Wearable

VOLTA has jumped into the multi-pad, multi-use wireless charging accessory space with the Anchor, a 3-in-1 "station"-style product that could also act as a display stand or holder for pretty much all of a user's mobile Apple or Android ecosystem at the same time. It supports up to 15W of wireless power, which is still compatible with the new iPhone 14 series.

It's September 17, 2022, which means that the mobile consumer tech company OPPO has been around for 18 years to the day today. Carl Pei's former employer has marked this occasion with a debut for its new international Community website, which is also to act as a hub for initiatives such as its global Product Ambassadors Program.

Realme is now selling the Watch 3 in Europe, a budget smartwatch with a 1.8-inch display. Available in its grey colourway, the Realme Watch 3 offers 24/7 heart rate and blood oxygen level monitoring, along with over 100 watch faces and exercise modes.

The Vwar GT4 smartwatch is now available globally via AliExpress with a larger 1.91-in (~48 mm) screen. It can be connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to receive calls on the wearable. Health-related features on the device are listed as blood pressure, heart rate and SpO2 monitors.

The COLMI P8 GT smartwatch is now available via AliExpress. The device is listed as having SpO2 and heart rate monitors, as well as sleep health tracking and Bluetooth calling functionality. The wearable has a 1.69-in touchscreen and weighs 51 g (~1.8 oz), including the silicone strap.

1MORE touts its latest audio product as a world first, thanks to its combination of active noise cancellation and "LDAC Hi-Res Audio" in a wireless over-ear build. The SonoFlow headphones are rated for up to 70 hours of battery life (with their QuietMax noise-isolating mode turned off) and have debuted with early-bird and discount offers via platforms such as Amazon.

The OneOdio Monitor 60s have been announced at a price of well under US$100; nevertheless, the OEM asserts that they are ideal for work such as DJing and even recording songs. They have a "professional monitor" build with faux-leather "memory" ear-cushions for noise isolation and comfort, and is compatible with the 1/4-inch and 3.5mm interfaces.

The Garmin Forerunner 735XT is currently discounted as part of the company’s birthday sale. The running smartwatch is available in the US with a US$200 discount, selling for US$139.99. Features of the device include a wrist-based heart rate monitor and support for Strava Live Segments.

The Mibro T1 smartwatch has been unveiled and will launch on September 26. The device has a 1.6-in (~41 mm) display and Bluetooth calling functionality, as well as reported heart rate and SpO2 monitors. According to Mibro, the wearable can last up to 45 days in standby mode or seven days with typical use.

Huawei has started distributing two updates for the Band 7, one of its latest fitness trackers. Rolling out as HarmonyOS 2.0.0.26 and HarmonyOS 2.0.0.32, the pair bring new features and improvements for the Band 7.

The Gainbang K55 is a new outdoor smartwatch available globally via AliExpress. The wearable has Bluetooth calling and exercise logging tools, with over 20 sports modes available. Reported health features of the device include blood pressure, blood oxygen and heart rate monitors.

Apple has made some pretty powerful claims for the battery life of its new Watch Ultra, as indeed it has for the Series 8. Now, actual independent measurements for these wearables have emerged. They show that the Ultra may indeed have a significantly larger battery compared to its more traditional counterpart, although whether that really translates to longer screen-on times remains to be seen.

Amazfit has announced that it now supports trade-ins via the web-store it operates for US consumers. The new program may thus offer a way to sort out what to do with their old smartwatch (not necessarily from the same brand) while getting the GTR 4 or GTS 4 of their dreams at the same time. Then again, the initiative comes with caveats, not the least of which is the time-limit on its availability.

Huawei has finally started enabling ECG functionality on the Watch GT 3 Pro in Europe and in other markets, a smartwatch that it released in May. The Huawei ECG App has also arrived for the Huawei Watch D in Europe, as has the device's much-anticipated on-wrist blood pressure monitoring.

Bose has broken its lengthy silence on the subject of new TWS accessories with the reveal of the second-gen QuietComfort Buds. They are rated for class-leading ANC with an Aware Mode, delivered via 4 mics in an earphone design refreshed to support prolonged wear in comfort. However, their high-end new specs come with a high-end new price.

While the Apple Watch Series 8 comes with an Always-On Retina display, temperature sensing, and innovative features such as fall detection, emergency SOS, and crash detection. The Watch SE is 20 percent faster than the first generation and its list of features includes sleep tracking, new ways to train with the enhanced Workout app, and more.

Realme has unveiled the Watch 3 Pro in India, where it starts at INR 4,499 (~US$56) during its pre-sale period. Eventually rising to INR 4,999 (~US$63), the Watch 3 Pro features a 1.78-inch AMOLED display, over 110 sports modes and a SpO2 sensor, among other things.

A new Fitbit Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications feature has been rolled out to over 20 countries. The tool is designed to help spot signs of atrial fibrillation (AFib), which could increase your risk of heart problems. The feature launched in the US earlier this year following FDA approval and is available on various smartwatch models.

The Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro seems to be headed to Europe and possibly a wider global market thanks to two recent appearances for the wearable. The Xiaomi Smart Band 7 Pro (known as the Mi Band 7 Pro or just Band 7 Pro in China) offers attractive upgrades over its non-Pro counterpart, including GPS, NFC, and a more traditional watch-style design.

Flipkart has listed the Realme Watch 3 Pro ahead of the smartwatch's official release. Due just a day before the arrival of the Apple Watch Series 7 and Apple Watch Pro, the Realme Watch 3 Pro will be available in India first, where it will retail for INR 5,499 (~US$69).

Rumors of a first-gen "Apple Watch Pro" have emerged again in what might be the device's last leaks ahead of its imminent debut. They purport to outline the differences between this allegedly inaugural variant and the more predictable vanilla Series 8. The new tips also hint that the Pro might get even bigger than previously thought.

A well-known Apple tech correspondent has backed a second-gen Watch SE to launch alongside its vanilla Series 8 counterpart during the OEM's imminent and major September 2022 product event. The accessible variant is believed to launch in the absence of any significant design updates; then again, it is now thought to have the same new processor as the 'main' Series 8 variant.

The Tour ONE M2s are JBL's latest headphones, and as such feature large drivers enhanced with the brand's "PRO" and "Spatial" Sound features. They have an up-to-date wireless standard and are rated for lengthy battery life, although it is at its best when their new, "true" adaptive noise cancellation (ANC) is turned off.

JBL touts its latest Tour-series wireless earbuds as the world's first to come with their own touchscreen. The case-mounted LED panel is capable of displaying music controls as well as those for the PRO 2's advanced active noise-cancelling (ANC) functions. The case is also rated for up to 30 hours of additional play-time, while the earbuds pack "true adaptive" "immersive" JBL Spatial Sound.

A new update for the Huawei Watch GT 3 and Watch GT Runner has arrived in China promising several new features. Included in the changelog is smart door support, as well as improved emoji integration. The new update is rolling out to both smartwatches as HarmonyOS 2.1.0.399.

Garmin has unveiled a new edition of the vívofit jr. 3, a smartwatch intended for children. Available in multiple markets, the Black Panther-themed model joins the corresponding Iron Man edition and comes in two subtly different versions. Like the rest of the vívofit jr. 3 series, the Black Panther edition costs US$89.99.

It seems that the Galaxy Watch5 Pro can cause problems with certain laptops. Surprisingly, Samsung's latest flagship smartwatch ships with a watch band that has a magnet so strong that it will trigger some laptops to sleep if you have the Galaxy Watch5 Pro on your wrist.

Huawei has announced at IFA 2022 that its most exciting smartwatch will be available in Europe. Announced earlier this year, the Huawei Watch D features advanced health monitoring sensors for on-wrist blood pressure measurement, taking an ECG and monitoring skin temperature or blood oxygen levels.

Bose has partnered with Qualcomm to secure the new S5 Audio series of chipsets for its next-gen product portfolio. The SoCs will power future soundbars and speakers from the well-known brand as well as its headphones and earbuds. Therefore, they might be capable of the latest in wireless connectivity as well as "high-performance" sound at reduced levels of power consumption.

Qualcomm and Meta have teamed up at IFA 2022 to unveil plans for custom chipsets to power the next generation of the latter's Quest hardware. They will be co-developed by the 2 companies, although they will be based on Snapdragon XR platforms. The collaboration is touted to deliver further advancements in augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR) experiences over the next few years.

The COLMI V33 has arrived on AliExpress for global sales. The device is listed as having body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure monitors. Other features of the wearable include making or receiving Bluetooth calls, sleep tracking and a Find Phone tool. Plus, the gadget is reported to last for up to four days on a single charge.

The LZAKMR A2 smartwatch is available worldwide via AliExpress. Two models of the wearable are available with cellular connectivity: 2G 16 GB and 4G 64 GB. Both watches have a camera on the side, allowing you to take pictures with the device. Plus, the gadget is reported to have a body temperature sensor.

Garmin has unveiled the Venu Sq 2 and Venu Sq 2 Music at IFA 2022, both with significant upgrades compared to their predecessors. Sporting larger OLED displays and better battery life than the Venu Sq series, the Venu Sq 2 series also offer numerous health tracking features but at an increased starting price.

Amazfit has introduced the GTR 4, a round smartwatch with a 1.43-inch display. Equipped with Amazfit's latest BioTracker 4.0 PPG optical sensor, the GTR 4 also features over 150 sports modes, dual-band GPS, and is available in the Eurozone for €199.99.

Amazfit has announced the GTS 4, a larger alternative to the GTR 4 and a more expensive option to the GTS 4 Mini. Equipped with a 1.75-inch AMOLED display, the GTS 4 relies on Zepp OS 2.0 and has Amazfit's BioTracker 4.0 PPG optical sensor, among other features.

Amazfit has started offering the GTS 4 Mini in Europe, a smartwatch that the company promises will provide 'ultra-long battery life'. Equipped with a 1.65-inch display, the Amazfit GTS 4 Mini comes in four colours and is cheaper option than the GTR 4 and GTS 4, which Amazfit has also announced today.

Lenovo has announced the Glasses T1 during IFA 2022. Equipped with two Micro OLED displays, the Glasses T1 will be suitable for augmented reality and virtual reality content with Android, iOS, macOS and Windows devices via USB Type-C or Apple-specific adapters.

According to reports, Google has set a price for the Pixel Watch, its long-awaited Wear OS smartwatch. Launching later this year, the Pixel Watch should be available in Bluetooth and LTE variants, as well as in various colours and finishes. Reputedly, the Pixel Watch could be even more expensive than the Galaxy Watch5, despite relying on the older Exynos 9110 chipset.

ASUS has unveiled the VivoWatch 5 Aero during IFA 2022, a fitness tracker that has an intriguing sensor below its display. According to the company, the VivoWatch 5 Aero can take ECGs just by placing a fingertip on the sensor. Supposedly, the sensor can read blood oxygen and heart rate levels too.

A substantial leak has revealed more details about the Garmin Venu Sq 2, as well as the Venu Sq 2 Music. Both smartwatches will launch with AMOLED display and with almost twice the battery life of their predecessors. Garmin will charge more than the Venu Sq 2 series than it did for the original Venu Sq and Venu Sq Music, though.

The Vwar 8 Pro smartwatch is available in many countries via AliExpress. The wearable has a built-in NFC for contactless payments and smart door access. Other features of the device include SpO2 and heart rate monitors, and GPS tracking. Plus, you can receive calls on the gadget via Bluetooth.

The Zeblaze GTR 3 smartwatch has been revealed on AliExpress. The wearable has a 1.32-in touchscreen with an 82.6% screen-to-body ratio. The listing suggests that the watch has built-in skin temperature, heart rate and SpO2 monitors. Plus, the gadget is expected to last up to 15 days on a single charge with typical use.

The Metaura Pro wearable air conditioner is available through an Indiegogo InDemand campaign. The gadget can cool your skin by up to -18 °F (~-10 °C) or provide heating, with a range of 60 to 130 °F (~16 to 55 °C). The device is designed to be worn around your neck and lasts up to eight hours between charges.

Realme has decided to unveil its next flagship smartwatch just a day before the Apple Watch Series 8, and Apple Watch Pro arrive. According to an extensive leak, the Realme Watch 3 Pro will rely on a 1.78-inch AMOLED display, among other features.

Rumors of a first-gen "Apple Watch Pro" to be released alongside more conventional Series 8 variants have intensified to such a degree that the new model is now expected to launch alongside the iPhone 14 series in early September. Now, the Cupertino giant is thought to unveil a whole new range of bands alongside the new kind of wearable, as it will not fit those of, say, the Series 7, as usual.

Apple is said to have plans to dive into the mixed-reality (MR; which might involve augmented or virtual reality (AR/VR) use-cases) arena with its first-gen headset in the near future. Now, Bloomberg contributors claim to have found out how the Cupertino giant intends to brand this new product line on its launch. The new leak hints at additional, health-related applications for the possibly upcoming Apple hardware.

Zepp Health is the fitness-tech ODM responsible for the popular Amazfit brand, and that also makes fitness trackers for Xiaomi. The company has reported that its second-quarter 2022 (2Q2022) revenues increased by 46.4% compared to 1Q2022 - however, they also shrank by 39.6% compared to 2Q2021. This decline was linked to a disruption in its normal product cycle due to the chip shortage, as well as prevailing socio-political upheaval.

The Hotwav C1 smartwatch is currently selling for the discounted price of US$26.99 at TOMTOP. The company claims the gadget has SpO2, heart rate and blood pressure monitors, and other health tracking features. Plus, the wearable is expected to last up to 10 days on a single charge.

According got new reports, Fitbit is laying the groundwork to release a successor to last year's Charge 5 fitness tracker. Dubbed the Charge 6 at this stage, the next-generation fitness tracker may have stopped by the FCC in the US with plenty of connectivity options.