Category: Wearables

  • Amazfit Active smartwatch to be launched in India on Feb 10, featuring a 1.75-inch AMOLED display

    Amazfit Active smartwatch to be launched in India on Feb 10, featuring a 1.75-inch AMOLED display

    Just last month, Amazfit teased the launch of a new smartwatch model in the Indian market. The wearable in question is dubbed the Amazfit Active, which is a smartwatch that appears quite similar to the Apple Watch in design. While the earlier teaser didn’t reveal finer details regarding the smartwatch, the latest announcement has confirmed its official launch date.

    Amazfit Active India Launch Date

    The company has officially revealed that the Amazfit Active smartwatch will be announced on 10th February 2024. The Indian release follows after the global market launch alongside the Amazfit Active Edge. This model is set to launch with the AI powered Zepp Coach that provides personalized fitness advice. This integrates advanced technology with everyday health and fitness activities.

    Sleek Design and Features

    The smartwatch features a sleek design, weighing just 24 grams without the strap. It sports a 1.75-inch AMOLED display that offers 450 x 390 pixel resolution. It has a curved glass panel with a 73 percent screen-to-body ratio. For protection, it comes with 5ATM water resistance as well. Another notable aspect is the Readiness Score which brings a health metric that takes your physical and mental readiness into account every morning.

    Battery Life and Pricing

    The Amazfit Active smartwatch will offer up to 14 days of battery life on a single full charge, as per official notes. Although, continued use of the GNSS location feature will reduce the battery life down to around 16 hours. The pricing details are still at large, but Amazon availability has been confirmed in India. So stay tuned for more updates.

  • Introducing the Boat Lunar Link Smartwatch: Featuring a 1.4″ Display, Bluetooth Calling, and 7-Day Battery Life

    Introducing the Boat Lunar Link Smartwatch: Featuring a 1.4″ Display, Bluetooth Calling, and 7-Day Battery Life

    Boat, the popular Indian brand, has recently launched the Ultima Select smartwatch in the Indian market. Now, the brand is all set to introduce another exciting smartwatch called the Boat Lunar Link. Before the official launch, Boat has revealed all the key features of the upcoming smartwatch.

    Boat Lunar Link Specs

    The Boat Lunar Link smartwatch will come with a 1.4″ round HD display that offers a brightness of 500 nits. It will also have an IP67 rating, making it resistant to dust and water.

    Bluetooth Calling and Fitness Features

    One of the standout features of the Boat Lunar Link is its support for Bluetooth calling. This feature is accompanied by a dial pad, built-in microphone, and speaker. Fitness enthusiasts will also be pleased with this smartwatch as it offers more than 100 sports modes, catering to a wide range of physical activities.

    Health and Wellness Monitoring

    The Boat Lunar Link focuses on health and wellness monitoring. It includes a heart rate monitor, SpO2 monitor, sleep tracking, stress monitoring, guided breathing exercises, and a menstrual tracker. These features make it a comprehensive health companion.

    Additional Features

    The Lunar Link also comes with a Daily Activity Tracker and Sedentary Alert system to monitor steps, distance, and calories. In terms of functionality, it offers features like Quick Replies, Notification Alerts, DND Mode, and Find My Phone/Watch. The smartwatch also integrates voice assistants such as Google and Siri, enhancing the user’s interaction with the device.

    Battery Life and Availability

    The Boat Lunar Link claims to have a battery life of up to 5 days. However, if the Bluetooth calling function is active, it can last up to 2 days. The smartwatch is listed as “Coming Soon” on the Boat website and Amazon India, indicating an imminent release. However, an exact launch date has not been provided yet.

    If you are interested in getting your hands on the brand new Boat Lunar Link smartwatch, keep an eye out for its release on Amazon.

  • Firmware Update Adds WeChat App to Xiaomi Watch S3

    Firmware Update Adds WeChat App to Xiaomi Watch S3

    The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the company’s latest flagship smartwatch. It was announced alongside the Xiaomi 14 series in late October.

    Firmware Update for Xiaomi Watch S3

    A little over three months after its release, the wearable is receiving an important software update. The latest firmware for the accessory brings the most used app in China.

    New Features and Functions

    The eSIM variant of Xiaomi Watch S3 is receiving a new firmware update with version number 1.11.11. This update adds WeChat application. The app supports almost all the commonly used functions. Users can perform voice replies, quick replies, and emoticon replies from their wrists. The app also supports picture messages and other functions.

    However, all the aforementioned features only work when the wearable is paired with an Android phone. The WeChat app does not work if the watch is paired with an iPhone.

    Optimizations and Improvements

    At launch, the accessory had support for WeChat Pay. This functionality is now built into the WeChat app. Thus, users need to log into their account again to make payments.

    The official changelog for the software update also mentions optimizations for some system functions.

    Xiaomi Watch S3 Specifications

    The Xiaomi Watch S3 is the company’s first smartwatch with replaceable bezels. It is also the firm’s first wearable to ship with HyperOS software.

    The accessory sports a 1.43-inch circular OLED display. The screen has a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels, 326 PPI, 60Hz refresh rate, and 600 nits peak brightness level.

    The watch has an aluminum alloy middle frame and a stainless steel bezel. The straps come in rubber and leather variants.

    The wearable arrives with all common features, such as fitness modes, health tracking functions, 5ATM water resistance, calling, and others. Last but not least, it can last up to 15 days on a full charge.

  • Introducing the Noise ColorFit Vivid Call 2 Smartwatch: Boasting a 1.85″ Display, Impressive 7-Day Battery Life, and Bluetooth Calling

    Introducing the Noise ColorFit Vivid Call 2 Smartwatch: Boasting a 1.85″ Display, Impressive 7-Day Battery Life, and Bluetooth Calling

    Indian electronics manufacturer Noise is set to introduce another smartwatch in its ColorFit series with the launch of the ColorFit Vivid Call 2. This new addition is already listed on Amazon India, with availability expected soon. Here are all the available details.

    Key Features and Design

    The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 is equipped with a 1.85-inch TFT display, providing users with a wide range of over 150+ watch faces to suit different styles and moods. The smartwatch will be offered in five distinct color options: Jet Black, Forest Green, Space Blue, Sunset Orange, and Metal Black, each paired with a metallic strap.

    Battery Life and Connectivity

    The battery life was one of the key selling points of the smartwatch, which can last approximately 7 days, reducing the need for frequent charging. The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 includes Bluetooth calling capabilities, improved by Noise Buzz. This feature allows users to add favorite contacts, access recent call logs, and utilize a dial pad directly from the watch.

    Health Monitoring and Additional Functions

    The watch is equipped with various health monitoring tools as part of the Noise Health Suite, including a Heart Rate Monitor, SpO2 monitor, Sleep Tracking, and Stress Monitor. Additional functionalities include AI Voice Assistance, a calculator, and support for voice commands like ‘Hey Siri’ and ‘Okay Google.’

    Durability

    The ColorFit Vivid Call 2 is designed to be durable, boasting an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, making it a reliable companion for daily use.

    Pricing Details

    While the exact price on Amazon India is yet to be disclosed, the official Noise website lists the ColorFit Vivid Call 2 at a price of Rs 3,499.

  • Introducing the Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese Edition: Now available in Malaysia with exclusive promotions and complimentary gifts

    Introducing the Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese Edition: Now available in Malaysia with exclusive promotions and complimentary gifts

    Huawei Malaysia has just released the new Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese version, and it’s now available for purchase nationwide.

    Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese specs:

    The Gold Milanese variant of the Huawei Watch GT 4 features a 41mm 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and 352 PPI. It has a battery life of up to two weeks and comes with a range of features.

    What makes this variant special?

    What makes this variant special is its design. It has a bold, classy look, providing a comfortable fit. The watch supports over 25,000+ watch faces and includes features like Geometric Aesthetics, Pro-level health statistics, interconnectivity, and various workout modes.

    Pricing, availability, and offers:

    The Huawei Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese is priced at RM1299, and you can buy it directly from Huawei’s official website. To give more value to customers, Huawei is offering free gifts worth RM516 with the purchase of the Watch GT 4 Gold Milanese. This includes a 1-year extended warranty, a Huawei EasyFit Fluoroelastomer Strap 18mm in Glacier White, and a pair of FreeBuds SE in white.

    Buyers will also earn double Huawei Member points for future shopping. There’s also an RM 100 voucher available, but you need to claim it before February 5, 2024.

  • Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro’s Global Price Leaked Prior to Release

    Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro’s Global Price Leaked Prior to Release

    Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro, initially launched in China last August, is now set to have a global release, possibly at the upcoming Mobile World Congress (MWC) later this month.

    Pricing Details

    A reliable tipster, Sudhanshu Ambhore, has shared pricing details for the Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro in Europe. The official price for the Band 8 Pro in Europe will be EUR 89. However, depending on promotions and local taxes, retailers might offer it for as low as EUR 69.

    This is great news for consumers as the previous model, Band 7 Pro, was launched at EUR 99. The lower price for the iterative upgrade is likely to be well-received by buyers.

    Color Options

    The Xiaomi Smart Band 8 Pro will be available in two color options: Black and Silver.

    Specifications

    The Band 8 Pro features a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 600 nits peak brightness. It is also water-resistant up to 5 meters.

  • Complex Design and Challenging Repair Discovered in Apple Vision Pro Teardown

    Complex Design and Challenging Repair Discovered in Apple Vision Pro Teardown

    Mere two days after Apple‘s mixed-reality headset, the Vision Pro, hit the market, repair experts iFixit has already performed a teardown, offering a glimpse into its intricate workings.

    Apple Vision Pro teardown shows its intricate details

    The Vision Pro is unsurprisingly Apple’s most complex piece of hardware yet. iFixit says the device is so complicated that it requires more than one video to tackle it. So we can expect more teardown content for the Vision Pro in the coming days. 

    Disassembly of the headset

    The first part of the video focused primarily on the disassembly of the headset. The most challenging part of the teardown was removing the front curved sheet of glass. It was, however, carefully removed using heat and without damaging the display.

    Layers beneath the glass

    Beneath the glass, there were two more layers – a black layer and an unlaminated layer over the top of the exterior screen. The black layer was likely a spacer, and the unlaminated layer was a lenticular lens array. This lens array is said to create a 3D effect when you watch content in the Vision Pro.

    Removal of the display and lens assembly

    In the next step, we saw the removal of the display and lens assembly. This involved removing torque screws, as well as several layers of tape, screws, brackets, and cables.

    Internal mechanisms revealed

    Once the display and lens assembly were removed, the iFixit team was able to see the cameras and the stepper motor that parks the lenses.

    Challenging repairs, user-friendly connections

    Taking apart the Apple Vision Pro certainly seems like a challenging task that demands a considerable amount of patience. Nevertheless, the iFixit team managed to successfully dismantle the Vision Pro, unveiling its internal mechanisms. Although they refrained from giving a formal “repairability” score, the team did recognize that while repairs might pose a challenge, certain connections turned out to be surprisingly user-friendly.

    Specifications

    • Cameras: Multiple cameras
    • Sensors: Included
    • Cooling fans: Yes
    • Lens motors: Included
  • Apple Vision Pro exceeds expectations in drop tests with impressive durability

    Apple Vision Pro exceeds expectations in drop tests with impressive durability

    Apple’s new Vision Pro headset has been put through drop tests to assess its durability, and the results may surprise some users. Sam Kohl of Apple Track conducted the tests, which showed that the headset can withstand bumps and falls from significant heights, although there are some caveats.

    Summary of the Drop Tests

    During regular usage, the Vision Pro headset experienced minor scratches on the glass from accidental bumps against walls or doors, but no significant damage occurred. Even intentional bumps against walls did not shatter the glass. However, the light seal, which helps block out ambient light, did come off easily during the testing.

    When the headset was dropped onto a carpet from a low height multiple times, it survived without major damage. However, the right speaker stopped working after the third drop due to an internal break in the band connection. Despite this, the headset remained in good overall condition and fully functional.

    A significant fall from 10-12 feet finally resulted in shattered front glass. However, the glass did not break into pieces, and the headset continued to function normally.

    It is worth noting that the front glass of the Vision Pro can be peeled off to expose the display layer, which, although still functional, is likely very delicate and prone to damage.

    Conclusion

    Overall, the Vision Pro headset demonstrated better-than-expected resilience in everyday usage scenarios. The only weak points seem to be the speakers and light seal becoming loose. While users should exercise caution, especially if they tend to drop their gadgets frequently, the headset offers good durability.

  • Vision Pro Gets Developer Strap (USB-C Dongle) from Apple

    Vision Pro Gets Developer Strap (USB-C Dongle) from Apple

    Apple Vision Pro is now officially available for purchase with a collection of nearly 600 apps designed specifically for the headset. Although this number may seem substantial, it falls short compared to the extensive app stores of the iPhone and iPad.

    Apple Introduces “Developer Strap” for Vision Pro

    In an effort to support developers, Apple has introduced a “Developer Strap” for the Vision Pro, priced at $300. It essentially functions as a USB-C dongle allowing developers to make a direct connection between the headset and a Mac.

    The strap is exclusively available through the Apple Developer website and is targeted at developers who can use this USB-C dongle to “accelerate the development of graphics-intensive apps and games.”

    This likely means compiling and debugging apps directly on the device, bypassing the need for a wireless connection. However, Apple hasn’t confirmed if file transfer is also possible (via 9to5Mac).

    Developer Strap Benefits for Vision Pro Projects

    While development options are available for other Apple devices like Apple TV and Watch, transferring VisionOS apps with 3D features can be cumbersome over Wi-Fi. Hence, the Developer Strap can be particularly valuable for developers working on Vision Pro projects involving these advanced features.

    However, it’s important to note that Apple is strictly positioning this accessory for developers and not for consumers. Thus, it’s not available through the regular Apple Store. Instead, it can only be ordered via the Apple Developer site and currently by only US-based developer account holders.

    Interestingly, the Developer Strap includes a built-in speaker, as developers need to replace the right audio strap that comes with Vision Pro.

    Vision Pro Demos Now Available in Apple Stores

    Separately, Apple Stores in the US are now providing 25-minute Vision Pro demos, showing the device’s capabilities, available content and apps, and more. The headset might launch in additional countries later this year.

  • Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Tab S6 Lite may see a re-release by Samsung in 2024

    Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Tab S6 Lite may see a re-release by Samsung in 2024

    Samsung to Re-Release Galaxy Tab S6 Lite and Galaxy Watch 4

    Samsung is reportedly planning to re-release two of its products, following a trend it has set in recent years. The company is said to be re-launching a tablet and a smartwatch, both of which were originally released several years ago.

    According to reliable tipster Roland Quandt, the re-launched products will carry the branding ‘2024’ in their names, similar to the previously re-released devices. While Quandt does not provide any further details about the devices, it is expected that more information will be revealed in the coming days.

    The Galaxy Tab S6 Lite, which was initially launched in 2020 with an Exynos 9611 chip, will be re-released for the second time. In 2022, the tablet was launched again with Qualcomm Snapdragon 732G and Snapdragon 720G chipsets.

    As for the Galaxy Watch 4, it was originally released in 2021 and the upcoming ‘2024’ edition will mark its first re-release. It is currently unclear whether the re-released models will have any differences in terms of specifications. However, based on previous experiences with Samsung’s re-released devices, it is likely that any changes will be limited to newer firmware rather than hardware upgrades.

    In the meantime, if you are in need of a new smartwatch and cannot wait for the re-released Galaxy Watch 4, you can explore the latest Galaxy Watch 6 series, which is available for purchase on sites like Amazon.