Category: Wearables

June 23, 2025

G-Shock MR-G Kurogane-Iro: Titanium, Bluetooth & Solar in Europe

Key Takeaways

1. The Casio G-Shock MRG-B2000RG-3A will be available in select European countries (Netherlands, Spain, Germany) starting July 2025, with a price of €3,300.
2. The watch features a titanium case and bezel in kurogane-iro, with a deep-layer hardening and green DLC finish, and a unique recrystallized titanium bezel.
3. It includes advanced design elements, such as hour markers resembling Japanese swords and a tortoiseshell textured dial with a fan-like motif.
4. Key specifications include shock resistance, magnetic resistance, water resistance up to 20 bar, Bluetooth connectivity, and solar power with a long battery life.
5. Additional functionalities include dual time, world time across 27 zones, a stopwatch, countdown timer, daily alarm, and a complete calendar extending to 2099.

Casio has announced that the G-Shock MRG-B2000RG-3A will hit stores in select European regions in July 2025. It will be available in the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, with a selling price of €3,300. Interested buyers can register for email alerts before the official launch. This timepiece was also recently introduced in Japan, together with the MRG-B2000BG-3AJR model.

Casio MRG-B2000RG-3A Watch Overview

This timepiece is part of the esteemed MR-G lineup from Casio. It showcases a titanium case and bezel, which are adorned in kurogane-iro, a rich dark blue-green shade reminiscent of heated iron, commonly used in traditional Japanese armor. The case and bezel undergo deep-layer hardening and feature a green DLC (diamond-like carbon) finish. The bezel is crafted from recrystallized titanium, displaying a unique crystal pattern, while the dial boasts a tortoiseshell texture with a fan-like motif surrounding the edge.

Design and Features

The hour markers are designed to mimic the shape of Japanese swords and are polished using Yamagata Casio’s nano-level grinding tech. The watch is equipped with a Dura-Soft fluororubber strap, which features a Bishamon Kikko geometric design, providing both flexibility and strength.

Some important specifications include shock resistance, magnetic resistance, and water resistance rated up to 20 bar. The MRG-B2000RG-3A offers Bluetooth connectivity, as well as radio-controlled timekeeping through multiband 6. It gets its energy from solar power, with a battery life lasting 5 months under normal usage or up to 26 months when in power-saving mode.

Additional Features

Moreover, it comes with a screw-lock crown, a sapphire crystal that has an anti-reflective coating, Super Illuminator LED lighting, and automatic hand correction. The watch supports dual time, world time across 27 zones, a 1-second stopwatch, a 24-hour countdown timer, a daily alarm, and a complete calendar that runs until 2099. Weighing 138 grams and measuring 54.7 by 49.8 by 16.9 mm, it accommodates wrist sizes ranging from 145 to 215 mm.

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Tags: Casio, G-SHOCK, MRG-B2000RG-3A
June 22, 2025

Xiaomi Smart Band 10 Appears in Store Listings Before Launch

Key Takeaways

1. Xiaomi is set to launch the Mix Flip 2 and new accessories, including the Smart Band 10, in China.
2. The Smart Band 10 will have a slight price increase, expected to be around $40 globally.
3. A Ceramic variant of the Smart Band 10 will be available outside of China for the first time.
4. The Smart Band 10 features a 1.72-inch AMOLED display, a significant upgrade from the 1.62-inch screen of the Smart Band 9.
5. The fitness tracker will offer a battery life of up to 21 days, over 150 workout modes, and will be available in multiple colors.

Xiaomi is getting ready to have a launch event in China, where they are likely to unveil the Mix Flip 2 along with some new accessories. One of the accessories that has been circulating in leaks is the Smart Band 10, which has seemingly appeared in a Vietnamese shop.

Pricing Details

According to the initial listing, it appears that the new fitness tracker will have a small price increase in the global market but will still be a budget-friendly option. Specifically, the listing indicates that the wearable will be priced at around $40. For reference, the Smart Band 9 was launched at about $35 in China (and can be found on Amazon).

New Features

Moreover, the early store listing hints that the Smart Band 10 Ceramic variant will be available in the global market. This version of previous models was only available in China.

The promotional images from the store listing also reveal the specifications of the Smart Band 10. The listing shows that the wearable will come with a 1.72-inch AMOLED display, which marks a significant upgrade from the 1.62-inch screen of its predecessor.

Battery Life and Colors

The battery life is projected to stay the same, with the listing claiming it can last up to 21 days on a single charge. Other important features mentioned include HyperOS 2, more than 150 workout modes, sleep tracking, and slim bezels. The fitness tracker is expected to come in colors like Midnight Black, Glacier Silver, Ceramic Pearl White, and Mystic Rose Gold.

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Tags: Mix Flip 2, Smart Band 10, Xiaomi
June 21, 2025

Amazfit Balance 2 Smartwatch Now Available for Pre-Order

Key Takeaways

1. The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is now available for pre-order in Europe, with an official launch date set for June 24th.
2. The pre-order price for the Balance 2 is €299.90, which is €130 more than the previous model.
3. Key features include a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, dual speakers, a larger battery for up to 21 days of use, and over 170 sports modes.
4. The smartwatch supports advanced health tracking with BioCharge technology, including heart rate and stress monitoring.
5. It’s unclear if the global release will happen on June 24th or if this date is exclusive to Europe, and the release of the Balance 2 XT remains unconfirmed.

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch is now ready for pre-order on Amazon across Europe. Originally, this device was introduced in China back in May 2025, with expectations for a worldwide release just a week after.

Availability in Europe

Amazfit has made the Balance 2 smartwatch available on its Amazon pages in countries such as Spain and France. According to the listings, the official launch in these areas is set for June 24th, which is also when the Helio Strap is anticipated to debut. Currently, customers can pre-order the Balance 2 smartwatch for €299.90 in these regions. It’s important to mention that this price is for pre-sales and might differ from the official recommended retail price (RRP). If this price turns out to be the RRP, it would mean that the new model is €130 more expensive than the previous Balance smartwatch, which is currently priced at $169 on Amazon.de.

Features and Specifications

The Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch boasts a 1.5-inch AMOLED display, capable of reaching up to 2,000 nits brightness, encased in aluminum with a protective sapphire crystal. Compared to the original model, this version includes two built-in speakers and a bigger battery that provides up to 21 days of battery life with average use. It operates on the same chipset as the T-Rex 3 and features Zepp OS 5.

With the Balance 2, users can monitor their workouts with over 170 sports modes available, including HYROX Race and advanced running metrics. Additionally, it offers access to 40,000 downloadable golf maps and has a scuba diving mode; this smartwatch is waterproof up to 10 ATM. Other features consist of dual-band GPS with turn-by-turn navigation and offline map support. The brand’s BioCharge technology further enables users to track vital health metrics such as heart rate, HRV, SpO2 levels, stress, and sleep.

Future Release Plans

It remains uncertain whether the Amazfit Balance 2 smartwatch will be launched globally on June 24th, or if this date is specifically for Europe. It’s also yet to be confirmed if the anticipated Amazfit Balance 2 XT smartwatch will make its debut during this time.

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Tags: Amazfit Balance 2, Pre-order, Smartwatch
June 21, 2025

Affordable Waterproof Rollme GT3 Smartwatch with GPS and AMOLED

Key Takeaways

1. The Rollme GT3 smartwatch is priced at $60 and features free shipping on orders over $60.
2. It includes a dual-band GNSS module for accurate positioning but lacks a map display.
3. The smartwatch is waterproof up to 50 meters and offers over 100 sports profiles for activity tracking.
4. It has a user-friendly design with a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, buttons, and a rotating crown for navigation.
5. The GT3 supports Bluetooth calling, music control, and boasts a battery life of up to 25 days with normal use.

Rollme has launched a new smartwatch called the Rollme GT3, which is available for direct import at a price of $60. For those interested, details about shipping and the returns policy can be found through the provided links. Notably, shipping is free on all orders exceeding $60. The delivery time varies based on the customer’s location, as Rollme operates warehouses in the US, Germany, the UK, and China.

Impressive Features

At this price point, the Rollme GT3 boasts an impressive array of features, including a GNSS module. It supports dual-band GNSS, which means it uses not just GPS but also Glonass and Beidou for accurate positioning. However, potential buyers should note that it does not offer a map display like the Amazfit T-Rex 3, which we previously reviewed here at Notebookcheck.

Handy Functionality

This smartwatch includes a built-in flashlight, which can come in handy during nighttime or camping trips. Rollme states that the smartwatch is waterproof up to 50 meters or 5 ATM, making it suitable for swimming activities. Additionally, there are over 100 different sports profiles available for tracking various sports activities. As expected, it also promotes heart rate, sleep quality, and stress level measurement. Furthermore, a compass and an air pressure sensor are included.

User-Friendly Design

The GT3 features buttons and a rotating crown on its left side. It can function as a Bluetooth hands-free device, allowing users to make calls directly from the watch. Music control and notification display are also supported. The smartwatch has a 1.43-inch AMOLED display, which is claimed to reach a maximum brightness of 1,000 cd/m² and offers a resolution of 466 x 466. Finally, it is said to have a battery life of up to 25 days with normal use.

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Tags: Smartwatch
June 21, 2025

Garmin Launches Beta Update with New Smartwatch Features

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin has released beta version 15.00 for the Venu 3, Venu 3s, and vivoactive 5 smartwatches, following the end of the 14.xx testing phase.
2. The new beta update enhances the breathing variations feature that monitors breathing changes during sleep and improves the device passcode tool.
3. Bug fixes in version 15.00 include resolving issues with downloaded golf courses and fixing audio problems during breathwork activities for Venu 3 and Venu 3s users.
4. Users can download the beta update by navigating to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update.
5. The ECG app on the Venu 3 smartwatch is disabled in this beta version, which is standard early in the beta testing phase.

The Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3s, and vivoactive 5 smartwatches are getting a fresh beta update. Beta version 15.00 has launched just a month after the end of the 14.xx testing phase. The previous stable version introduced new features for the Garmin Golf app subscription and a tool for tracking breathing variations.

Updates to Breathing Features

In this new Beta version 15.00, Garmin has improved the breathing variations feature, which monitors your breathing changes during sleep. The release notes mention enhancements to the recently added device passcode tool too. However, Garmin hasn’t clarified how users of the Venu 3 and vivoactive 5 will benefit from these updates.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

The changelog for beta version 15.00 also indicates that Garmin has resolved issues regarding downloaded golf courses. Additionally, a bug affecting the audio during some breathwork activities has been fixed, but this only impacts users of the Venu 3 and Venu 3s smartwatches, which currently start at $426.94 on Amazon.

In a post on the Garmin forum, a team member informs users on how to download the beta version 15.00 update: simply head to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update. It’s also important to note that, with this update, the ECG app on the Venu 3 smartwatch is disabled, which is standard practice early in the beta testing phase.

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Tags: Garmin Venu 3, Venu 3s, Vivoactive 5
June 21, 2025

Oakley Launches Smart Glasses with 3K Camera and AI Assistant

Key Takeaways

1. Meta is launching new smart glasses in collaboration with Oakley, featuring five unique designs and technical upgrades from the previous Ray-Ban model.
2. The glasses are available as sunglasses or prescription lenses, with built-in microphones and speakers for AI interaction and audio playback.
3. The front-facing camera can record videos in 3K resolution and responds to real-world questions and text translation.
4. The glasses have an IPX4 certification for water resistance and boast a battery life of up to eight hours, extendable to 48 hours with a charging case.
5. The Oakley Meta HSTN model will be released on July 11, priced at $499, with additional models expected later this summer starting at $399.

Following a fruitful partnership with Ray-Ban, Meta is broadening its lineup of smart glasses by introducing a new model created in collaboration with Oakley. This new smart glasses come in five unique designs and boast several technical enhancements compared to the previous Ray-Ban version.

Versatile Options

The glasses can be purchased as either sunglasses or prescription lenses, with Oakley charging an extra fee for the latter. They are equipped with built-in microphones and speakers. When paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth, users can interact with an AI voice assistant or listen to music and podcasts through the speakers located at the temples. Additionally, the front-facing camera enables the glasses to respond to questions about real-world objects or to translate printed text.

Enhanced Features

One notable upgrade is the camera’s ability to record videos in 3K resolution instead of just 1,080p. These glasses also hold an IPX4 certification, which means they should resist rain, but they are not entirely waterproof. Meta has managed to double the battery life, offering up to eight hours of use; when utilized with the provided charging case, users can expect a total runtime of up to 48 hours.

Pricing and Release Date

The initial model, named the Oakley Meta HSTN, is slated for release on July 11, priced at $499. Additional models are anticipated to launch later this summer, starting at a price of $399.

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Tags: Meta, smart glasses
June 20, 2025

MIT Researchers Launch 5G Receiver 30x Better Than Traditional Models

Key Takeaways

1. 5G devices are causing increased signal interference for small, battery-operated gadgets like health trackers and environmental sensors.
2. MIT has developed a passive filtering receiver that efficiently blocks unwanted signals using pre-charged capacitors and tiny switches.
3. The new receiver operates on less than a milliwatt of power and occupies an area smaller than 0.05 square millimeters.
4. It can block 30 times more harmonic interference compared to standard receivers, enhancing communication reliability.
5. Future research aims to power IoT devices through ambient Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals, potentially eliminating the need for batteries.

As 5G devices become more prevalent, the airwaves are getting busier with signals. For small, battery-operated gadgets such as health trackers or environmental sensors, this noisy background can lead to interference that hampers communication. These compact devices can’t utilize the large, energy-consuming signal filters found in bigger electronics like smartphones.

Innovative Solution

The team at MIT has tackled this challenge by creating a receiver featuring a groundbreaking passive filtering method. This system incorporates a distinctive arrangement of pre-charged, stacked capacitors along with minuscule switches to prevent unwanted signals from being amplified. This innovative approach is highly efficient, allowing the whole receiver to use less than a milliwatt of power while maintaining an active area of less than 0.05 square millimeters. Remarkably, the new receiver is capable of blocking 30 times more harmonic interference compared to ordinary receivers.

Engineering Excellence

This level of efficiency is the result of smart engineering — employing the bootstrap clocking method to consistently power the switches, and taking advantage of the Miller effect, which enables small capacitors to function like much larger ones.

The following Internet of Things (IoT) applications could gain the most from this advancement:

Future Possibilities

Researchers are currently investigating methods to power the chip by capturing ambient Wi-Fi or Bluetooth signals — a breakthrough that might eventually result in IoT devices that do not require batteries.

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Tags: 5G, MIT
June 20, 2025

Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C Launching Soon in Europe

Key Takeaways

1. The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C watch will soon be available in several European countries, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany, with a retail price of €549.

2. The watch features a full-metal design, inspired by the original G-Shock DW-5000C, and includes a digital display, brushed stainless steel bezel, and reflective finish.

3. It is shock-resistant, water-resistant up to 200 meters, and utilizes Casio’s Tough Solar charging technology.

4. Key features of the GMW-B5000D-1C include tracking five time zones, a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and Bluetooth connectivity for use with the Casio Watches app.

5. The exact release date for the watch is unconfirmed, but it is expected to launch in July 2025, with email alerts available for interested buyers.

The Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C watch is officially set to arrive in more countries across Europe. Speculation about this timepiece started in early 2025, with its initial launch taking place in Japan and the UK.

European Availability

Casio has now added the G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C to its online shops in nations like the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. The retail price is set at €549, a detail first revealed by a French retailer back in June. Although the exact release date is still unconfirmed, the product page indicates that the watch is expected to be available in July. Additionally, interested buyers can register to get an email alert about the launch.

Design and Build

This model, the GMW-B5000D-1C, boasts a full-metal construction and takes design cues from the original G-Shock, the DW-5000C. It features a digital display along with a brushed stainless steel bezel and a reflective finish on the stainless steel strap. The watch is built to withstand shocks and is water-resistant up to 200 meters, plus it includes Casio’s Tough Solar charging technology.

Features and Specifications

Among the various features of the G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C are the ability to track five different time zones, a stopwatch that measures to 1/100 of a second, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Furthermore, this radio-controlled watch comes with Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to access additional features and settings via the Casio Watches smartphone app. The gadget has dimensions of 49.3 x 43.2 x 13 mm (~1.9 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches) and weighs 167 g (~5.9 oz). It remains unclear if or when the Casio G-Shock GMW-B5000D-1C will make its way to the US market.

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Tags: Casio G-SHOCK, European release, GMW-B5000D-1C
June 20, 2025

Garmin Fenix 8 to Get Enhanced Apple Health Integration

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin is enhancing collaboration with Google Health Connect for better integration with Apple Health on smartwatches like the Forerunner 570.
2. Garmin Connect will soon allow users to read data from Apple Health, enabling a seamless experience across different smartwatch brands.
3. Users can utilize third-party sleep monitors, with data contributing to the “body battery” calculation in Garmin Connect.
4. Garmin will limit the types of data that can be shared with Apple Health, not fully opening its ecosystem.
5. Current data shared includes body fat percentage, blood pressure, BMI, steps, distance, heart rate, sleep metrics, and workouts, but advanced sensor data like ECG is not supported.

Garmin is enhancing its collaboration with Google Health Connect, and soon smartwatches like the Forerunner 570 will see improved integration with Apple Health, as reported by the5krunner. For years, Garmin Connect has allowed users to export chosen data so that it can be viewed within the Apple Health app, alongside information from an Apple Watch or other health monitors.

Future Data Exchange

In the upcoming future, Garmin Connect will gain the ability to read data from Apple Health. This means that users can see their fitness and health metrics in the Garmin Connect app and directly on their Garmin smartwatches. This feature allows users to switch between smartwatches of different brands without experiencing any gaps in the data displayed on their Garmin devices. Additionally, it will enable the use of third-party sleep monitors, where the collected data can be utilized in Garmin Connect to help calculate the “body battery,” which reflects the user’s stress levels.

Limitations on Data Sharing

Even with these advancements, Garmin is not anticipated to fully open its ecosystem. There are reports that the company is limiting which types of data can be read from and written to Apple Health. As of now, it’s unclear which specific data will support complete two-way synchronization. Currently, Garmin Connect can already send various data points, including body fat percentage, blood pressure, BMI, number of steps, distance traveled, heart rate, sleep tracking metrics, and completed workouts to Apple Health. However, it does not support the transfer of advanced sensor data like electrocardiogram (ECG) information.

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Tags: Apple Health, Forerunner 570, Garmin
June 20, 2025

New Casio G-Shock Surfrider Foundation Watch Launching in Europe

Key Takeaways

1. The G-Shock x Foundation Surfrider Japan collaboration watch, G-5600SFJ-9, will be available in more European countries, launching in July 2025 at a price of €149.
2. The watch features a unique design with a golden yellow resin case and strap, inspired by a beach in morning sunlight, and is shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters.
3. It includes Tough Solar charging technology, making it eco-friendly and efficient.
4. Key functions of the watch include support for five world time zones, a stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an LED backlight.
5. The watch will be sold exclusively to Casio ID members, and interested customers can sign up for notifications about its availability.

Casio has announced the upcoming release of the G-Shock x Foundation Surfrider Japan collaboration watch, known as the G-5600SFJ-9, in more European nations. Initially rumored back in April 2025, this timepiece has already made its debut in various markets including the UK and Japan.

Pricing and Availability

Recently, Casio has added the G-Shock G-5600SFJ-9 to its online stores in countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. It is set to be priced at €149 when it launches in July 2025. However, the exact launch date is yet to be disclosed, and interested customers can sign up for email notifications once the watch becomes available. It’s important to mention that this watch will be sold exclusively to Casio ID members. You can easily create a free account on Casio’s website.

Design and Specifications

The Casio G-5600SFJ-9 features a resin case and strap, showcased in a golden yellow color with beige speckles. This design is inspired by “a beach bathed in morning sunlight.” The watch dimensions are 46.7 x 43.2 x 12.7 mm (approximately 1.8 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches) and it weighs 47 g (around 1.7 oz). This collaboration model is shock-resistant, with a water resistance of up to 200 meters, and it uses Tough Solar charging technology.

Functions and Features

Among its features, the watch supports up to five world time zones, a stopwatch accurate to 1/100th of a second, and a countdown timer with a 24-hour range. Additionally, it includes five daily alarms, hourly time signals, and an LED backlight for better visibility in low-light conditions. The display allows users to choose between 12 or 24 hour formats, along with showing the date and day of the week. Information regarding the potential release of the Casio G-Shock × Surfrider Foundation Japan G-5600SFJ-9 watch in the US is still pending announcement.

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Tags: Casio, Surfrider Foundation