Category: Wearables

  • Fi Mini Fitness Trackers for Cats and Dogs with GPS and LTE-M

    Fi Mini Fitness Trackers for Cats and Dogs with GPS and LTE-M

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Fi Mini is a compact smart tracker for cats and dogs, measuring 1.65 x 1.18 x 0.49 inches and weighing 0.56 ounces.
    2. It continuously monitors pet activity and sleep patterns, with upcoming AI health monitoring and Apple Watch integration for early health detection.
    3. The tracker features built-in GPS and LTE-M connectivity for quick recovery of lost pets and is waterproof with an IP68 rating.
    4. The Mini has a one-time activation fee of $20 and requires a membership costing $79 every six months, $129 annually, or $239 for two years.
    5. The Fi Mini is available for purchase on the Fi website, while the larger Fi Series 3+ collar can be found on Amazon.

    Fi has introduced the Mini, its tiniest smart tracker designed for both cats and dogs. This compact device measures 1.65 x 1.18 x 0.49 inches (42mm x 30mm x 12.5 mm) and weighs only 0.56 ounces (16 g).

    Tracking Features

    This durable device monitors your pet’s activity and sleep patterns continuously, giving pet owners peace of mind. Later this year, it will also feature AI-driven health monitoring and integration with Apple Watch for early detection of potential health problems. With built-in GPS and LTE-M cellular connectivity via Verizon, it allows for swift recovery if your pet decides to explore the city on their own. The waterproof tracker, rated IP68, reportedly lasts up to three weeks on a single charge, according to Fi.

    Cost of Pet Care

    Pets are living longer lives thanks to better nutrition and care, but veterinary costs and insurance can still be high. For instance, the average expense for accident and illness insurance for dogs in 2024 is $749.29. The Mini tracker involves a one-time activation fee of $20 and requires a service membership. Membership options are $79 every six months, $129 for a year, or $239 for two years. This subscription includes unlimited Verizon cellular service.

    Where to Buy

    You can buy the Fi Mini from the Fi website right now. The larger Fi Series 3+ dog collar (available on Amazon) includes LED lights, making it easier to find pets in low-light situations. As always, it’s advisable for owners to take their dogs for walks on a leash, ideally attached to a harness (like this one on Amazon), to reduce the risk of them running off.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • Amazfit Metal Smartwatch Strap and Helio Strap Colorways Revealed

    Amazfit Metal Smartwatch Strap and Helio Strap Colorways Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Amazfit accessories include colorful bands for the Helio Strap fitness tracker and Active 2 smartwatch.
    2. The Active 2 features a luxury metal strap with a folding clasp and vibrant silicone straps.
    3. A pink Helio strap with a nylon design and velcro closure has been showcased, but its release is uncertain.
    4. Unreleased colorful straps for the Active 2 and the pink Helio Strap may not be available to the public yet.
    5. A white variant of the Helio Strap is speculated to launch by the end of September.

    New Amazfit wearable accessories have been seen making the rounds on social media. Recently, a post featuring brand ambassador and tennis player Jasmine Paolini reveals new bands for the Helio Strap fitness tracker and the Active 2 (Round) smartwatch, which is currently priced at $99.99 on Amazon.

    Luxury Designs and New Colors

    In the video showcasing the Active 2, a “luxury” metal strap is highlighted, complete with a folding clasp. This multi-row strap features silver links on the outside and gold links in the center. Additionally, the video presents three vibrant silicone straps for the Active 2 smartwatch. One of them seems to be the Blush 20 mm variant, which can be found at the brand’s online shop for $19.99. Alongside this, there are light blue and dark blue versions that are not yet available for purchase.

    Unreleased Products and Their Future

    Another new product featured in the video is a pink Helio strap. This strap has a light pink nylon design and appears to use a velcro closure, similar to the original version. It’s still uncertain if these colorful straps for the Active 2 and the pink Helio Strap will be made available to the public. Just to note, the HYROX-branded Helio Strap, which was previously highlighted on social media to promote the fitness tracker, is not widely available yet.

    Anticipating the White Variant

    In a different post, the Helio Strap in white has reappeared, having been noticed earlier in the year. Speculation indicates that this white version could be launched by the end of September.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: , ,
  • New Breath Sensor Diagnoses Diabetes in Minutes, Research Shows

    New Breath Sensor Diagnoses Diabetes in Minutes, Research Shows

    Key Takeaways

    1. A new sensor can diagnose diabetes and prediabetes quickly using a breath sample, offering results in just a few minutes.
    2. The device measures acetone levels in breath, with levels above 1.8 parts per million indicating diabetes, unlike traditional blood glucose testing.
    3. This breath-based sensor is more convenient than existing methods that require inducing sweat through exercise or chemicals.
    4. The sensor is made from a porous graphene structure combined with zinc oxide, designed specifically to detect acetone while blocking water.
    5. Future improvements may include a sensor that can be used directly under the nose or mask, and adaptations for other types of tests.

    Diagnosing diabetes might become as easy as breathing into a container, thanks to a new sensor created by a team led by Cheng. This device, outlined in Chemical Engineering Journal, can detect diabetes and prediabetes using a breath sample in just a few minutes.

    A Convenient Alternative

    This innovation could serve as a more convenient option compared to existing diagnostic methods that involve lab testing. Rather than measuring blood glucose, the sensor checks the level of acetone in a person’s breath. Humans naturally exhale acetone when they burn fat, and levels above 1.8 parts per million suggest diabetes.

    Simplifying the Process

    While there are sensors available that can detect glucose in sweat, these require inducing sweat through various means like exercise or chemicals, which aren’t always feasible. In contrast, this sensor simply needs you to breathe into a bag, dip the sensor in, and wait for results for a few minutes, says Cheng.

    To develop this sensor, the team used a laser to transform a carbon-based material into a highly porous graphene structure, which they compared to burning bread until it turns black. To make sure the sensor is finely tuned for acetone detection, they combined the graphene with zinc oxide and included a selective membrane that blocks water but allows acetone to pass.

    Future Innovations

    The team is currently working on creating an enhanced sensor that can be used directly under the nose or mask, removing the need for a bag altogether. They also aim to modify the sensor for additional types of tests.

    Source:
    Link

     

  • New Casio G-Shock Hybrid Watches Coming to Europe Soon

    New Casio G-Shock Hybrid Watches Coming to Europe Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio launched two new hybrid watches, GA-010GGB-1A9 and GA-100GGB-1A9, in Europe as part of the G-Shock Black and Gold series.
    2. Both models are available on the Casio online store in select European countries, but a specific release date is not confirmed.
    3. The GA-010GGB-1A9 features a gold vapor deposition face, a black bezel, and a range of functions including a stopwatch and alarms, priced at €149.
    4. The GA-100GGB-1A9 has a gold watch face with black accents, includes advanced features like a 1/1000th stopwatch, and is priced at €129.
    5. Casio ID members can sign up for email alerts about the launch in their area.

    Casio has announced the launch of two new hybrid watches from its G-Shock Black and Gold series in Europe. The models GA-010GGB-1A9 and GA-100GGB-1A9 were first revealed earlier this year, joining two other models that are already on sale in the US and Japan.

    Availability in Europe

    In countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, both the G-Shock GA-010GGB-1A9 and GA-100GGB-1A9 can be found on the Casio online store. While these models are marked as ‘coming soon’, Casio has yet to provide a specific release date. Members of Casio ID can sign up to get an email alert about the launch in their area.

    Features of the GA-010GGB-1A9

    The GA-010GGB-1A9 features a gold vapor deposition face, along with a gold mirror LCD display, all set within a black bezel, casing, and strap. The lower digital screen shows the day of the week and the date, with the two upper indicators offering functions like a 1/100th second stopwatch, timer, and alarms. Users can select from 31 time zones, and the two analog hands are touted to stay accurate within 15 seconds each month. The retail price for the Casio G-Shock GA-010GGB-1A9 in the EU is €149.

    Specifications of the GA-100GGB-1A9

    The GA-100GGB-1A9 showcases a gold watch face accented with black, along with a black resin casing and strap. It includes two analog hands and various positive displays that indicate the date and day of the week. At the top of the watch face, there are three dials that connect to features such as a 1/1000th stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Additionally, this watch provides world time support with the Home City Time Swap function. The price for the Casio G-Shock GA-100GGB-1A9 is slightly lower at €129.

    Source:
    Link

    New Casio G-Shock Hybrid Watches Coming to Europe Soon

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600: New Details Before Official Launch

    Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600: New Details Before Official Launch

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600 will be manufactured in Thailand, with most entry-level and mid-range models produced outside Japan.
    2. The watch will maintain the classic square design of the GW-M5610U series but will include improved features like a memory-in-pixel LCD, Bluetooth, and Tough Solar charging.
    3. It will offer advanced functionalities such as tracking multiple time zones and customizable display layouts.
    4. The expected price is around ¥30,000 (approximately $220–230), slightly higher than the previous GW-M5610U-1JF model.
    5. The model may introduce new features indicated by the “X” in its name, with a potential launch set for 2026.

    Casio’s new G-Shock GW-BX5600 has been confirmed to be made in Thailand, according to local certification and manufacturing info – thanks to Great G-Shock World. Casio has been making most of their entry-level and mid-range G-Shocks outside of Japan, mainly in Thailand and China. They keep their Japanese factories for the more premium and limited-edition models. The GW-BX5600 is also registered globally, so a worldwide announcement should be coming soon.

    Design and Features

    As mentioned before, this watch is set to keep the classic square shape that fans love from the GW-M5610U series, but will come with better internals, such as a memory-in-pixel (MIP) LCD screen, Bluetooth capability, and Tough Solar charging. Its display can track multiple time zones, including triple world time, and offers customizable layouts for showing time, date, and weekday. Pricing is expected to be around ¥30,000 (about $220–230), which is a bit higher than the previous model, GW-M5610U-1JF, but still reasonable when compared to top-tier G-Shock watches.

    Potential Features of the GW-BX5600

    The “X” in the model name might indicate the use of carbon fiber parts or suggest a new “X” sub-line in the GW-B series, but this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Details on the launch and specific pricing are still awaited from Casio, with the watch likely set to hit the market in 2026.

    Source:
    Link

    Casio G-Shock GW-BX5600: New Details Before Official Launch

     

    Tags: ,
  • Google Pixel Watch 4 Teardown: Easy Battery and Display Replacement

    Google Pixel Watch 4 Teardown: Easy Battery and Display Replacement

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Google Pixel Watch 4 has a revamped design with a curved OLED screen and simpler casing.
    2. Accessing internal components requires unscrewing just two T2 screws located under the band pocket.
    3. The display can be removed in about 13 minutes, making it user-friendly for repairs.
    4. The smartwatch features a waterproof design but only meets the IP68 standard, limiting swimming use.
    5. The Pixel Watch 4 is easier to repair compared to both the Apple Watch and the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

    The Google Pixel Watch 4 may seem very much like the Pixel Watch 3 at first sight, but Google has totally revamped its design. They’ve changed the casing, including a curved OLED screen and a metal frame that’s simpler to open. Although the smartwatch won’t be available until October 9, Wired has already dissected it.

    Easy Access to Components

    To get inside, you just need to unscrew two T2 screws that are tucked away under the band pocket. After that, the back can be taken off, allowing access to various parts, including sensors, the vibration motor, and the battery. If you want to swap out the battery, you only need to take out the vibration motor and then unscrew two more T2 screws that hold the battery securely.

    Quick Display Removal

    After the battery is out, you can take off the display by unplugging the appropriate cable from the motherboard and taking out four screws. Wired reported that removing the screen took only 13 minutes during their teardown, making it fairly straightforward for users with limited repair skills to change the Pixel Watch 4’s display without too much trouble.

    Waterproof Design

    A silicone ring surrounds the display to help keep the smartwatch watertight even after you change the screen. However, it only meets the IP68 standard, which means you can’t wear the watch while swimming. The teardown results indicate that the Pixel Watch 4 is significantly easier to fix compared to the Apple Watch, and it’s even a bit simpler than the “repairable” Galaxy Watch Ultra.

    Source:
    Link

    Google Pixel Watch 4 Teardown: Easy Battery and Display Replacement

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Casio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauri

    Casio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauri

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio’s Edifice series has gained popularity through collaborations with racing teams and automotive brands since the mid-2010s.
    2. The longest-running partnership is with Scuderia Toro Rosso/Scuderia AlphaTauri, starting in 2016, resulting in multiple generations of watches.
    3. TOM’S Racing Team has a rich collaboration history with Edifice, beginning in 2013, known for competing in Super GT and Super Formula championships.
    4. The NISMO collaboration has produced advanced models, including the ECB-S10NIS-7AJR Heritage Edition, set for release in September 2025 at around €299.
    5. The ECB-S10NIS-7AJR features smartphone connectivity, multiple timekeeping functions, and a unique design with a light silver dial and accents inspired by NISMO’s history.

    We have discussed G-Shock collaboration watches before, and there are many out there. Nevertheless, with the rapid growth of Casio’s Edifice series, it’s worth looking at its collaborations with racing teams and automotive brands. These watches have real, distinctive design features that make them stand out from regular Edifice models. Most of these collaborations started to gain popularity around the mid-2010s.

    Popular Casio Edifice Collaborations

    Below are some of the most well-known Casio Edifice collaboration watches released so far.

    The longest-running partnership in motorsports for Casio began in 2016 with Scuderia Toro Rosso, which later changed its name to Scuderia AlphaTauri. This collaboration has led to multiple generations of watches being created.

    Another notable partnership is with TOM’S Racing Team, which was founded in 1974 and is famous for competing in Super GT and Super Formula championships. They have one of the most extensive histories collaborating with Edifice, starting in 2013.

    The NISMO Collaboration

    The partnership with NISMO (Nissan Motorsports International) has resulted in some of the most advanced and stunning collaboration models.

    One standout piece is the ECB-S10NIS-7AJR Heritage Edition, which pays homage to NISMO’s activities from 1984 to 1997, showcasing the original oval NISMO logo. According to European retail listings, this watch is set to release in September 2025, with a price around €299, though both timing and pricing are subject to confirmation in different regions.

    Specifications and Features

    This watch has dimensions of roughly 48 x 43 x 9.6 mm and weighs about 69 g. It features a stainless steel case and bezel, topped with sapphire crystal, and boasts a water resistance rating of 10 bar. The base model is from the slim ECB-S10 series and includes smartphone connectivity and sapphire crystal.

    The strap is designed with white leather on top and a suede-like material underneath – red for the short strap and blue for the long one – and is printed with names of NISMO champions from the years 1984 to 1997. The dial is a light silver color with red and blue accents, showcasing a glow-in-the-dark NISMO logo at the 12 o’clock position, along with “Sapphire” text styled to match the Calsonic Skyline R32 windshield decal.

    In terms of functionality, it is an analog-digital Bluetooth model that works with the Casio Watches app. Additional features include world time (for 38 cities), a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, multiple alarms, a double LED “Super Illuminator,” a phone finder, and the standard ECB-S10 series setup.

    Casio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauriCasio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauriCasio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauriCasio Edifice Collaboration Watches: NISMO, TOM’S, Honda, AlphaTauri

     

    Tags:
  • Oppo Responds to Apple’s Lawsuit Over Watch Trade Secrets Theft

    Oppo Responds to Apple’s Lawsuit Over Watch Trade Secrets Theft

    Key Takeaways

    1. Apple has filed a lawsuit against former employee Chen Shi for allegedly stealing confidential information related to the Apple Watch before joining Oppo.
    2. Shi reportedly downloaded 63 protected documents and transferred them to a USB drive just before leaving Apple, claiming he was returning to China for family reasons.
    3. A message exchange between Shi and Oppo’s Vice President suggests Shi was gathering information with Oppo’s knowledge, raising concerns about corporate espionage.
    4. Oppo has denied any wrongdoing, stating they found no evidence connecting Shi’s actions to their company and respect the trade secrets of all companies, including Apple.
    5. Apple has a history of monitoring employees and has faced previous lawsuits related to employee surveillance, which may impact the current case.

    Last week, on August 22, Apple took legal action in federal court against a former employee, accusing him of stealing confidential information. This individual was said to have taken data from the Apple Watch division before moving to Oppo. In response, the Chinese tech company has stated that they found no evidence supporting Apple’s claims.

    Background on the Allegations

    According to a report by Bloomberg on the same day, Chen Shi, a former sensor system architect at Apple, intended to join Oppo but did not disclose this to his employer. Instead, he told Apple he was returning to China to care for his parents. Prior to his departure, Shi attended multiple meetings to collect data on health-related research and allegedly downloaded 63 protected documents late at night. Moreover, it was reported that he transferred these files to a USB drive just a day before he left.

    Communication Revealed

    Adding to the situation, a message exchange between Shi and Oppo’s Vice President of Health has come to light. In this conversation, Shi mentioned he was gathering as much information as possible, and the VP responded with an OK emoji. Apple contends that Oppo was aware of Shi’s plans and even encouraged his actions. Shi has reportedly begun working at Oppo’s research unit located in Silicon Valley.

    Oppo’s Official Response

    In an email to Android Authority, Oppo provided an official statement regarding the lawsuit. The statement reads:

    “We are aware of the recent lawsuit filed by Apple in California and have carefully reviewed the allegations in Apple’s complaint. We have found no evidence establishing any connection between these allegations and the employee’s conduct during his employment at OPPO.

    OPPO respects the trade secrets of all companies, including Apple, and OPPO has not misappropriated Apple’s trade secrets. OPPO will actively cooperate with the legal process, and we are confident that fair judicial proceedings will clarify the facts.”

    In the past, Apple has faced accusations of monitoring its employees, given its policy that allows for “physical, video, and electronic surveillance,” along with searching both Apple and non-Apple devices on “company premises.” A lawsuit from Amar Bhakta was filed in December of the previous year, but it’s uncertain what the current status is. Bhakta continues to work at Apple as a Digital Ad Tech and Operations Manager. Given this context, it is not surprising that Apple has a record of the message exchange, whether it occurred on a company device or a personal one. If the claims prove to be true, this could escalate into a significant case of corporate espionage.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags: ,
  • Huawei Launches Watch GT 6 with Advanced Outdoor Sports Tracking

    Huawei Launches Watch GT 6 with Advanced Outdoor Sports Tracking

    Key Takeaways

    1. Huawei will unveil the Watch GT 6 in September 2025 in Paris.
    2. The new tagline for the smartwatch is “Ride the Wind,” emphasizing high-performance features for activities like skiing, cycling, running, and golf.
    3. The GT 6 is expected to have Super Accuracy GPS and Ultra-Long Battery Life for extended use.
    4. Potential new colors for the GT 6 include purple for the 41mm model and green for the 46mm model, with classic design elements like an octagonal bezel.
    5. The Samsung Galaxy Watch8 Classic is currently priced at $499 on Amazon.

    Huawei has announced that it will reveal its upcoming “Innovative Product” in Paris, the Watch GT 6, in September 2025.

    New Tagline Unveiled

    In anticipation of this launch, the company has shared the smartwatch’s new tagline: “Ride the Wind.” This phrase seems to highlight the new features that suggest improved performance during high-speed activities.

    The activities hinted at include downhill skiing, cycling, running, and golf, which was a standout feature in the GT 5 Pro during its introduction.

    Promising Specifications

    The successor to the GT 5 Pro is expected to provide Super Accuracy with its built-in GPS. The GT 6 is also rumored to offer an impressive number of days of use per charge, owing to its “Ultra-Long Battery Life.”

    Promotional materials for the GT 6 have not yet indicated its potential new colors, which are thought to be purple (for the 41mm model) and green (for the larger 46mm variant). However, it has already been shown to include classic design elements, like an octagonal bezel and a rotating side button.

    Source:
    Link

     

    Tags:
  • Casio Edifice Launches New Watches with Clous de Paris Dial

    Casio Edifice Launches New Watches with Clous de Paris Dial

    Key Takeaways

    1. Four new Casio Edifice EFV-160D watches will be introduced in various European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
    2. The watches feature distinct face colors: black (EFV-160D-1AV), blue (EFV-160D-2AV), green (EFV-160D-3AV), and silver (EFV-160D-7AV), priced at €99.90 each.
    3. The design includes a Clous de Paris embossed pattern on the dial, along with a thickness of 10 mm and dimensions of 40 x 47.5 mm.
    4. These watches offer water resistance up to 10 bar and a comfortable metal band design.
    5. The EFV-160D series maintains accuracy within 20 seconds per month and features a date display, lasting about three years on an SR920SW battery.

    Four new Casio Edifice watches are set to be introduced in more European nations. The EFV-160D analog models were first seen on the brand’s UK online shop, where they are currently sold out.

    New Listings Across Europe

    Recently, Casio has added the EFV-160D-1AV (with a black face), EFV-160D-2AV (featuring a blue face), EFV-160D-3AV (showing a green face), and EFV-160D-7AV (boasting a silver face) to their websites in countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. The retail price for these watches is €99.90. Although the listings do not specify when they will be released, they are labeled as ‘coming soon’. If you want to be updated on their availability, consider joining the Casio email list.

    Design and Features

    The Casio Edifice EFV-160D series showcases the Clous de Paris design on the dial, which is an embossed pattern resembling tiny pyramids. These watches have a thickness of 10 mm (~0.4 inches) and measure 40 x 47.5 mm (~1.6 x 1.9 inches) in diameter, featuring slightly domed glass for better visibility. Additionally, they offer water resistance up to 10 bar, and the new metal band design is reputed to be especially comfortable.

    Performance and Durability

    The Casio Edifice EFV-160D timepieces come with three analog hands for hour, minute, and second indicators. They are claimed to maintain accuracy within 20 seconds each month, and the dial includes a simple date display. With a Screw Lock Back, these watches are expected to last around three years on an SR920SW battery. It remains uncertain if or when the Casio Edifice EFV-160D watches will be launched in the US market.

    Source:
    Link

    Casio Edifice Launches New Watches with Clous de Paris Dial

     

    Tags: , ,