Xiaomi Smart Band 8: Popular smartwatch receives new features and improvements with latest software update

Xiaomi has started rolling out a new update for the Smart Band 8, one of several wearables that the company sells globally. To recap, the Smart Band 8 debuted nearly a year ago in China. However, it took until September of the same year before it brought the smartwatch to Europe, where it sells for €39.99.

Seemingly, Xiaomi has released firmware version 2.2.12 (v2.2.12) globally rather than just within its home market. At any rate, the smartwatch's latest firmware contains nine overarching changes, including six new features. For example, it should now be possible to track frisbee as an activity once updated to v2.2.12. Moreover, Xiaomi has added sleep do-not-disturb (DND) functionality, two new watch faces and a 'Vitality' widget.

In summary, the Smart Band 8 contains a 1.62-inch AMOLED display and a 190 mAh battery that is rated for up to 16 days of usage between charges. Additionally, the 27 g wearable features a PPG heart rate sensor, Bluetooth 5.1 Low Energy (BLE), 5 ATM water resistance, and is compatible with devices running at least Android 6.0 or iOS 12.0. As always, new updates can be installed through the Mi Fitness app on your paired smartphone. Please see the changelog below for more details. 

Purchase the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 on Amazon