated battery. The 44-gram power bank is compatible with more than 60 different Garmin smartwatches.