Category: Wearables

  • Xiaomi Develops AI Glasses with Goertek, Launching Q2 2025

    Xiaomi Develops AI Glasses with Goertek, Launching Q2 2025

    Xiaomi is reportedly preparing to step into the AI glasses arena, joining forces with Goertek for its upcoming wearable tech, which is anticipated to launch in the second quarter of 2025. This debut is thought to align with the Mi Fan Festival scheduled for April.

    Ambitious Goals for Launch

    Sources reveal that Xiaomi’s CEO, Lei Jun, has ambitious plans for the glasses, aiming for at least 300,000 units in shipments. The new AI glasses are designed to compete with Meta’s Ray-Ban models, incorporating both AI features and high-end hardware specifications.

    Innovative Technology Features

    As per a report from "Intelligent Emergence," Xiaomi’s AI glasses will come equipped with an impressive array of tech-driven modules, featuring AI integration, audio headphone components, and camera modules. This technology is set to directly challenge Meta’s advanced eyewear collection. Additionally, it’s expected that these glasses will be released under Xiaomi’s main brand, marking a key milestone as the company expands its footprint in the wearable technology sector.

    Other brands like OPPO, Vivo, Huawei, Tencent, and ByteDance are also venturing into the AI glasses market. However, reports suggest that their projects are still in the early phases of development. Many industry analysts predict that these companies will likely launch their own AI glasses closer to late 2025.

    Rising Competition in Smart Glasses

    Xiaomi’s entry comes amid increasing competition in the smart glasses market, both in China and worldwide. Meta’s new AR product, the Meta Orion, launched in September 2024, features state-of-the-art AR technology and is expected to move into mass production by 2027.

    Meanwhile, other Chinese companies are also innovating in the smart glasses space. For example, Meizu has released several smart glasses, and Baidu’s newly unveiled “Xiaodu AI Glasses” are set to be available by early 2025.

    Xiaomi has previously dabbled in the smart glasses market, having introduced its Mijia Smart Audio Glasses earlier this year. These are primarily focused on offering a unique audio experience through air conduction technology. Priced at an affordable $63, they provide sound using ultrasonic speakers integrated into the frame, allowing for a distinct audio experience without the need for bulky headphone attachments. More information on the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses can be found here.

    As Xiaomi continues to pour resources into the wearable tech domain, its forthcoming AI glasses are expected to serve as a cost-effective alternative to the premium options available from Meta and other rivals.

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  • Rogbid Unveils 2 Smartwatches with Big Displays and Calling Features

    Rogbid Unveils 2 Smartwatches with Big Displays and Calling Features

    Rogbid has introduced two new budget-friendly smartwatches, the Rogbid Tank M5 Ultra and the Rogbid Grace. The Tank M5 Ultra is the next version of the Tank M5, which was revealed earlier this year, and the Grace is an entirely new addition to Rogbid’s line of smartwatches.

    Features of the Rogbid Tank M5 Ultra

    The Rogbid Tank M5 Ultra comes with a 1.85-inch display that stretches from edge to edge, boasting a resolution of 416 x 416 pixels. According to Rogbid, the watch is constructed from a strong 316L stainless steel alloy. It also has an IP68 rating, making it resistant to both water and dust. Customers can choose between shiny silver and jet black colors, and it includes interchangeable metal and silicon straps.

    However, Rogbid hasn’t disclosed any details about the chipset. Nevertheless, the M5 Ultra smartwatch is packed with numerous health-monitoring features, such as SpO2, heart rate, and sleep tracking, among others. The brand claims that users can also monitor their blood pressure with this device, but users should approach this feature cautiously. Additionally, there are over 100 sports modes available. The battery capacity is 750mAh, which is said to support approximately 20 days of usage under normal conditions and up to 80 days in standby mode.

    Overview of the Rogbid Grace

    Meanwhile, the Rogbid Grace smartwatch is tailored for women and features a round 1.43-inch display. It has an AMOLED panel with a resolution of 460 x 460 pixels. The watch is also made from metal and is designed to be water and dust resistant, meeting the IP68 standard. It comes in three elegant colors: gold, silver, and black.

    In terms of size, the watch is 7.8mm thick and weighs a light 28 grams. Although, Rogbid does not clarify if this weight includes the strap. The watch houses a 250mAh battery, which claims to last up to seven days on a full charge.

    Additional Features and Pricing

    Both the Rogbid Grace and Tank M5 Ultra include features such as Bluetooth calling, smartphone notifications, and support for voice assistants. Additionally, Rogbid provides companion app support for both watches, allowing users to customize watch faces, track health data, and view notifications.

    Currently, both smartwatches can be purchased from Rogbid’s official website at a significantly reduced price compared to their original retail price of $109.99 and $89.99, respectively. Specifically, the Rogbid Tank M5 Ultra is available for $59.99, while the Grace is priced at $49.99.

    Rogbid

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  • New Garmin Get Fit Strength Program Coming Soon

    New Garmin Get Fit Strength Program Coming Soon

    Rumors are swirling that Garmin is on the verge of introducing a new Get Fit strength training program specifically designed for its smartwatch users. This news comes in light of the recent launch of the Strength Coach, which was released alongside the Cycling Coach and the rebranded Running Coach. The Strength Coach offers personalized training plans based on individual goals, targeted muscle groups, and available exercise equipment. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is currently accessible only on a select few of the brand’s newer smartwatches, such as the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $999.99 on Amazon).

    New Program for Beginners

    A report from the5krunner, referencing their usual insider @JW, reveals that the Get Fit program is intended for individuals who are either new to strength training or returning after a break. This program reportedly includes three workout sessions per week over a span of 12 weeks. At the outset of your training journey, you will undergo a benchmark session to assess your starting fitness level. After completing the 12 weeks, another benchmark session will help you compare your progress and see how far you’ve come.

    Awaiting Official Confirmation

    So far, Garmin has not made any official statement regarding this anticipated feature. There is no specified release date at this time, but some speculate that the tool could be available later this year. It’s also unclear which smartwatches will initially support the Get Fit strength training program upon its launch.

    The5krunner notes that Garmin’s commitment to enhancing its fitness offerings is evident.

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  • Custom Casio G-SHOCK GMW-B5000: Sleek Camo Ceramic Finishes

    Custom Casio G-SHOCK GMW-B5000: Sleek Camo Ceramic Finishes

    Casio’s GMW-B5000 series has made a significant impact in the watch industry, characterized by its sturdy all-metal design, robust build, and a retro square shape reminiscent of the original G-SHOCK from 1983. These timepieces are celebrated for their wide range of functionalities, incorporating nearly all the essential G-SHOCK features, including shock resistance, solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity, and the ability to adjust world time using Multi-Band 6.

    Custom Woodland Camo Editions

    Based in Great Britain, B5K Customs has taken this classic timepiece to the next level with their unique Woodland Camo editions. These models come with Cerakote coatings, a ceramic-based finish suitable for metals, plastics, polymers, and wood, available in colors like Olive Drab Green, Armour Black, and Flat Dark Earth. This refresh gives the GMW-B5000 a fresh tactical aesthetic. Each watch sports a distinct multi-tone bracelet that harmonizes beautifully with the color scheme of the case.

    Keeping Core Features Intact

    The custom versions keep all the essential functionalities of the original GMW-B5000 intact, while the Cerakote finish elevates the watch to a striking statement piece for both outdoor lovers and collectors. The darker “v2.0” model from B5K adds a black bezel and matching olive drab buttons, creating a stealthy look that stands out.

    Evolution of Timeless Design

    B5K Customs demonstrates how enduring designs can adapt while remaining faithful to their foundational identity. Unlike many custom designs that deviate from the original concept, the Woodland Camo v1.0 and v2.0 editions find a perfect balance between modern innovation and traditional style. According to G-Central, these custom Casio G-SHOCK models are anticipated to be restocked in December. You can reach out to B5K Customs through their Instagram page for more information.

    B5K Customs (Instagram), G-Central

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  • Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    Baidu Launches Xiaodu AI Glasses: First AI Glasses with Chinese Support

    At the recent Baidu World Conference in 2024, Baidu introduced its Xiaodu AI Glasses, heralded as the “first AI glasses in the world featuring a native Chinese language model.” Developed by Baidu’s hardware division, Xiaodu Technology, these glasses highlight Baidu’s sophisticated Ernie language model. They aim to blend AI technology into wearable devices specifically for Chinese-speaking users, going up against the well-known Ray-Bans by Meta.

    Specifications

    Weighing in at only 45 grams, the Xiaodu AI Glasses are outfitted with a 16MP ultra-wide-angle camera that includes AI stabilization, allowing for smooth, stable photographs from a first-person viewpoint. Moreover, they come with a four-microphone setup designed to capture sound effectively and have open-ear anti-leakage speakers for clear audio delivery. This design enables users to have an immersive, hands-free experience.

    The glasses boast six main features: real-time Q&A via walk-and-ask inquiries, calorie detection, object identification through an encyclopedia function, audio-visual translation, and smart reminders. Additionally, they include AI anti-shake technology for both photos and videos, allowing users to document their adventures effortlessly.

    Battery Life and Operating System

    When it comes to battery performance, the Xiaodu AI Glasses can last up to 56 hours on standby and provide over 5 hours of continuous audio playback. With rapid-charging capabilities, they can be fully charged in just 30 minutes, making them convenient for everyday use. These glasses operate on the DuerOS AI native system and are expected to integrate smoothly with popular Baidu applications like Baidu Maps and Baike, further enriching the user experience with Baidu’s offerings.

    Pricing & Availability

    Baidu has announced that the Xiaodu AI Glasses will officially be available in the first half of 2025, with a projected retail price of under 2,100 yuan (around $290).

    In other news, Apple has initiated a project for smart glasses, codenamed “Atlas.” This initiative aims to revolutionize wearable technology by providing a genuine AR experience. Spearheaded by Apple’s Product Systems Quality team, the project is currently in a research phase, gathering feedback from internal focus groups. Apple intends to create a lightweight, fashionable model that will initially work with the iPhone, utilizing its processing power, with the long-term vision of developing fully standalone smart glasses. Nevertheless, due to stringent quality standards, the launch might be delayed for up to five years. In the meantime, Apple is planning to unveil the Vision Pro 2 by 2025 or early 2026, which will feature an enhanced M5 chip for better AR functionalities.

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  • Blackview W50 Pro: Durable Smartwatch with LED Display

    Blackview W50 Pro: Durable Smartwatch with LED Display

    Blackview makes more than just smartphones; they also have a selection of smartwatches. One of these is the W50 Pro, which is currently being offered through direct import for just under $14.99. Customers in the US can enjoy free shipping. For those who prefer not to deal with import purchases because of warranty concerns and lengthy shipping times, other Blackview smartwatches will be available on Amazon soon, including the W50 Pro.

    Specifications and Design

    The W50 Pro features a thickness of 14.50 millimeters and weighs 62.8 grams. It has a 1.45-inch TFT touchscreen with a resolution of 360 x 360 pixels and can reach a maximum brightness of 700 cd/m². Users can interact with the watch through both the touchscreen and several buttons, which is helpful for situations where hands might be sweaty or wet. It boasts an IP68 rating, indicating that it can resist water for up to 30 minutes when submerged, according to the certification. Additionally, the watch is claimed to endure drops from heights up to 5 meters.

    Smartwatch Features

    The W50 Pro includes all the typical features you’d expect from a smartwatch, like notifications, heart rate monitoring, and sleep tracking. It is equipped with a microphone and speaker, allowing it to double as a Bluetooth hands-free device. Other features include a flashlight and an electric compass, though it is worth noting that it does not come with a GNSS module.

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  • CheckMag Safer: Smart Jewelry for Women’s Safety and Protection

    CheckMag Safer: Smart Jewelry for Women’s Safety and Protection

    Have you ever imagined how different life could be if the safety features were integrated into everyday items you wear? What if your cherished jewelry could also serve as an effective safety device?

    This vision turned into reality a few years back, thanks to Safer — a line of smart jewelry created by Leaf Wearables aimed at enhancing women’s safety while maintaining style and grace.

    The Birth of Safer

    Safer was launched in 2015 in India, targeting the modern woman who encounters various situations, including students, working professionals, and travelers. The initiative was inspired by the urgent need to boost women’s safety in India, where a sexual assault reportedly happens every 22.5 minutes. Recognizing this alarming statistic, the founders of Safer sought to create a gadget that would empower women to call for assistance when they were in peril.

    Features That Matter

    Safer products enabled users to send SOS alerts to chosen emergency contacts with just a quick double tap. This feature is crucial in emergencies where making a phone call might not be feasible or secure. The device operated via Bluetooth, connecting to the Safer by Leaf app, which is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Moreover, the Safer Walk function allowed users to share their real-time location with trusted individuals while on the move, promoting a feeling of safety.

    Having these functionalities is significant for many women who often feel exposed when moving through public areas, particularly at night. By keeping family or friends updated on their locations, Safer provided an added level of security.

    Pricing and Availability

    The jewelry was priced between $52 and $74, requiring only 15 minutes of charging for an entire week of use. The startup successfully sold thousands of Safer devices, reaching markets in Turkey and other countries, alongside India. Their aspiration was to connect with one million families by the close of 2017.

    The team was also investigating ways to enhance their products further by potentially adding a modem and SIM card for direct communication. However, it seems something may have gone awry. As of late 2024, Safer products are reportedly no longer for sale. The last update on their Facebook page dates back to 2019.

    Market Prospects

    The smart jewelry industry is estimated to exceed $350 million in 2024, with a projected growth rate of 16.7% CAGR from 2025 to 2030.

    Safer by Leaf on Facebook, XPrize, CNN

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  • Casio G-Shock Move 5600 Series: New Watches with Heart Rate Sensor

    Casio G-Shock Move 5600 Series: New Watches with Heart Rate Sensor

    Two new Casio G-Shock Move timepieces have made their way to the United States: the DWH5600MB1A4 and the DWH5600MB8A9. These models were first released earlier this year in Japan, where they were referred to as the DW-H5600MB-1A4 and the DW-H5600MB-8A9. The original version made its debut in the US last year.

    Features and Functionality

    The 5600 series multi-sport watches are specifically crafted to assist users in monitoring their workouts. They come equipped with an optical sensor that lets you track your heart rate and blood oxygen levels, along with an accelerometer for counting steps. Users can dive into the Polar smartwatch library for detailed workout analysis and breathing exercises. Additionally, these watches work with Strava. Both models in the 5600 series showcase a MIP LCD screen with Bluetooth capabilities, enabling users to access sleep analysis through the Casio Watches app. On a single charge, these watches can last for about 35 hours, but the solar charging feature should help prolong this time.

    Design and Pricing

    The DWH5600MB1A4 features a black resin casing and strap, complemented by a black stainless steel bezel. In contrast, the DWH5600MB8A9 boasts a light gray body and band, along with a shiny silver bezel. You can currently purchase the Casio G-Shock Move DWH5600MB1A4 and DWH5600MB8A9 watches in the US for $320. This price point is slightly higher than the original DWH5600-1, which comes with a resin bezel instead of the stainless steel one, and is available for $294.90 on Amazon. It’s still not known if or when these models will be available in other regions like Europe.

    Casio

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  • Apple’s Smart Glasses Project Begins, But Release Date Is Unclear

    Apple’s Smart Glasses Project Begins, But Release Date Is Unclear

    Earlier this year, Apple introduced its highly awaited Vision Pro, but it didn’t quite meet expectations as a successful product. Now, new reports indicate that Apple is focusing on a groundbreaking smart glasses project, with the goal of transforming the wearable technology market.

    Apple’s Hidden Smart Glasses Initiative

    Although Apple has not shared many details, recent information reveals that the company is conducting internal focus groups under the code name “Atlas” to gather insights about smart glasses. The initiative is led by its Product Systems Quality team. This research began last week and involves collecting feedback from employees about consumer preferences and market trends, with additional studies expected in the near future.

    This strategic action mirrors Apple’s earlier tactics with products such as AirPods, HomePod, and the newly launched Vision Pro. By grasping user expectations and needs, Apple is aiming to create an authentic AR experience that exceeds what is currently available.

    Challenges Ahead for Apple

    However, achieving Apple’s dream for smart glasses will be quite a journey. Competitors like Meta and Snap have already rolled out consumer smart glasses, and their advanced AR glasses are currently in the development phase with prototypes being worked on. Apple’s high standards for quality and its quest for innovative tech might delay the product’s launch to at least five years from now. Despite the obstacles, Apple continues to invest significantly in research and development to navigate technical challenges and provide a smooth, user-friendly experience.

    The envisioned approach includes designing a lightweight, fashionable pair of glasses that can easily connect with the iPhone, using the phone’s processing power to create an engaging AR experience. This strategy could help speed up the development timeline and ensure a better experience for users.

    Future Plans and Expectations

    In the meantime, Apple is believed to be planning the release of the Vision Pro 2 by 2025 or early 2026. This new version is set to be powered by a robust M5 chip to enhance its augmented reality features, while plans for a more budget-friendly Vision Pro have been put on hold due to worries about demand. The upcoming Vision Pro model will keep the sleek aesthetics of its predecessor but is designed to offer a more enriched and immersive user experience.

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  • Honor Watch 5 Launches in Europe: AMOLED, 15-Day Battery, 85 Modes

    Honor Watch 5 Launches in Europe: AMOLED, 15-Day Battery, 85 Modes

    Honor has launched its new smartwatch, the Honor Watch 5, in select markets across Europe such as the UK, Germany, and Spain. This device, which was revealed during the IFA 2024 event in September, comes packed with numerous features and enhancements compared to the previous model.

    Specifications of the Watch 5

    The Watch 5 boasts a bigger 1.85-inch AMOLED screen that has a greater pixel density, ensuring a clear and colorful display. With a sleek profile of just 11mm and a weight of 35g, it’s designed for daily wear without discomfort.

    For health monitoring, the Watch 5 tracks essential metrics including heart rate and SpO2 levels, and offers a one-click health scan for fast evaluations. The AccuTrack positioning system significantly improves GPS accuracy, allowing for accurate tracking of various activities.

    Battery Life and Features

    This smartwatch is powered by a 480mAh silicon-carbon battery, which can last up to 15 days on a single charge, thanks to the Turbo X Smart Power Management that boosts energy efficiency.

    Moreover, users can choose from over 400 customizable watch faces, enjoy continuous heart rate monitoring, SpO2 and sleep tracking, and take advantage of 85 sports modes, which includes 12 advanced workout options. With 5 ATM water resistance and compatibility with different GPS systems, it’s suited for many types of activities.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Honor Watch 5 comes in two versions: a 64MB+4GB model available with a black or gold silicone strap for £129.99/€149.00, and a pricier version that features a green leather strap, retailing at £149.99/€169.00. It’s not yet known when this smartwatch will be available in additional European nations.

    In other news, Xiaomi has just launched the Xiaomi Watch S4, which serves as a cost-effective alternative to the Watch S4 Sport. The Watch S4 allows for customization with interchangeable straps, watch faces, and changeable bezels, along with features like a digital crown, gesture recognition, and over 150 sports modes.

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