Wearable

The latest Samsung Galaxy Watches have been official for 4 days by now (August 14, 2022) worldwide; however, the OEM never announced how much they would cost prospective Indian customers. Now, however, these details per SKU for this market is now out there, according to a famous leaker, at least.

Nokia has had its suit that the competing Android OEM OPPO has persisted in using its IP without permission upheld by a court in Germany. Accordingly, the latter has removed all of its sales listings for mobile devices and wearables from the same market, as has its subsidiary OnePlus. The company has stated that it still hopes for an amicable resolution of the matter.

Xiaomi has unveiled the Watch S1 Pro, the 'Pro' model to the popular Watch S1. Equipped with a larger display, the Watch S1 Pro also has a more power-efficient chipset that should provide better battery life compared to the Watch S1.

Xiaomi has now launched the Buds 4 Pro, new flagship TWS earbuds finished in two-tone gold or black so as to match the new Mix Fold 2. They improve on their previous generations in terms of noise-reduction, connectivity and battery life specs. They raise the new peripherals' price far above the US$100 mark, however.

Newly-posted renders show a total of 6 smartwatch variants, some of which have a square Apple Watch-like face and some of which do not. However, they will all reportedly launch as the same device: the OnePlus Nord Watch. Accordingly, a potential buyer is now thought to have multiple design and size options to choose from when ordering one.

Oppo has introduced the Watch 3 Pro, a competitor to the Galaxy Watch5 Pro that has arrived only a few hours after Samsung presented its latest smartwatch. Equipped with a 1.91-inch AMOLED display, the Oppo Watch 3 Pro also has an LTPO backplane to minimise power consumption, along with power-efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and Apollo 4 Plus chipsets.

Oppo has revealed the Watch 3, the cheaper option in the new Watch 3 series. Equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and Apollo 4 Plus chipsets, the Oppo Watch 3 should provide up to 4 days of battery life from its 400 mAh battery. The Oppo Watch has a large AMOLED display too, among other features.

Today, Oppo introduced the successor to the Oppo Band, an affordable and versatile fitness tracker. Replacing it is the Oppo Band 2, a larger model with an AMOLED display and an NFC module, among other features. The Oppo Band 2 retains its predecessor's inexpensive price tag, too.

LG has released new TWS earbuds under its TONE Free series. Sold as the TONE Free T90, TONE Free Fit TF7 and TONE Free Fit TF8, the trio feature exciting features, including a charging case with a built-in UV light to disinfect the earbuds as they recharge. The TONE Free T90 are the world's first earbuds with Dolby Atmos and Dolby Head tracking, too.

Garmin has unveiled a successor to its Enduro smartwatch series. Sold as the Enduro 2, the smartwatch has a large display and all the features that endurance athletes could need. Available for US$1,099.99, the Enduro 2 is already orderable in multiple markets, not just the US.

Garmin has released Beta Version 22.83 for Fēnix 6 and MARQ smartwatches on the Beta Program. The new software includes various bug fixes, for flaws such as UI issues and detection problems. A fault which occasionally prevented the wearables from syncing via Wi-Fi has also been remedied.

OPPO has casually set the major design upgrade to be found in its latest smartwatch in stone via its new Chinese online store page, in an official leak that also confirms its zero-day color options. Interested fans can book their place in line to pre-order the new wearable, although it will not launch in full until tomorrow (August 10, 2022).

Xiaomi has confirmed the launch of the Watch S1 Pro, a more advanced version of the Watch S1 that the company already sells. Due for release later this week, the Watch S1 Pro will be a premium smartwatch with a few upgrades over the Watch S1, including what appears to be a digital crown. The Watch S1 Pro should launch in at least three versions too.

The Realme Watch 3 Pro was announced just days after the Watch 3 launched in India. According to the company, the Pro model will have a large AMOLED display. Teaser images on the Realme website indicate that the new wearable will have GPS and calling functionality. It is currently unclear when the watch will launch and at what price.

EXCITRUS' latest deals include one for its NitroCharge 120 Pro, a power bank rated for up to 120W of power output thanks to its support for USB-PD at up to 100W and MagSafe wireless charging. Therefore, the OEM claims the gadget can charge a MacBook Pro to 50% in 1 hour, and can also power an 12- or 13-series iPhone on its lid.

The F15S is a new cheaper smartwatch from China. The wearable has various health tracking features, including heart rate, blood pressure and skin temperature sensors. The device has a 1.75-in touchscreen and can be controlled using voice commands. You can connect the watch to iOS and Android devices, enabling a Bluetooth calling function.

Garmin has released Beta version 9.28 software for Fēnix 7 and Epix smartwatches. The update enables users in China to view stocks and improves the Daily Suggested Workout plan UI. These upgrades are added to the already long list of changes available to owners of these models who sign up for Garmin’s Beta Program.

LOKMAT has launched a new smartwatch, the Comet Pro. The wearable is an upgraded version of the Comet, with a larger 1.32-in display. Health features of the watch include blood pressure, heart rate and SpO2 monitors. Plus, you can also use the device to make Bluetooth calls and unlock doors with a built-in NFC function.

OnePlus' next wearable is said to launch as the Nord Watch, thereby becoming a wrist-borne extension of the brand's growing sub-flagship ecosystem in the near future. It is also now touted as geared toward fitness features, and is now also most recently rumored to come with a minimum of 2 color SKUs and "solid" runtimes between charges.

The WS3 PRO is a new, less expensive smartwatch from China. You can use the wearable for Bluetooth calling, with a built-in speaker and microphone. The touchscreen watch is compatible with Android and iOS devices and has up to 7 days of battery life. Plus, the gadget has many health features, including blood oxygen, blood pressure and heart rate monitors.

Manchester United, one of the best-known soccer franchises worldwide, has unveiled Qualcomm as one of its latest partners. The collaboration will apparently involve consultations to improve wireless connectivity within the team's historical Old Trafford headquarters, as well as a lot more Snapdragon logos to be seen around that stadium and its squad's branding going forward.

Information about the Oppo Watch 3 continues to emerge online ahead of the device's release. Now confirmed for an August 10 introduction in China, hands-on images of the Oppo Watch 3 have now appeared online too.

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.