Wearable

Ulefone touts its upcoming Armor 15 as the latest mobile device of the type that doubles as a charging case for TWS earbuds. On top of that, it is rated to ship with IP68/IP69K ratings and Android 12 out of the box - not to mention dual front-facing speakers and a >6,000mAh battery. The OEM will debut the rugged smartphone via Kickstarter shortly in August 2022.

Digital Chat Station has leaked more images of the Oppo Watch 3, the first smartwatch with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 series chipset. Equipped with a curved display, the Oppo Watch 3 also has a stylish frame, a digital crown, a physical button and a microphone for voice assistant support, among other features.

Garmin will now allow customers with Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 255 models to join its Beta Program. The scheme enables smartwatch owners to try out new features while Garmin tests them. Rumors suggest that the SatIQ tool could be available for these models through the Beta, though Garmin has not officially announced the line-up of features.

Hands-on images of the DJI Avata's first-person view (FPV) goggles have leaked online, confirming the accessory's design. Supposedly, the upcoming drone has taken another critical step on its road to market too.

Fitbit is preparing to release a raft of new smartwatches and fitness trackers over the next few months. Not only is the company on the verge of launching the Fitbit Sense 2, but it is also finalising the Versa 4 and the Inspire 3. Leaked press images suggest that Fitbit fans can expect major upgrades all round, including a colour display for the Inspire 3.

Digital Chat Station has outlined specifications for the Oppo Watch 3, one of the first confirmed smartwatches with a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 series chipset. Reputedly, Oppo has paired the powerful SoC with an LTPO AMOLED display, which will help deliver up to 5 days of battery life in general use. ECG capabilities could be on board for the Oppo Watch 3 too, among other features.

High-resolution marketing images of the Amazfit GTR 4 and GTS 4 have leaked online. Revealed ahead of the pair's official announcement, the images highlight their intended uses as fitness trackers as well as general smartwatches.

Oura and Natural Cycles, a fertility tracking app, have announced a partnership. A link between the Oura Smart Ring and the Natural Cycles app enables automatic temperature measurements, which are used to determine your fertility status. When you give permission, the integration is one way, with Oura sharing temperature, heart rate and sleep health data.

Images of the Samsung Galaxy Watch5 fast charger have been leaked by SnoopyTech, suggesting that it will have a USB-C output rather than the USB-A cable used for its predecessor. The fast charger is expected to add 45% to the smartwatch’s battery in 30 minutes. Canadian prices for the watch have also been reported, starting from CA$349 (~US$272).

Fitbit has released new watch faces for the Charge 5 and Luxe, two of its most recent fitness trackers. Arriving after software version 1.171.50 for both devices, the new watch faces should provide a fresh touch of colour for both more than a year after their releases.

The 2022 Hoco Y2 Pro smartwatch is now available via AliExpress. The gadget has many functions, such as making and receiving Bluetooth calls. Other features include real-time weather updates and a find my phone tool. Health features of the watch include heart rate monitoring alongside sleep and exercise tracking.

The Rogbid King smartwatch is available worldwide via Banggood. The gadget runs on Android 9.1, with a nano SIM card slot and 4G support. Two cameras are built into the device, enabling features such as face unlock and video calling. Plus, health tools are included on the watch, such as heart rate and SpO2 monitors.

The latest addition to the Amazfit T-Rex series of smartwatches was rated for real-time navigation and the ability to pre-load routes (thanks to its advanced GPS specs) at its launch. However, the OEM also admitted that those features would only appear on the wearable after shipping. They were to be added as part of a promised OTA update - which has just been released.

Samsung is on the verge of introducing the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro, its replacements for the Galaxy Watch4 and Galaxy Watch4 Classic, respectively. However, the company's UK insurance portal has listed all Galaxy Watch5 series models, including 'Golf' special edition models for the 40 mm and 44 mm versions of the Galaxy Watch5.

Garmin has released a new beta update for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, bringing the pair up to Beta version 9.13. Arriving as the first beta update since v8.64, Beta version 9.13 includes 40 changes, including 13 new features and plenty of bug fixes. Beta version 9.13 should be available to download now on all Instinct 2 series smartwatches enrolled in Garmin's Beta Program.

OnePlus India has delivered on its hype campaign for the first-ever pair of TWS earbuds branded to match Nord CE smartphones today (August 1, 2022). These "Dynamic Bass" earphones have now also been officially revealed as lightweight wearables that also support a "Sound Master Equalizer", Bluetooth 5.2 and "AI noise cancellation", albeit just for calls.

The Xiaomi Mijia Glasses Camera will soon start crowdfunding in China. The wearable has AR features, such as translation between English and Chinese, with additional tools to be added later. The gadget has a 50 MP primary camera and an 8 MP periscope camera for up to 15 times zoom. Plus, a Sony Micro OLED display provides a maximum brightness of 3,000 nits.

XRAI has announced a public preview of its AR smart glasses in partnership with Nreal. The wearable allows people who are deaf or have hearing loss to read phone conversations in real-time. XRAI Glass software provides subtitles with a voice recognition tool. Plus, the company is developing additional AI features, such as translation.

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a global conglomerate that has patently thrown its weight behind virtual reality as the next social media of big-tech industry concerns. However, the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken issue with what it sees as the company's crusade to "buy its way" to metaverse dominance, and has legal objections to its latest attempted merger in the space.

Official images of the Galaxy Watch5 and Galaxy Watch5 Pro have leaked online as we enter the final few days before Samsung's next Galaxy Unpacked event. Due for release on August 10, the Galaxy Watch5 series will come in at least five colour options, all with Samsung's replaceable but proprietary strap design.

The Huawei S-TAG professional exercise tracking device is now available to pre-order in China. You can attach the tag to your clothes or bike to monitor your exercise when running or cycling. The Huawei TruSport system analyses the collected data, and you can use the insights to improve your performance, such as finding a better running posture.

Sony's second-gen virtual reality (VR) headset for the PlayStation (or PS VR2) is still on the road to launch at the moment. However, the Japanese hardware giant has taken pity on its fans with a new preview of what the accessory should be capable of on its debut. They include a See-Through View mode, the ability to record gameplay and play-area mapping.

Honor has unveiled plans for its IFA 2022 showcase with assertions that it will help consumers "embrace the connected future". Going by the OEM's new promos, this can be done with one of its new, appropriately networkable devices, which might include new mobile devices, PCs and the personal audio equipment to pair with them.

Xiaomi has teamed up with China Gold and the China Academy of Arts to turn its cheap and cheerful Mi Band activity trackers into fabulous luxury items. Owners of the Mi Band 4, 5, 6, or 7 can, for the most part, bling out their wearable with gold and diamond accessories. A fully decked-out Mi Band 6 NFC costs 2,529 yuan (~US$375).

Garmin has released another Alpha software update for Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series smartwatches. Available as Alpha version 22.76, the update enables HRV status widget glance, among other changes. Alpha version 22.76 can be downloaded now but must be installed manually.

Huawei has announced a mid-generation refresh of the Watch 3 Pro, now available with HarmonyOS 3. Also, the revised smartwatch features turn-by-turn satellite navigation, allowing you to leave your smartphone in your pocket. The Watch 3 Pro 2022 edition can take an ECG too, as well as featuring SpO2 and skin temperature sensors.

OnePlus is said to have an inaugural smartwatch to add to its sub-flagship Nord series of devices soon. Now, a famous leaker purports to have dug up more evidence to that effect, which consist of screens pertaining to the wearable's dedicated app. It also seems the new SpO2-tracking accessory is headed to the Indian market.

A new type of Best Buy store has launched in North Carolina to offer consumers a "new" and possibly much more 2022 way to shop. The space, while nearly a tenth of the size of the average store associated with the chain, is rated to offer in-person consultations as well as a range of the latest or most popular products, in a way that might better adapt to the trend of consumers to shop and order online instead.

Qualcomm recently issued a press release detailing its next-generation family of SoCs for wearable devices including the Snapdragon W5+ Gen 1. The new W5 Gen+ 1 chip unleashes mainstream power, incredible efficiency, and expanded functionality for the Android-based smartwatches of the future.

Realme has presented the Watch 3 in India, where it has launched for INR 3,500 (~US$44). Price matching its predecessor, the Realme Watch 3 has a large display, supports Bluetooth calling and has a metallic frame. The Realme Watch 3 is orderable now with over 100 watch faces, 110 sports modes and comprehensive health monitoring.

Garmin has released Alpha version 9.12 for the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, replacing Alpha version 9.11. With Alpha version 9.12, Garmin has enabled Heart Rate Variability (HRV) status on the Instinct 2 and Instinct 2S, plus Training Status 2.0. Alpha version 9.12 also contains several bug fixes and is available to download now for both smartwatches.

Garmin continues to update its flagship smartwatches at a breakneck pace on its Beta Program. Now, the company has issued Alpha version 9.22, a software update that includes over 80 changes. Available to download now, Alpha version 9.22 succeeds v9.15 and contains new features like HRV status for the Epix 2. Alpha version 9.22 is available on Epix 2, Fenix 7 and Quatix 7 series smartwatches.

Two new blood oxygen sensing features are rolling out to the Oura Ring Gen3. The wearable can now monitor SpO2 levels and track your breathing regularity when you are asleep. The tool uses red and infrared LED sensors, which are already fitted to the device. You can view the insights as a color-coded timeline in the accompanying app.

The VWAR S8 MAX has launched and is shipping globally from China. The gadget has a 1.95-in HD touchscreen with a 320 x 385 px resolution. A built-in NFC reader allows you to make payments and unlock doors with the device. Plus, you can make Bluetooth calls on the watch, which supports a split-screen display.

Apple is supposedly working on an Apple Watch Pro. The new Watch Pro is rumored to be larger and considerably more expensive than the regular lineup. Famed Apple insider Mark Gurman has now revealed more information about the new Watch Pro including battery life and design.

Anker has revealed that its latest range of power bricks, strips and other charging accessories all come with its latest GaNPrime technology. These latest developments in the OEM's use of the up-to-date gallium nitride (GaN) power-storage material include in-house PowerIQ 4.0 and ActiveShield 2.0, rated to cut multi-port charging times down to 1 hour at most and to monitor charging device temperature 78% more often respectively.

Xiaomi has started rolling out software version 1.19.15 to the Smart Band 7. Available in China first, this month's update contains a few new features for the Smart Band 7, plus various bug fixes.

The LOKMAT APPLLP 2 PRO smartwatch is available globally from China via AliExpress. The gadget has a 1.6-in HD touchscreen and runs on Android 11. A SIM card slot with support for 4G enables you to make calls and browse the internet. Plus, a built-in camera allows facial recognition and video calling.

The COLMI C60 smartwatch has launched with a 1.9-in screen and 240 x 280 px resolution. The device has various health tracking features, such as heart rate, blood pressure and SpO2 monitors. Plus, you can connect the gadget to your phone to receive notifications and phone calls or use the watch to track your exercise and sleep.

Huawei has teased a new version of the Watch 3 Pro, which it will launch first in China. Due to be unveiled later this week, the new Watch 3 Pro could take ECGs, as well as offering a new navigation system, among other changes.

Fitbit is preparing to release new smartwatches, with the company set on replacing the Sense and Versa 3. While the Sense 2 and Versa 4 resemble their predecessors, Fitbit has changed how people will interact with the pair. The Fitbit Sense 2 and Versa 4 should launch later this year.

OnePlus has recently established the Nord CE sub-series for smartphones - now, the OEM has announced that it is for TWS earbuds too. The first accessories of these types seem to be exclusive to the Indian market, and are to debuted there with relatively large drivers for "Dynamic Bass" thus far.

How do you repair the case for your AirPods? You don't, according to Apple customer service representatives allegedly recorded in a new YouTube video posted by Ken Pillonel, an engineer who modified an iPhone X to support USB type-C charging. Now, the same vlogger has worked out how to do the same for a pair of AirPods.

Razer has bought all shares of the French company responsible for Interhaptics, described as a "leading development platform" for feedback in gaming, PC and extended-reality (XR) hardware. The move is slated to underpin the former's interest in the overall haptics market, although it could also allow the OEM to improve and leverage its in-house HyperSense technology to compete with similar products such as Sony DualSense going forward.

Launching back in late 2017, the Apple Watch Series 3 has been at the center of much controversy particularly following the debut of watchOS 7 in fall 2020. For a company renowned for making products that are built to last, planned obsolescence seems to be in play for this vintage wearable.

Anker has announced that it will launch the latest generation of its high-speed chargers during an upcoming July 2022 event. The OEM has already alluded to the "cutting-edge" gallium nitride (GaN) technology to come in these new accessories. They will be pitched at both in-place and on-the-go use-cases, and will come in a variety of wattages, some of which will exceed the 100 watt (W) mark.

Garmin has released another Alpha software update for the Fenix 6, Enduro, Tactix and MARQ series. Building on a build that went live earlier this month, Alpha software version 22.75 features eight changes, including two new features. Garmin has included several bug fixes too, among other changes.

An update to the Garmin Connect app has added a blood pressure data sharing tool. A new setting asks for your permission to share the data with the Apple Health app. However, it is unclear how Garmin would collect this blood pressure data; it could be via a rumored blood pressure cuff, manual entry, or a potential smartwatch feature.

OPPO has confirmed that it has secured the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 wearable platform for its 2022 flagship Watch. In fact, the OEM has indicated that there will be more than 1 version of this third-gen smartwatch, which will also be first to the market with its new chipset. OPPO has hinted at its ability to boost performance in its inaugural vehicle.

Amazfit has presented the Band 7, a smartwatch that shares more similarities with the Xiaomi Smart Band 7 than its name. Available for US$49.99, the Amazfit Band 7 has a large display, plenty of health monitoring options and a variety of colour options. The Amazfit Band 7 is orderable now in multiple markets and can last up to 28 days between charges of its 232 mAh battery.