Category: Wearables

September 3, 2024
Google Pixel Watch 3 to Get Only 3 Years of Updates
Google has garnered significant acclaim for its top-tier software support for Pixel smartphones. The recently unveiled Pixel 9 series sets a new benchmark with a commitment to seven years of OS and security updates, a feat unmatched by any leading manufacturer except Samsung.
Disparities in Software Support
However, this generous update policy does not extend to all of Google’s hardware. Owners of the Pixel Watch face a much less favorable situation regarding software support.
The original Pixel Watch and its successor, the Pixel Watch 2, each received only three years of software updates. Unfortunately, this pattern continues with the newly introduced Pixel Watch 3.
Limited Update Timeline
Google has pledged to provide software updates for the Pixel Watch 3 until October 2027. Although the company hasn’t dismissed the possibility of updates beyond this date, there is no assurance they will be delivered.
It’s important to note that, unlike with smartphones where Google clearly specifies Android and security patch updates, for smartwatches, “Guaranteed software updates” encompass WearOS updates. This includes “Google Pixel Watch security updates and may consist of feature drops and other software updates.”
Potential Reasons for Shorter Support
The shorter update timeline for smartwatches might stem from Google’s expectation that users will upgrade their watches more frequently than smartphones.
Alternatively, a more skeptical perspective might suggest that this decision is cost-driven. Given that smartwatches generally come with a lower price tag than phones, the level of support might be determined by financial factors.
Regardless of the rationale, individuals interested in the Pixel Watch lineup should be mindful of the notable difference in software support when compared to Pixel phones. While the Pixel Watch 3 boasts the latest Wear OS and robust features, its longevity in receiving software updates does not match that of its smartphone siblings.
Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3, Software support
September 1, 2024
“Mastercard Brings Tap-to-Pay to Boat Smartwatches”
Indian audio wearables company Boat has teamed up with Mastercard, a global payment card services provider, to bring contactless payment capabilities to its smartwatch lineup. This partnership is designed to offer users a more streamlined and secure way to conduct transactions.
Streamlined Transactions
By integrating contactless payments into boAt smartwatches, Mastercard cardholders can enjoy smooth transactions directly from their wearable devices. Through the Crest Pay app, which is boAt’s official application, users can easily tokenize their existing debit and credit cards from affiliated Mastercard banks. This allows them to tap and pay at all merchants that support contactless payments, eliminating the need for physical cards.
Payment Details and Security Features
The technology supports contactless payments for up to Rs. 5,000 without needing a PIN, making it ideal for daily purchases. This feature reduces the inconvenience of entering a PIN, resulting in faster and smoother transactions. To ensure security, Mastercard employs device tokenization, which safeguards transactions using cryptogram-based technologies—unique digital codes that replace sensitive card data.
Future Expansion Plans
Initially, this contactless payment feature will be available to Mastercard cardholders from a select group of leading banks in India. Mastercard and boAt plan to broaden the scope of this feature to include more banks in the future.
Tags: boAt Stone Lumos, Mastercard, Smartwatch with Contactless Payments
August 29, 2024
Garmin Enduro 3: Lightweight GPS Watch for Ultra Athletes
Garmin has unveiled the Enduro 3, a new GPS smartwatch tailored for endurance athletes. This lightweight device boasts an impressive battery life, further extended by its solar charging feature.
Key Features and Design
Weighing in at 63 grams, the Enduro 3 offers up to 320 hours of battery life in GPS mode with solar charging. It includes capabilities such as dynamic round-trip routing, trail run VO2 max insights, and preloaded TopoActive maps to enhance outdoor adventures.
A standout feature of the Enduro 3 is its improved solar battery, which captures more than double the solar power compared to its predecessor, aiding in its lengthy 320-hour battery duration in GPS mode. The inclusion of SatIQ technology helps optimize battery life by intelligently switching between GPS modes while maintaining precise location tracking.
The watch is designed for durability, featuring a titanium bezel, sapphire lens, and nylon band. It also comes equipped with a built-in LED flashlight that offers adjustable brightness, a red light, and a strobe mode for low-light environments.
Features for Trail Runners and Athletes
Specifically for trail runners, the Enduro 3 delivers VO2 max insights, grade-adjusted pace, and NextFork Map Guides. It also provides dynamic round-trip routing, TopoActive maps, and preloaded maps for golf courses and ski resorts.
The device offers advanced strength training functions with 4-6 week plans and sport-specific exercises. Besides its endurance capabilities, it monitors performance metrics such as VO2 max, training load, and adaptation to heat and altitude. Health and fitness tracking features include HRV status, Pulse Ox, sleep monitoring, and an FDA-cleared ECG app.
Connectivity and Smart Features
In terms of connectivity, the Enduro 3 supports Garmin Messenger for two-way text messaging, Garmin Share for location and workout sharing, and smart notifications. It also features Garmin Pay for contactless transactions and music streaming services like Spotify, Deezer, or Amazon Music.
Pricing & Availability
The Enduro 3 is currently available with a suggested retail price of $899.99.
Tags: Endurance Smartwatch, Garmin Enduro 3, solar charging
August 29, 2024
Huawei TruSense: Revolutionizing Smartwatch Respiratory Detection
Huawei is pushing the boundaries of health technology within the realm of wearables. Earlier this month, a leak suggested that the company’s innovative blood pressure monitoring technology for wearables might debut in September. However, Huawei appears to be delving into other health tech advancements as well.
Recently, Huawei unveiled improvements to its Trusense system, which include enhanced sensing modules, detection algorithms, and big data modeling. But what does this entail for consumers? Essentially, Huawei is developing technology that could diagnose respiratory issues by analyzing the sound of a cough. Here’s a brief look at what the future holds for wearables.
Smartwatches May Soon Analyze Your Cough
Huawei highlighted two significant advancements in wearable health technology. First, the company is pioneering research in respiratory health. The Chinese tech leader has gathered samples of various cough sounds and physiological metrics like respiratory rate and heart rate. These inputs are processed through their algorithm to identify potential lung infection risks. The system can also conduct screenings for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and assess lung function. This capability is powered by Huawei’s Trusense technology on wearables, which can listen to coughs. The company assures the accuracy of respiratory health monitoring through its software and hardware innovations.
New Vascular Health & Risk Screening Technology
In addition to respiratory health innovations, Huawei is also focused on bridging the gap in cardiovascular health. It is developing advanced sensors alongside enhanced software to detect crucial vascular health indicators. By integrating state-of-the-art hardware and software, Huawei aims to identify cardiovascular risks users may encounter.
What is the Huawei TruSense System?
In essence, Huawei is redefining wearable health technology. This is evident through advancements in sensing modules, refined detection algorithms, and big data models for superior health monitoring. TruSense has expanded its exploration into areas such as coronary heart disease, mental health, blood pressure, and blood glucose monitoring.
Collaborations with Industry Experts
Huawei Wearables and the Huawei TruSense system are actively collaborating with the EU’s leading cardiovascular research initiative, iCARE4CVD. This partnership includes top industry academics and institutions and involves a total investment exceeding 20 million Euros over five years. Huawei is spearheading patient management discussions and is the exclusive wearable device manufacturer participating in the initiative.
Tags: Huawei, TruSense, Wearable Health Technology
August 29, 2024
Huawei TruSense Wearable: Advanced Health & Fitness Tracking
Huawei has unveiled its latest innovation, the TruSense System, a sophisticated health and fitness tracking technology that will be integrated into its future wearable devices. This new system is poised to transform the realm of smart wearables.
This development marks the most substantial advancement in Huawei’s health and fitness tracking technology over the past three years. It enhances the functionalities of their wearable devices with improved precision, speed, and thoroughness.
Huawei TruSense System Raises the Bar in Health Technology
The TruSense System is engineered to enable real-time health monitoring, home-based diagnostics, and personalized health management. As health awareness grows, more people are leaning towards proactive health management, making smart wearables a vital component of this shift.
Huawei’s latest system seeks to support this movement by equipping users with the tools to track their health in real-time, thereby encouraging a lifestyle centered around health that is easily attainable.
At the core of the TruSense system is its ultra-perception sensing module. This module utilizes motion data to evaluate users’ health conditions. This cutting-edge technology stems from Huawei’s decade-long dedication to in-house innovation, where the company has concentrated on independently developing comprehensive hardware and software solutions.
Elevating Health Tracking Standards
The TruSense system is designed to elevate health tracking standards, ensuring greater accuracy, adaptability, and openness, with enhanced iterative processes that facilitate ongoing improvement.
Beyond improving personal health monitoring, the system’s adaptability and openness enable international partners to partake in the advancement of digital health technology. Huawei has partnered with over 150 organizations to push forward research in remote healthcare and family health management.
The first devices equipped with the Huawei TruSense System are slated for release in September 2024. Currently, Huawei provides a diverse array of smart wearable products across both Chinese and global markets. They recently launched the Watch GT 4, Watch Fit 2, and Band 8 in India.
Tags: Health Tracking Technology, Huawei TruSense System, smart wearables
August 28, 2024
Garmin Fenix 8 Launches with 21-Day Battery Life
After weeks of anticipation and leaks, Garmin has unveiled the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar multisport smartwatches. These new models continue to target athletes and outdoor adventurers, introducing significant enhancements, including a long-anticipated change in the display technology for the standard Fenix series. Here’s a closer look at the specifics.
Garmin Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar Specifications
The standout upgrade for the Fenix 8 is its AMOLED display. However, for users who value extended battery life, Garmin has retained the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, along with solar charging capabilities, in the Fenix 8 Solar variant.
Both models are available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, but the Fenix 8 with the AMOLED display also offers a smaller 43mm version. The AMOLED model boasts a slightly larger and clearer 1.4-inch screen with a 454 x 454-pixel resolution.
Conversely, the Solar Edition features a 1.3-inch MIP display with a 260 x 260-pixel resolution and is slightly thicker, measuring 15.2mm compared to the standard Fenix 8’s 13.7-14.7mm thickness.
Enhanced Features
All versions now include a built-in speaker and microphone for basic voice assistant interaction and voice note recording, along with an integrated flashlight.
Moreover, the Fenix 8 series provides targeted strength training tailored to various sports, Garmin Share for data sharing between devices, and compatibility with QZSS and BEIDOU global navigation systems.
Garmin has also added a sensor guard and leakproof buttons to the Fenix 8, which has been tested to military standards for durability. The watch is water-resistant up to 40 meters and incorporates new scuba diving and apnea modes.
Battery Life and Pricing
Known for its impressive battery life, the Fenix 8 series maintains this reputation. The standard model can operate for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, while the solar variant extends this by an extra five days. Garmin also asserts that the new solar technology harnesses 50% more solar energy than previous versions.
Regarding pricing, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $999.99, with the top configuration reaching $1,199.99. The Fenix 8 Solar is slightly more expensive, beginning at $1,099.99 and peaking at $1,199.99 for the highest-end model.
Tags: Garmin Fenix 8, Multi-day Battery Life, Smartwatch Features
August 28, 2024
Samsung VR Headset with 16GB RAM Spotted on Geekbench
Samsung has been rumored to be developing a VR headset for some time. Recently, 91 Mobiles identified a Samsung device with 16GB RAM in the Geekbench database, which is anticipated to be this VR headset.
Samsung Gear VR
This device is thought to be a VR headset rather than a new smartphone because current smartphone processors typically feature 8 cores. Notably, the Geekbench listing indicates a 6-core SoC, aligning with the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip expected to power Samsung’s upcoming VR headset, which features a 4+2 CPU configuration.
Additionally, the Geekbench data shows the device operating at a base frequency of 2.36GHz, which is close to the chipset’s clock speed of 2.4 GHz.
The model number from the Geekbench listing further supports the idea that this is indeed Samsung’s VR headset. Previously, tipster Ronald Quandt noted that this specific model number corresponds to Samsung’s VR headset.
Rumored Features
Although these details are based on speculation, the presence of a 6-core chipset strongly indicates that the device in question is Samsung’s upcoming VR headset. The listing also notes that the device runs on Android 14. While comprehensive details about the headset are still under wraps, a report from last month suggested that it could operate on Android. Additionally, Patently Apple has indicated that Samsung’s VR headsets will use the Android XR platform.
As for the features anticipated so far, the device might include a functionality similar to Persona on the Apple Vision Pro. It is also expected to have several sensors to monitor its surroundings and might include health-tracking capabilities.
Tags: Android XR, Samsung VR Headset, Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
August 22, 2024
SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2: 12-Hour Battery, TurboPitch™ Sound
The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is now available, providing fitness buffs with a cutting-edge audio experience that includes improved TurboPitch™ sound, real-time external sound awareness, and a design that is both lightweight and resistant to sweat. Prioritizing safety and comfort, the OpenRun Pro 2’s real-time external sound sensing allows users to remain aware of their environment during outdoor activities. The SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2 is priced at $239 on GeekWills.
Built for Performance and Endurance
Crafted for high performance, the OpenRun Pro 2 shines in its resistance to weather and sweat. It features a dual-layer mesh structure and a hydrophobic nano-coating, providing protection from rain and sweat, making it perfect for intense workouts. Its open-ear design keeps ear canals fresh and sweat-free while offering a comfortable, balanced, and lightweight fit.
Superior Sound Quality and Clear Communication
This device sets a new benchmark for sound quality with SHOKZ’s TurboPitch™ low-frequency enhancement, delivering deep bass and vibrant beats. With directional sound field technology, the OpenRun Pro 2 offers a rich, three-dimensional audio experience while minimizing sound leakage. The dual noise-canceling microphones improve call clarity, even in bustling environments.
Extended Battery Life and Rapid Charging
Equipped with a robust 12-hour battery life, this headset is ideal for prolonged training sessions. A quick 5-minute charge provides 150 minutes of use, and a 30-minute charge allows for up to 9 hours of listening, ensuring consistent performance during long-distance runs.
Seamless Connectivity and User-Friendly Features
The OpenRun Pro 2 also includes dual-device connectivity, enabling smooth transitions between smartphones and other Bluetooth devices like smartwatches or computers. Its intuitive mechanical button design makes controlling the headset during workouts straightforward.
Available in two fashionable color options, this headset combines athletic functionality with style, blending sportiness with elegance.
Tags: Fitness Audio, SHOKZ OpenRun Pro 2, TurboPitch Sound
August 21, 2024
Google Confirms Pixel Watch 3 is Not Repairable
The Pixel Watch lineup is renowned for its distinctive round pebble design and futuristic curved glass, capturing attention wherever it goes. However, beneath this stylish exterior, Google continues to grapple with a recurring problem: a lack of repairability.
Challenges with Repairability
Similar to its predecessors, the newest smartwatch from Google isn’t designed with repairs in mind. Any unfortunate incidents, such as a cracked screen or a malfunctioning battery, mean that repairing the device is not an option. Instead, users will find themselves needing to replace the entire watch.
The design is a significant factor in this issue. While the iconic round shape and elegantly curved glass are undeniably appealing, they also render the watch more susceptible to damage—especially the display, which is the most vulnerable part in case of accidental drops or impacts.
Company Policy and Alternatives
In communication with Android Authority, Google has confirmed that their smartwatch policy remains unchanged: if it breaks, replace it—repairs are not an option. The company recommends that users consider the Pixel Watch 3’s Preferred Care program. This service offers a replacement for a $49 fee in the event of accidental damage, but it is only available in certain regions. Users in unsupported areas face a hefty cost for a replacement, even when the warranty is still valid.
This approach is quite different from Google’s recent push towards sustainability, especially with their self-repair program for Pixel smartphones. This discrepancy contributes to electronic waste, as damaged Pixel Watches become unusable, even when some components might still function perfectly.
Aesthetic vs. Practicality
While protective cases can provide some reassurance, they also add bulk and may detract from the watch’s design aesthetics. This compromise is something many users may be reluctant to accept.
Thus, although the Pixel Watch 3 includes features like enhanced fitness tracking, a Loss of Pulse Detection tool, and brighter displays, potential buyers should be aware of the repairability issues before making a purchase decision.
Tags: Electronic Waste, Google Pixel Watch 3, Repairability Issues
August 16, 2024
Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Edition Design Renders Leak Pre-Launch
Images of the upcoming Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Edition smartwatch have appeared online, courtesy of a leak from the well-known tech insider Roland Quandt at WinFuture. This leak provides an initial glimpse into the design and potential features of Garmin’s latest rugged outdoor watch.
Design and Features
The leaked images suggest that the Fenix 8 will maintain a design evolution, closely mirroring the Fenix 7 Pro Sapphire Solar. It retains the familiar five-button layout, and its overall shape seems largely unchanged. Although there were earlier rumors about a smaller 43mm model, the current images only display the 47mm and 51mm sizes.
Examining the watch’s rear reveals what appears to be the Elevate 5 heart rate sensor, indicating improved health tracking compared to the previous model. Additionally, the leaks confirm the Fenix 8’s 10 ATM water resistance rating, making it suitable for swimming and recreational diving up to 40 meters.
Color Variations
The images showcase three potential color options for the Fenix 8 Solar Edition. The larger 51mm variant features a dark gray stainless steel casing with red accents and a black wristband. Meanwhile, the smaller 47mm version boasts a lighter silver titanium casing matched with a bright yellow band. Another 47mm model has a darker titanium case paired with a black wristband.
Anticipated Launch
These leaks offer an early preview of Garmin’s next rugged smartwatch. It is anticipated to debut at the IFA-2024 consumer electronics trade show in Berlin, which is scheduled to start on September 6th.
However, it’s crucial to note that these are unofficial leaks. Garmin has not yet confirmed any specifics regarding the Fenix 8 Solar Edition, so an official announcement is needed to learn more about its features, pricing, and availability.
Tags: Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Edition, IFA-2024, Smartwatch Leak