Category: Wearables

March 5, 2025
Casio Edifice ECB-S10D Bluetooth Watches Coming Soon to the UK
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio Edifice ECB-S10D-2A and ECB-S10D-8A watches will soon launch in the UK, inspired by classic sports cars.
2. Both models feature Bluetooth connectivity, allowing smartphone integration for automatic time updates and additional functions.
3. Key functionalities include 38 time zone options, a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an automatic calendar until 2099.
4. The watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters, have a dual LED backlight, and a battery life of approximately two years.
5. Priced at £169, the specific launch date for the watches in the UK is not yet announced, and availability in other European countries remains uncertain.
The Casio Edifice ECB-S10D-2A and ECB-S10D-8A timepieces are set to debut in the UK soon. These models appeared on the Casio Europe website at the conclusion of February and can also be found in UK retail outlets. Much like other Edifice models, their design draws inspiration from timeless sports cars.
Features and Technology
The ECB-S10D is a hybrid timepiece that connects to smartphones via Bluetooth. With the help of the Casio Watches app, users can access features such as automatic time updates, support for world time across 300 cities, and a tool to help locate your phone. On the watch itself, you can select from 38 different time zones and utilize functions like a stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second, a countdown timer that spans 24 hours, and five daily alarms. Its calendar is automatic up to the year 2099, it includes a flight mode, and the hand shift feature allows for an unobscured smaller digital display.
Design and Durability
Additionally, a dual LED backlight makes it easy to read the watch in dim conditions. They also boast water resistance up to 100 meters and can last approximately two years on two SR726W batteries. Both models are crafted with a stainless steel casing and strap, featuring a hairline finish and a shiny bezel. The ECB-S10D-2A flaunts a blue dial, while the ECB-S10D-8A showcases a silver/dark metallic gray face.
Casio has announced that the Edifice ECB-S10D-2A and ECB-S10D-8A watches will be priced at £169 in the UK. However, a specific launch date has not been disclosed yet. It remains uncertain when or if these two models will be available in other European nations like the Netherlands and France, where recent listings of the Edifice EFR-575 chronographs have appeared. There is also no information available regarding a potential launch in North America.
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Tags: Casio EDIFICE, ECB-S10D-2A, ECB-S10D-8A
March 5, 2025
New Features for Google Pixel Watch 2 and 3 in March Update
Key Takeaways
1. Enhanced pedometer accuracy for activities like pushing strollers and hiking with walking sticks on Pixel Watch 2 and 3.
2. Menstrual cycle tracking integrated into the Fitbit app on the Pixel Watch 3, with predictive features for upcoming periods.
3. Automatic bedtime mode now available on Pixel Watch 2, turning off notifications and display when users fall asleep.
4. New feature to reduce power usage at night and minimize distractions.
5. Audio control option allows users to manage smartphone content directly from their watches.
Google has just announced its latest feature drop, which will soon be available for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 users. This update enhances the accuracy of the pedometer, particularly when users are engaged in activities like pushing a baby stroller, wheelchair, or shopping cart, as well as when hiking with walking sticks. The goal is to provide a more precise step count that aligns with daily objectives and the number of calories burned.
Menstrual Cycle Tracking
The Google Pixel Watch 3 now features menstrual cycle tracking directly integrated into the Fitbit app, so users can log and monitor their menstrual cycles right from their smartwatch. The app is also reported to have the ability to predict when the next period will occur. Additionally, the automatic bedtime mode, which has been a feature on the Pixel Watch 3 since its initial release, will also be available for the Pixel Watch 2 through this update. This mode allows the smartwatch to automatically detect when the user falls asleep, turning off notifications and the display.
Reducing Distractions
This feature is designed to help lessen power usage during the night and minimize distractions. Lastly, Google is launching a new audio control option that enables users to manage content playing on their smartphones from their watches. Users can pause, fast-forward, rewind, or even change the playback speed. As is typical, it may take several days for the update to be accessible for all Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 owners.
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Tags: Google Feature Drop, Pixel Watch 2, Pixel Watch 3
March 5, 2025
GlocalMe Launches PetPhone: The Smartphone for Your Cat
Key Takeaways
1. GlocalMe introduced the first smartphone-like collar for pets at MWC 2025, featuring health monitoring and two-way communication.
2. The collar can detect pet sounds to assess their emotional state and allows owners to soothe them with voice messages.
3. It includes advanced location tracking using multiple technologies, allowing real-time monitoring and safe zone alerts.
4. The device uses AI to recognize pet activities and track behavioral trends, notifying owners of unusual actions.
5. Pricing for the collar ranges from $199 to $299, with a planned global release in late 2025.
At the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025, GlocalMe introduced the “first smartphone made especially for pets.” This unique pet collar features sensors and health monitoring capabilities that can identify specific actions such as barking and enable two-way communication between pet and owner.
A Promising Tool
That’s a bold statement, but if it proves effective, it could be a fantastic resource for keeping an eye on your beloved pet.
Smart Features
According to GlocalMe, the collar can detect sounds that pets produce and inform you whether they are feeling calm or stressed. Should the collar pick up signs of distress, you can utilize the two-way voice feature to “call them” and soothe them with your own voice. Additionally, it can play pre-recorded voice messages to further assist in calming your furry friend.
Advanced Location Tracking
The PetPhone is equipped with tracking sensors that utilize GPS, AGPS, LBS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and active radar for real-time location monitoring. You can view your pet’s movements on a live map, allowing you to track and locate them easily. The device also lets you set “safe zones” through the app, sending you alerts if your pet strays too far. Moreover, the collar can emit ringtones to help locate your pet when needed.
GlocalMe claims that this gadget employs AI-based action recognition to identify activities like running, eating, or sleeping. It also keeps an eye on behavioral trends and can notify you of any unusual actions. The company states that the price range for this device will be between $199 (€186 or £155) and $299 (€280 or £233), depending on the version. GlocalMe aims to launch the product in the US, Europe, and select regions in Asia, with a global release set for late 2025.
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Tags: GlocalMe PetPhone, pet health monitoring, smartphone for pets
March 4, 2025
New Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Now Available in the US
Key Takeaways
1. Casio launched the G-Shock DW-6900TR series in the US as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the DW-6900 line.
2. The series includes three color options: black (DW-6900TR-1), red (DW-6900TR-4), and yellow (DW-6900TR-9), inspired by original colors from 1995.
3. Each watch features a case size of 53.2 × 50 × 18.7 mm and offers 200-meter water resistance.
4. Key functionalities include a multi-function alarm, countdown timer, 1/100-second stopwatch, and a battery life of 5 years.
5. The retail price for each model is $120 USD.
Casio has officially introduced the G-Shock DW-6900TR series in the United States. This launch represents a new step in their 30th-anniversary celebration of the DW-6900 line, as these models were previously available only in certain international locations. Now, customers in the US can finally purchase them.
Stylish Color Options
The DW-6900TR-1 (black), DW-6900TR-4 (red), and DW-6900TR-9 (yellow) pay homage to the original color variants that debuted in the DW-6900H back in 1995. Each model retains the iconic round shape but incorporates modern materials and several special details to celebrate the anniversary. Below are the specifics of the updates made to the series:
Key Specifications
Each watch has a case size of 53.2 × 50 × 18.7 mm, offers 200-meter water resistance, and features mineral glass along with a battery life of 5 years. The functionalities include a multi-function alarm, countdown timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and an hourly time signal, all powered by a CR2016 battery. The cost for each model is $120 USD.
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Tags: Casio, DW-6900TR, G-SHOCK
March 4, 2025
Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Notification Issues
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released a beta update (version 22.24) for the Forerunner series smartwatches, including models 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965.
2. This update focuses on fixing bugs, including issues with scheduled workouts, blank data in Daily Suggested Workouts, and crashes during smart notifications.
3. The Forerunner 165 received specific fixes for crashes in Connect IQ apps and notification sound problems.
4. The update rollout is currently at 20%, and users can manually check for updates in the settings menu.
5. The previous stable version 22.22 introduced new features like passcode protection and compatibility with the new HRM 200 heart rate monitor.
Garmin has started to release a new beta update for its Forerunner series smartwatches, including the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. The update, version 22.24, comes out a few weeks after the stable version 22.22, which introduced features like passcode protection, Body Battery TrueUp, and compatibility with the new HRM 200 heart rate monitor (currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon).
Focused on Fixes
As expected, the beta version 22.24 primarily addresses various bugs. Garmin has worked on issues such as scheduled workouts showing on incorrect days in certain time zones and completed Daily Suggested Workouts displaying blank data. Additionally, the crashes that users experienced when trying to use the keyboard to reply to smart notifications during workouts have been reportedly fixed. Moreover, problems regarding virtual partner pace, dynamic source switching, and last activity have also been taken care of.
Specific Improvements for Forerunner 165
Only the Forerunner 165 smartwatch has received a fix concerning crashes in Connect IQ apps, which were linked to radial or angled text. Furthermore, some users of the Forerunner 165 pointed out issues with notification sounds; these have now been rectified. According to a post on the Garmin forum, the rollout of the beta version 22.24 is currently at 20%. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
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Tags: Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Garmin
March 4, 2025
Casio MRW-230H Rotating Bezel Watches Now in the UK
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio MRW-230H-1E series is now available for sale in the UK, with three models priced at £39.90 each.
2. The watches feature a marine-inspired design with a black resin case and strap, and different bezel colors for each model: black, blue/red, and green.
3. These watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters and have a battery life of about three years.
4. The analog face includes hour, minute, second hands, day of the week, date display, and a rotating bezel that functions as a timer.
5. Future availability of the MRW-230H series in other regions, including the US, is still uncertain, but demand is growing among watch enthusiasts.
The Casio MRW-230H-1E series of analog watches are now on sale in the UK. These models were listed on the brand’s global website in early February, but details about their release and pricing in other markets remained uncertain.
Pricing and Models
You can now find the Casio MRW-230H-1E1V, MRW-230H-1E2V, and MRW-230H-1E3V analog watches in the UK priced at £39.90. These timepieces are described as having a “marine inspired” design, featuring a black resin case and strap. Notably, the MRW-230H-1E1V comes with a black aluminum bezel, while the MRW-230H-1E2V boasts a blue and red bezel, and the MRW-230H-1E3V has a green bezel.
Features and Specifications
These Casio MRW-230H watches have a water resistance of up to 100 meters and are designed to last about three years on an SR626SW battery. The analog face includes hour, minute, and second hands, all shielded by resin glass. It also displays the day of the week and date, plus the rotating bezel functions as a timer. According to Casio, the watches are accurate to within 20 seconds each month. It is still unknown when these Casio MRW-230H watches will be available in other European nations or in markets such as the US.
Future Availability
Casio’s plans for expanding the availability of these watches in different regions remain unclear, but the excitement around the MRW-230H series is growing. The combination of style and functionality in these timepieces makes them a great option for watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. Keep an eye out for updates on their release in various countries.
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Tags: analog watches, Casio MRW-230H, water resistant
March 4, 2025
Meta Launches Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Heart Rate Tracking
Key Takeaways
1. Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses are displayless and available only to research partners, not for public sale.
2. The glasses feature enhanced sensors including RGB camera, eye tracking, and spatial microphones for better context recognition.
3. A new PPG sensor monitors heart rate, and real-time processing allows for precise indoor and outdoor location tracking.
4. Improved battery life by 40% allows for six to eight hours of continuous use while weighing approximately 75g.
5. The glasses aim to assist individuals with blindness or visual impairments through collaboration with Envision’s Ally AI assistant.
Meta has revealed the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, which are displayless. These glasses come from the company’s AR and AI research initiative known as Project Aria, which began in 2020. However, this new version will only be accessible to research partners and won’t be available for the general public to purchase.
Enhanced Features
Meta states that the Aria Gen 2 glasses have improved capabilities to grasp human perspective and can recognize the surrounding context of the wearer. For instance, features like eye tracking and hand tracking help to precisely identify what the user is doing. When compared to the Aria Gen 1, there’s a notable upgrade in the sensor suite, which now includes an RGB camera, a 6DOF SLAM camera, eye-tracking cameras, spatial microphones, IMUs, a barometer, a magnetometer, and GNSS.
New Sensors and Battery Life
A new PPG sensor is included to monitor the user’s heart rate, while a contact microphone allows the glasses to detect if the wearer is talking or if it’s someone else nearby. The Aria Gen 2 can also process signals directly on the device in real-time and pinpoint your location both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it features built-in open-ear force-cancelling speakers for audio enjoyment. The battery has been improved by 40%, providing six to eight hours of use continuously. Still, the weight remains around 75g, maintaining the same foldable arms design as before.
Future Applications
The Aria Gen 2 glasses aim to enhance accessibility for people with blindness or visual impairments. Envision, a company in the field, is collaborating to integrate its Ally AI assistant with these smart glasses. A promotional video shows this technology being utilized in a grocery store, where a shopper is assisted in locating red onions. It remains uncertain when this technology will be broadly available. For those interested in purchasing smart glasses for casual use, the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Regular Black Wayfarer, currently priced at $299 on Amazon) could be a good option.
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Tags: Aria Gen 2, Meta, smart glasses
March 4, 2025
RayNeo Air 3s Launch: Affordable Upgraded XR Glasses at MWC 2025
Key Takeaways
1. RayNeo Air 3s launched at a budget-friendly price of $259, down from $399 for Air 2s.
2. Enhanced HueView screen technology offers a micro-OLED display for vibrant colors and rich blacks.
3. Air 3s conform to IMAX Enhanced standards with impressive color accuracy and contrast ratio.
4. Improved peak brightness of 650 nits for better viewing in bright environments.
5. New dual-speaker setup claims a 200% increase in audio quality, with a launch planned for April 2025.
RayNeo has unveiled the Air 3s during MWC 2025, aiming to provide a budget-friendly option for XR glasses with enhanced specifications compared to the Air 2s. The pricing for these new XR glasses is set at $259 per pair, a notable reduction from the $399 launch price of their predecessors.
Improved Features
Despite the price drop, the Air 3s seem to be a superior option compared to RayNeo’s previous model, the Air 2s. A significant enhancement is the introduction of HueView screen technology, which features a micro-OLED display with a tandem OLED structure. According to RayNeo, this advancement allows the new XR glasses to deliver exceptionally vibrant colors and rich blacks.
Performance Metrics
RayNeo also asserts that the Air 3s conform to IMAX Enhanced standards, boasting an impressive 145% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 accuracy, a contrast ratio of 200,000:1, and color accuracy rated at △E<2. In our hands-on review of the Air 2s, we found that while the display provided an engaging viewing experience, some users reported issues with blurry corners. Thankfully, the new model seems to have addressed this problem with a larger eye box.
Audio and Launch Details
Another improvement in the Air 3s is the peak brightness, which has increased from 600 nits to 650 nits. This enhancement should contribute to a better viewing experience, even in bright environments. In our review of the Air 2s, we noted the audio quality from the built-in speakers was not very impressive (EarFun Air Pro 4 currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon).
It appears that the RayNeo Air 3s has also made strides in audio. The company is claiming a 200% increase in sound quality thanks to a new dual-speaker setup. As for availability, RayNeo plans to launch the new XR glasses in April 2025.
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Tags: HueView technology, RayNeo Air 3s, XR glasses
March 4, 2025
HONOR Watch 5 Ultra Launch: Grade 5 Titanium, 1.5″ AMOLED, Health Scan
Key Takeaways
1. Durable Design: The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra features a lightweight Grade 5 titanium casing and scratch-resistant sapphire glass for enhanced protection.
2. Impressive Battery Life: The smartwatch has a 480mAh battery that can last up to 15 days under normal use.
3. Advanced Health Monitoring: It offers real-time tracking of heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and sleep quality through various health features.
4. Extensive Fitness Capabilities: With over 100 sports modes and a 40-meter free dive capability, it is suitable for a wide range of activities.
5. Smart Connectivity: The watch is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS, ensuring reliable connectivity for outdoor activities.
HONOR has unveiled the Watch 5 Ultra during the Mobile World Congress 2025, a high-end smartwatch that focuses on both durability and health monitoring. This device boasts a lightweight Grade 5 titanium casing, sapphire glass for enhanced protection, and a variety of fitness features. It is priced at €279 (around $289) and will soon be available in Europe, offered in Black with a fluoroelastomer strap and Brown with a leather strap.
Features of the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra
The smartwatch comes with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, featuring a 60Hz refresh rate and 310 PPI resolution, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Its 480mAh battery can last up to 15 days under normal use. With more than 100 sports modes, it can support activities such as a 40-meter free dive. This watch is rated 5ATM for water resistance and holds an IP68 certification for dust and water protection.
Health Monitoring Capabilities
A significant aspect of the Watch 5 Ultra is its health tracking features. The Quick Health Scan offers real-time information about heart rate, SpO2, and stress levels, while the Healthy Morning Report gives insights into sleep quality and recovery. Additionally, it continuously tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and daily activity.
Powered by MagicOS 7.2, it is compatible with devices running Android 9.0 and above as well as iOS 13.0 and higher. It comes with 8GB of storage for applications and offline music. Users can navigate through the watch using a rotating crown with various press functions and a secondary button for quick menu access. Measuring 46.3mm by 11.4mm and weighing 51.8g without the strap, it offers a combination of strength and comfort for everyday wear.
Connectivity and Design
Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS, the watch provides reliable connectivity for outdoor activities. The 40-meter dive mode enhances its functionality beyond typical fitness watches, and the titanium casing contributes to a premium appearance for those who seek a robust yet fashionable wearable.
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Tags: Health Tracking, Honor Watch 5 Ultra, Smartwatch
March 3, 2025
Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition: Ice Blue Dial & 100m Water Resistance
Key Takeaways
1. The Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition watch features a design inspired by sunlight reflecting off ocean waters, with a 40 mm stainless steel octagonal case.
2. Its unique ice blue geometric dial sparkles like a calm sea, with lume-coated sword hands and baton indices for enhanced visibility.
3. The watch is powered by Citizen’s caliber 9051 movement, allowing automatic and manual winding, with a 42-hour power reserve and improved magnetic resistance.
4. It has a water resistance rating of 100 m (~10 bar) and is made with durable sapphire crystal, along with a stainless steel bracelet featuring H-shaped links and a push-button clasp.
5. The limited edition watch is priced at $1,300 or €895, with only 1,800 pieces available for purchase.
Citizen, a well-known watch brand from Japan, has introduced a fresh model called the Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition mechanical watch. The design of this timepiece is said to draw inspiration from sunlight bouncing off the clear blue waters of the ocean. In terms of design, the 831 aligns closely with the sleekest variants of the Series 8 collection. More precisely, this watch boasts a 40 mm stainless steel octagonal case featuring a date window and a singular screw-down crown positioned at 3 o’clock.
Unique Dial Features
What sets the Citizen Series 8 831 apart is its ice blue geometric dial texture, which Citizen claims sparkles and reflects light similarly to a tranquil sea’s surface. The elegant ice blue dial is embellished with lume-coated sword hands and baton indices, enhancing visibility in darker environments.
Technical Specifications
Inside the 831 lies Citizen’s own mid-range caliber 9051 movement, which allows for both automatic and manual winding. This movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound, ensuring accuracy of -10/+20 seconds daily. It also features improved magnetic resistance, safeguarding the watch from everyday magnetic fields.
Durability and Availability
Moreover, this watch includes the same durable sapphire crystal found in other models of the Series 8. It has a water resistance rating of 100 m (~10 bar), making it suitable for typical water exposure. Additionally, Citizen provides H-shaped links that are brushed with polished highlights, accompanied by a stainless steel bracelet that has a folding clasp with a push-button release.
The Citizen Series 8 831 is currently available for purchase from Citizen’s official site and select authorized retailers at a price of $1,300 or €895. Keep in mind that this is a limited edition, with only 1,800 pieces produced. For more information, check out the official product page for the Series 8 831 watch.
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Tags: Citizen Series 8 831, limited edition watch, Mechanical Timepiece