Category: Wearables

July 23, 2024
Meta Seeks Patent for Feature Similar to Apple Vision Pro’s EyeSight
Apple introduced its high-end VR headset, the Apple Vision Pro, in February this year. A standout feature of Apple’s VR headset is EyeSight, which uses a display to simulate the wearer’s eyes, making user interaction with the real world seem more authentic. According to Apple, “EyeSight reveals your eyes on the front of your Apple Vision Pro, and lets those nearby know when you’re using apps or are fully immersed in an experience.”
Meta’s Patent for a Similar Feature
In recent news, Meta has filed a patent for a technology similar to Apple’s EyeSight feature. The patent illustration is available below. Reports suggest that Meta aims to create its version of the EyeSight feature, which itself is not without flaws.
Meta’s patent abstract describes a method for updating a subject avatar with real-time facial expressions. The process involves receiving signals from a sensor on the headset’s facial interface, which detects facial muscle movements from the user. Using a machine learning algorithm, the system determines the user’s facial expression based on these signals.
The headset then adjusts the user’s avatar according to the identified facial expression and provides this avatar to an immersive reality application hosted on a remote server.
Advanced Sensors in Meta’s Headset
The headset is expected to feature various sensors, including ECG, EEG, and PPG sensors, to monitor the user’s cardiovascular conditions.
A common issue with VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3 or Apple Vision Pro is that they somewhat disconnect the wearer from the real world. Apple claims they developed EyeSight to help maintain the wearer’s connection to their surroundings.
While it’s not unusual for companies to draw inspiration from each other’s innovations, what’s surprising about this development is that it comes just a few months after Zuckerberg claimed that the Quest headset excelled over the Vision Pro in various aspects.
Tags: Apple Vision Pro, EyeSight, Meta Quest 3
July 22, 2024
Realme Watch S2 Teased: 20-Day Battery Life & AI Features
Realme is set to unveil its latest smartwatch, the Watch S2, alongside the Realme 13 Pro series in India later this month. Recent teasers have disclosed some of its notable specifications and features, including its remarkable battery life and AI-powered functionalities.
Realme Watch S2 Teaser
The Realme Watch S2 has recently appeared on official microsites on Flipkart and the brand’s own website, teasing the upcoming smartwatch’s features. Previously, the wearable was spotted on the FCC database with a 380mAh battery, which has now been confirmed. The company claims that this 380mAh cell will provide up to 20 days of battery life.
The device leverages AI for customization. Users can select from more than 110 sports modes analyzed by AI and even create personalized watch faces using AI. This technology also enhances the built-in voice assistant experience. The Chinese brand has announced a new Realme R-Pass for an Early Bird offer, likely providing special launch deals for early buyers of the Realme Watch S2.
Launch Details and Features
The launch date and support for the ChatGPT AI voice assistant were confirmed last week. However, finer details about its internal hardware remain unknown. What we do know is that the smartwatch will feature a circular display with a golden rim, in line with the Monet Gold on the Realme 13 Pro series. Two buttons on the right side are visible, presumably for navigation and other functionalities. Like its predecessor, it is expected to feature an AMOLED display and support GPS. You can click here to check out a previous leak that revealed the Watch S2’s full design.
Tags: 20 days battery, Generative AI Features, Realme Watch S2
July 22, 2024
Samsung: Avoid Wearing Galaxy Ring Near Magnets or While Weightlifting
Samsung Galaxy Ring is available for purchase starting July 24. While its specifications may already be known to you (if not, refer to our launch article), there’s a crucial detail you might have overlooked. Samsung advises against wearing the Galaxy Ring in certain situations or near specific items.
According to Samsung’s official support page, the wearable should be kept away from magnets. The page explicitly states that "certain features, like step counting, may not work properly if you’re holding a magnet or a magnetic object in the hand wearing the ring." So, if you work in environments with magnetic fields or have a penchant for playing with fridge magnets, be aware of this.
Exercise Precautions
Samsung also suggests taking off the Galaxy Ring during weightlifting and other exercises involving machinery. This advice serves two purposes: safeguarding the ring itself and preventing hand injuries.
The support page indicates that wearing the ring during weightlifting "could cause hand injuries," implying that the ring might get caught or damaged during intense physical activity.
Comparisons with Other Wearable Rings
It’s worth mentioning that similar advice has been provided for other wearable rings, like the Oura ring. According to Tech Radar, the Oura ring’s support page doesn’t specifically mention magnets but advises "considering removing" the ring in high-friction situations, including weightlifting.
These restrictions underscore the early development stage of smart ring technology. While offering features such as fitness tracking, these devices may necessitate lifestyle adjustments compared to traditional wearables like smartwatches.
Informed Usage
As the wearable technology market continues to grow, it’s essential for consumers to carefully consider the limitations and care guidelines associated with these gadgets.
If you’re contemplating purchasing the Galaxy Ring, ensure you read the support documents thoroughly and watch reviews that may point out its drawbacks. Understanding these limitations can help you maximize the device’s benefits and avoid any potential damage or disrupted functionality.
Tags: Samsung Galaxy Ring, Usage Precautions, Wearable technology
July 20, 2024
Xiaomi Smart Band 9: 1.62″ AMOLED, 150+ Workouts, 21-Day Battery
Earlier today, Xiaomi hosted a launch event for its Redmi 70 series devices in China. During the event, the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 was also unveiled. This new smart band retains its familiar design but comes with premium upgrades, including a metal frame, a variety of colorful straps, and a special ceramic edition.
Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Specs & Features
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display that significantly enhances brightness (1200 nits) and offers over 200 watch faces for personalization. Compared to last year’s model, health monitoring has improved by 16% in heart rate accuracy, along with blood oxygen and stress tracking. Sleep tracking has also been enhanced to suggest optimal sleep cycles for better recovery.
With over 150 workout modes, including guided running courses, the Band 9 connects via Bluetooth 5.4 and offers basic smart features like music control, message replies, and weather updates. NFC is available on select models, enabling contactless payments. It is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for swimming, and its 233mAh battery promises 21 days of usage on a single charge.
Pricing & Availability
The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is available in three versions: the standard model without NFC, priced at CNY 249 (approximately $34); the model with NFC, priced at CNY 299 (approximately $41); and the Ceramic Special Edition, priced at CNY 349 (approximately $48). While the band itself is available only in Black, Argent, Pink Gold, and Blue, Xiaomi offers a variety of different strap styles separately. The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is already on sale in China, but details about its global launch remain unknown.
In Related News
In addition to the Smart Band 9, Xiaomi has introduced the Watch S4 Sport, a professional smartwatch unveiled at Lei Jun’s 2024 annual speech event. Key features include professional lactate threshold tests for monitoring and improving aerobic endurance, a sports algorithm by Suunto, and watch route navigation. The watch has a round dial, available in black and orange, with a rotating crown. Priced at 2,000 Yuan (~$275/€250), it features a titanium body, sapphire glass, and four strap options. The heart rate and blood-oxygen sensor boast 97.2% accuracy.
Tags: Xiaomi, Xiaomi Smart Band 9
July 20, 2024
Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport: Premium Watch with Professional Lactate Testing
Xiaomi has introduced the Watch S4 Sport during Lei Jun’s 2024 annual speech event. This new smartwatch supports professional lactate threshold tests, allowing users to monitor their peak aerobic endurance strength. This, in turn, helps improve endurance based on measured heart rate and pace training, thanks to the sports algorithm provided by Suunto, a well-known watchmaker.
Advanced Navigation and Design
Additionally, the Watch S4 Sport includes watch route navigation features such as tracking returns, straight-line returns, and deviation reminders. Official images reveal that the watch has a round dial available in black and orange. The rotating crown on the right side of the case is prominent, emphasizing its professional smartwatch positioning.
Premium Build and Features
This high-end watch comes with a price tag of 2,000 Yuan (approximately $275 or €250). It boasts a titanium body and sapphire glass, with four strap options: fluoroelastomer, silicone, braided, and titanium Milanese. The heart rate and blood-oxygen sensor on the back is also protected by sapphire glass, offering a 97.2% accuracy rate, according to the company.
The Watch S4 Sport is EN13319 diving certified, allowing users to dive up to 40m (130ft) deep. It also features offline map capabilities, courtesy of an eSIM, enabling users to leave their phones behind. NFC support is another highlight, allowing the watch to function as a car key.
Display and Battery Life
The smartwatch features a 1.43” OLED display with a peak brightness of 2,200 nits, ensuring excellent outdoor readability. It houses a substantial 586mAh battery, promising a battery life of 15 days. For reference, the previous model, the Watch S3, comes with a 486mAh battery.
Tags: High-End Features, Professional Smartwatch, Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport
July 20, 2024
Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Launched in India with AI Features
Earlier this year, Noise introduced the ColorFit Pulse 4 smartwatch in India. Now, the brand has unveiled a new version of the device called the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max. This latest iteration includes slightly improved features and is claimed to be the first smartwatch in India to incorporate AI capabilities. Let's delve into its offerings.
Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max Specifications
The Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max sports a design reminiscent of the Apple Watch. It features a square dial with a rotating crown located at the top right and a physical button just below. The smartwatch is equipped with a 1.96-inch AMOLED display that supports Always-On Display (AOD) mode. Users can personalize their watch faces, and with the AI Create feature, they can even generate AI-designed watch faces directly on the device.
The smartwatch includes standard health monitoring features such as a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, and trackers for sleep and stress. It also offers menstrual cycle tracking for women and includes a breathing practice reminder. The device supports tracking for over 100 different sports modes.
AI Search and Other Features
One of the standout features of the Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max is its AI Search capability. Users can ask questions by simply bringing the device close to their wrist. Additionally, the smartwatch can store up to 5 QR codes for quick access. It comes with a built-in microphone and speaker to facilitate Bluetooth calling. Other convenient features include notification display, weather updates, a calculator, and more. The ColorFit Pulse 4 Max boasts a battery life of up to 7 days.
The Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max is available in Jet Black, Deep Wine, Rose Gold, Space Blue, Black Link, and Calm Silver Link colors. It is priced at Rs 2,499 and will be available for purchase starting tomorrow on Amazon and Flipkart.
Tags: Generative AI Features, Noise ColorFit Pulse 4 Max, Smartwatch Specifications
July 18, 2024
Google Pixel Watch 3 Leak Suggests Price Increase
Google’s next-generation Pixel smartphones, smartwatch, and TWS earphones are expected to be unveiled next month. Leaks and rumors have revealed plenty of information about the devices. The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to come in two variants. In the latest development, the upcoming smartwatch’s pricing has been leaked for the European market courtesy of Dealabs. And it’s not looking good compared to last year’s Pixel 2 as well as Google’s competitors.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Pricing Surfaces
The Pixel Watch 3 is speculated to come in 41mm and 45mm sizes. The smaller version will be labeled standard, while the larger might be named XL. Both sizes are anticipated to be available in WiFi and 4G LTE versions.
The Pixel Watch 3 41mm with WiFi connectivity will reportedly cost €399 ($435), and the 4G LTE version will be priced at €499 ($546). The 45mm (XL) model with WiFi connectivity is expected to be available for €449 ($491), while the 4G LTE variant will carry a price tag of €549 ($601). There’s a €50 price difference between the WiFi and LTE versions of both models.
Color Options and Pricing Comparison
The report also states that the Pixel Watch 3 41mm and 45mm models will be available in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Hazel colors. The 41mm model will also come in an additional Pink shade.
According to the leaked pricing, the Pixel Watch 3 WiFi and LTE versions will be more expensive by €50 and €100 respectively compared to the Watch 2’s corresponding models. This makes the upcoming device pricier than the recently launched Galaxy Watch 7 WiFi model, which is priced at €319.
Regional Pricing Variations
It’s worth noting that the Pixel Watch 3’s pricing will vary depending on the market region. The EU prices don’t necessarily reflect US pricing, but a price hike could be likely.
Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3, Pricing Leaks, Smartwatch Models
July 18, 2024
boAt Smart Ring Active India Launch on July 20: Price Announced
Indian tech brand boAt is set to introduce its latest wearable, the boAt Smart Ring Active, on July 20th. This launch aims to follow the successful reception of their initial smart ring, bringing smart wearable technology closer to Indian consumers.
The boAt Smart Ring Active is priced significantly lower than its predecessor, debuting at Rs. 2,999. This competitive pricing makes it the most budget-friendly smart ring available in the Indian market, appealing to those who found earlier models too expensive. For context, boAt’s first smart ring was released in August 2023 with a price tag of Rs. 8,999.
Core Health Monitoring
Focusing on essential health tracking, the boAt Smart Ring Active automatically monitors heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), sleep, and stress levels. This provides users with a fundamental understanding of their overall health status.
The ring features Airtight technology and is crafted from stainless steel, ensuring durability and water resistance. It is available in three colors (black, silver, gold) and comes in five different sizes to cater to a variety of users. Moreover, a handy shake gesture feature allows users to capture photos with a simple hand movement.
Pre-Order Availability
Pre-orders for the boAt Smart Ring Active will commence on July 18th via Amazon, Flipkart, and the boAt website, with official sales launching on July 20th.
Tags: Affordable Wearable Tech, boAt Smart Ring Active, Health Monitoring Features
July 17, 2024
Xiaomi Band 9 Design and Specs Officially Confirmed
Xiaomi will unveil several new products during the fifth annual Lei Jun speech at 19:00 on July 9. The lineup includes the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4, Xiaomi Mix Flip, Redmi K70 Ultra, and the Xiaomi Smart Band 9.
Prior to this launch, the company has revealed the design and some specifications of these upcoming products. In this article, we will focus on the Xiaomi Smart Band 9. The company has released posters showcasing the Smart Band 9’s design, which you can view below.
The new product will feature a special edition with a white ceramic body. The wristband itself has a woven texture. According to a company representative, “Waving your hand and raising your wrist can show your fashionable personality.”
Enhanced Monitoring and Vibration Feedback
The Smart Band 9 is enhanced with an upgraded monitoring module, promising a 7.9% improvement in sleep monitoring accuracy and a 16% increase in heart rate monitoring accuracy. Additionally, the vibration feedback has been upgraded to support up to 20 vibration modes, covering over 25 usage scenarios.
Battery Life and Previous Model Comparison
Moreover, the company claims that the Smart Band 9 will offer a 21-day battery life. For context, its predecessor had a 16-day battery life.
To give you a better idea of what to expect, let’s review the features of the previous model. The Smart Band 8 sports a 1.62-inch screen with a peak brightness of 600 nits, auto-brightness, and a pixel density of 326ppi. It was priced at 239 Yuan.
Tags: Improved Features, Product Launch, Xiaomi Smart Band 9
July 17, 2024
vivo WATCH GT Bluetooth Edition Launched at $70
A few months back, vivo launched its e-SIM supported vivo WATCH GT smartwatch. Featuring a sleek design reminiscent of the Apple Watch, it was introduced in China with a price of around $100. Now, the company is reintroducing the WATCH GT model, this time without e-SIM support. The announcement for the Bluetooth variant was made on Weibo.
vivo WATCH GT Bluetooth
The vivo WATCH GT Bluetooth edition is scheduled to be unveiled on July 24. The company has disclosed the price, which will be 499 CNY, or approximately $70. It is anticipated that this new Bluetooth edition will retain the same specifications as the previously announced e-SIM variant.
vivo WATCH GT Specs
The e-SIM version of the WATCH GT features a 1.85-inch display with a resolution of 390 x 450. It is equipped with essential sensors such as heart rate and SpO2 monitoring, supports 100 different sports modes, and runs on Vivo’s BlueOS operating system.
The watch also includes NFC and offers up to 21 days of usage on a single charge with its 505 mAh battery. While the e-SIM model is priced at 799 CNY (approximately $100), the forthcoming Bluetooth variant will be available for 499 CNY (around $70).
Tags: Bluetooth edition, smartwatch release, vivo WATCH GT