Category: Wearables

May 19, 2025

New Casio Hidden Glow Watches Launching Soon in Europe

Key Takeaways

1. Casio will introduce four new Hidden Glow watches in white and blue in Europe, but no specific launch date is provided.
2. The available models are G-Shock DW-6900HDS-7, GA-110HDS-7A, GA-2100HDS-7A, and GA-700HDS-7A, with prices ranging from €109 to €139.
3. All models feature stylish designs with phosphorescent elements for visibility in darkness and are shock-resistant with a water resistance of up to 20 bar.
4. The DW-6900HDS-7 has a five-year battery life and includes various timing features, while the GA-110HDS-7A has hybrid features and a two-year battery life.
5. The GA-2100HDS-7A and GA-700HDS-7A offer multiple world time zones, alarms, and similar features, with battery lives of three and five years, respectively.

Four new Casio Hidden Glow watches in white and blue are set to be introduced in Europe. Photos of these watches were posted on Instagram in April 2025, but no specific launch date has been provided yet.

Availability and Pricing

Casio has now made the G-Shock DW-6900HDS-7, GA-110HDS-7A, GA-2100HDS-7A, and GA-700HDS-7A available on its websites in countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, and Germany. The G-Shock DW-6900HDS-7, GA-2100HDS-7A, and GA-700HDS-7A are priced at €109, while the GA-110HDS-7A is priced higher at €139. These watches are labeled as “coming soon,” and interested customers can sign up for a mailing list to receive updates on their release.

Design and Features

All four models showcase a stylish white and blue design, featuring resin casings and phosphorescent elements that make it easy to read the watch display in darkness. They are designed to be shock-resistant and can withstand water pressure up to 20 bar. Nonetheless, some features differ among the models.

The DW-6900HDS-7 is a digital watch with a circular design and a battery life of about five years. It includes a 1/100th second stopwatch, countdown timer, hourly chimes, and flash alerts. The white LED backlight enhances visibility in low-light conditions. On the other hand, the GA-110HDS-7A is a round hybrid model equipped with magnetic resistance, Neobrite elements, and world time functionality. It features a 1/1000th-second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and an orange LED backlight, with an expected battery life of two years.

More on the Models

The GA-2100HDS-7A is another hybrid watch that boasts an octagonal bezel and a Carbon Core Guard Structure, which allows it to last for around three years. It has Neobrite elements and dual LED backlights. This model also supports multiple world time zones, offers a 1/100th second stopwatch, countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Lastly, the GA-700HDS-7A is a robust round hybrid watch with an impressive battery life of five years. It includes features similar to the GA-2100HDS-7A, such as a 1/100th second stopwatch, countdown timer, five daily alarms, and world time support, but it has only one white LED backlight.

Casio has not yet confirmed if or when these new Hidden Glow watches will be available in other regions, including the US or the UK.

Source:
Link

Tags: Casio G-SHOCK, DW-6900HDS-7
May 17, 2025

iQOO Watch 5 Launching This Month with BlueOS 2.5 and AI Assistant

Key Takeaways

1. iQOO Watch 5 will launch in China on May 20, featuring enhancements like AI capabilities and e-sports mode.
2. It operates on BlueOS 2.5, introducing the AI assistant “Blue Heart Xiao V x DeepSeek” for voice commands and smart functions.
3. The smartwatch boasts impressive battery life, lasting up to 22 days in Bluetooth mode and 14 days with eSIM.
4. The design includes a circular face, rotating crown, and customizable straps made of fluoroelastomer or woven fabric.
5. The e-sports mode tracks health metrics while gaming and integrates features like data sharing and game countdowns.

iQOO is set to unveil its new smartwatch, the iQOO Watch 5, later this month in China. The company has begun teasing the device on Chinese social media, showcasing multiple enhancements such as new AI capabilities, an e-sports mode, and impressive battery longevity.

New Features and Software

The iQOO Watch 5 will be the first to operate on BlueOS 2.5, Vivo’s proprietary operating system. A major highlight is the introduction of “Blue Heart Xiao V x DeepSeek,” an AI assistant that responds to raise-to-wake gestures. This assistant can execute voice commands, manage smartwatch functions, and act as a phone assistant—automatically recording and summarizing calls. Additionally, it provides proactive reminders for travel, medications, and daily work plans.

Impressive Battery Life

Battery performance seems to be a key strength for the Watch 5. iQOO asserts that it can endure up to 22 days in Bluetooth mode and roughly 14 days when utilizing an eSIM, making it notably superior to many other wearables in its category.

The design of the watch features a circular face with a rotating crown and a button on the side. Users can choose from straps made of fluoroelastomer or woven fabric. The Watch 5 was previously showcased at the King Pro League 2025 Spring Finals, a significant esports tournament for Honor of Kings. During this event, iQOO highlighted its new “e-sports mode,” which tracks players’ heart rates, calories burned, and more while gaming. It also allows data sharing and can trigger game countdowns, integrating health monitoring with gaming capabilities.

Anticipated Launch Date

The iQOO Watch 5 is expected to debut in China on May 20. Although the company hasn’t announced any details regarding international availability, its AI features and long battery life are likely to garner interest outside of the Chinese market.

Tags: AI features, BlueOS 2.5, iQOO Watch 5
May 16, 2025

Garmin Smartwatch Update: HRV Bug Fix Released

Key Takeaways

1. Garmin has launched beta version 17.03 for Instinct 2, 2s, 2X, and Crossover smartwatches.
2. The update includes eight bug fixes, addressing issues like HRV chart scaling and step tracking during horseback riding.
3. Specific fixes for Instinct Crossover include resolving a blank Tides glance issue.
4. Users will also receive GPS version 13.02 with this update.
5. The next public update release date for Instinct 2 smartwatches is currently unknown.

Garmin has launched beta version 17.03 for the Instinct 2, Instinct 2s, Instinct 2X, and Instinct Crossover smartwatches. This marks the first update for these devices in 2025, following the previous release, version 17.01, which was made available in November 2024.

Bug Fixes and Improvements

The changelog for beta version 17.03 outlines eight bug fixes for the Instinct smartwatches. Among these is a solution for a scaling issue on the heart rate variability (HRV) chart and a fix for the step tracking problem during horseback riding activities. Additionally, a problem with the Fish activity timer has been fixed, as well as an error where the Mixed Martial Arts activity name was shown incorrectly in the Garmin Connect app. For users who engage in strength training, they have resolved an issue where the weight value would not update as intended when editing reps. Other bug fixes also address dog tracking and nautical distance data.

Special Fixes for Instinct Crossover

Moreover, the Instinct Crossover benefits from a fix regarding the Tides glance, which had been blank in certain instances. In conjunction with the wider beta version 17.03 update, users will also receive GPS version 13.02. The necessary files for this release can be accessed on the Garmin forum. It remains uncertain when Garmin plans to issue the next public update for all Instinct 2 smartwatch users (Solar Graphite watch currently priced at $255.38 on Amazon).

Source:
Link

Tags: Garmin, Instinct 2
May 16, 2025

Samsung Unveils 1.4-Inch XR Micro-OLED Panel: 5,000 PPI, 15,000 Nits

Key Takeaways

1. Samsung Display revealed new RGB OLEDoS panels aimed at improving extended-reality headsets, exceeding the previous 5,000-nit prototype.
2. The standout 1.4-inch screen features a remarkable 5,000 PPI, peak brightness of 15,000 nits, 120 Hz refresh rates, and covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut.
3. A new variant with 4,200 PPI has achieved a record brightness of 20,000 nits, doubling the brightness of earlier models.
4. The micro-OLED technology used enhances efficiency and color vibrancy by eliminating the white-OLED-plus-filter layering seen in current displays.
5. Despite advancements, true-RGB micro-OLED remains costly to produce, with commercial headsets still using Sony’s 4K technology for the time being.

Samsung Display recently showcased a new line of RGB OLEDoS panels at Display Week 2025, aimed at enhancing the experience of extended-reality headsets. Their latest plans extend past the 5,000-nit prototype introduced last year, highlighting a vision that combines ultra-high pixel density with outstanding brightness.

Impressive Display Features

The star of the show was a compact 1.4-inch screen boasting an incredible 5,000 PPI, which offers more pixels than an 8K television in a space similar to that of a smartwatch. Despite its small size, this screen achieves a peak brightness of 15,000 nits, supports 120 Hz refresh rates, and covers 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut—specifications tailored for the high demands of mixed-reality eyewear, rather than traditional living-room televisions.

New Brightness Levels

Additionally, Samsung unveiled a variant with 4,200 PPI that elevates brightness to an astonishing 20,000 nits, setting a new record for RGB OLEDoS panels. Previous models were limited to 5,000 nits in 2024 and reached 10,000 nits at CES 2025, meaning that this latest prototype has doubled the brightness achieved just five months ago.

Both screen types utilize direct-emission red, green, and blue sub-pixels on a silicon backplane. This method—commonly referred to as micro-OLED or OLEDoS—eliminates the white-OLED-plus-filter layering used in current displays from Apple and Sony, enhancing efficiency, color vibrancy, and overall brightness. The advancements for Samsung stem from their acquisition of eMagin in 2023, featuring sample resolutions of 3,888 × 3,888 and a native 5K option, each fully covering the DCI-P3 color space.

Context for Brightness

However, simply citing brightness figures lacks significance without context. Modern pancake optics tend to waste about 90 percent of incoming light, and low-persistence techniques, designed to minimize motion blur, further reduce the perceived brightness. A 5,000-nit micro-OLED might deliver around 100 nits to the viewer’s eye, while Samsung’s 15,000- and 20,000-nit displays could increase that to approximately 300–400 nits. This could allow manufacturers to shorten duty cycles, enhancing motion clarity without diminishing brightness.

Despite these impressive advancements, true-RGB micro-OLED remains expensive to produce, leading Samsung to classify the new displays as research and development units. Commercial headsets set to launch later this year will continue to depend on Sony’s upgraded 4K micro-OLED technology. Nevertheless, Samsung’s prototypes indicate that the potential for higher XR image quality is advancing rapidly, even if material costs may rise.

Source:
Link

Tags: micro OLED panels, RGB OLEDoS, Samsung Display
May 16, 2025

Casio G-Shock GBX-100S-1JF and 100S-2JF Watches Now Available

Key Takeaways

1. Casio launched new G-Lide surf watches, GBX-100S-1JF and GBX-100S-2JF, priced at ¥28,600 (about $185 USD).
2. The watches feature a lightweight skeleton resin body, stainless-steel bezel, and come with black or blue biomass plastic straps.
3. Designed for surfing and training, they include an accelerometer and provide tide graphs, moon phase info, and sunrise/sunset timings.
4. The watches support Bluetooth connectivity for automatic updates and training log storage, are water-resistant up to 20 ATM, and have a battery life of about two years.
5. Currently available only in Japan, there are no details on a global release yet.

Casio has recently launched their new G-Lide surf watches, the GBX-100S-1JF and GBX-100S-2JF, for sale in Japan. These models were first previewed in April and later made available for pre-orders. They are designed with a lightweight skeleton resin body and feature a stainless-steel bezel. As part of the G-Shock GBX-100 series, they are priced at ¥28,600, which includes tax, translating to about $185 USD.

Design and Build

The GBX-100S models maintain the rectangular display style of the original GBX-100, but they come with a modern touch. Both variants feature a transparent case; the GBX-100S-1JF is equipped with a black resin strap, while the GBX-100S-2JF sports a blue strap. These bands are made from biomass plastic, similar to some other recent G-Shock releases. The dimensions of the casing are 50.9 x 46 x 14.7 mm, and it weighs in at 66 g.

Features for Surfing and Training

What makes the GBX-100S unique is its emphasis on features tailored for training and surfing. It is outfitted with an accelerometer that tracks distance, speed, lap time, and pace. For surfers, the watch provides tide graphs, moon phase information, and sunrise/sunset timings, supporting approximately 3,300 tide points worldwide. The display uses a high-contrast MIP LCD and includes auto light and afterglow capabilities.

Connectivity and Durability

These watches also support Bluetooth connectivity with the Casio Watches app, enabling automatic time adjustments, tide information updates, and storage for training logs. They are water-resistant up to 20 ATM and run on a standard replaceable battery that is expected to last around two years.

Although these watches are currently available in Japan, Casio has not yet shared any details about a global release. For now, customers outside Japan may need to use import services or wait for a regional launch.

Source:
Link

Tags: Casio G-SHOCK
May 16, 2025

iQOO Watch 5 Smartwatch with AI Features Launching Soon

Key Takeaways

1. The iQOO Watch 5 will launch in China on May 20th, featuring significant enhancements over previous models.
2. It is the first smartwatch to run on BlueOS 2.5, including an AI assistant called Blue Heart Xiao V x DeepSeek.
3. The watch boasts smart reminders and can last up to 22 days in Bluetooth mode and 14 days with an eSIM.
4. It includes an e-sports mode for tracking health metrics and supports data sharing and game countdowns.
5. The design features a round face, rotating crown, and strap options in fluoroelastomer and woven fabric, but its availability in other regions is still uncertain.

The iQOO Watch 5 smartwatch is set to launch in China soon. This latest model from the Vivo subsidiary is expected to debut later in May, featuring a range of enhancements compared to the previous wearables from the brand.

New Features and Capabilities

Recently, iQOO announced on Weibo that this smartwatch will be the first to run on BlueOS 2.5. The company has shared that it will include Blue Heart Xiao V x DeepSeek, an AI assistant that activates with a raise-to-wake feature. This assistant helps manage the watch’s functions and can also respond to inquiries. Additionally, it serves as an AI phone companion, capable of recording calls and providing summaries. Users can look forward to smart reminders connected to their travel, medication, or work schedules. The watch is anticipated to last up to 22 days in Bluetooth mode and 14 days with an eSIM.

Design and Functionality

The iQOO Watch 5’s design has been showcased in recent images, previously revealed at the King Pro League 2025 Spring Finals, an event for the online game Honor of Kings. During this event, the watch’s e-sports mode was presented, which tracks players’ health metrics such as heart rate and calories burned. It also supports data sharing and game countdowns. Sporting a round face, the watch features a rotating crown and a side button, with available strap options in fluoroelastomer and woven fabric.

Release Information

More information about the iQOO Watch 5 smartwatch is still pending. It is scheduled for release in China on May 20th. However, it remains uncertain if this model will be launched in other regions like North America or Europe.

Source:
Link

Tags: BlueOS 2.5, iQOO Watch 5, Smartwatch
May 16, 2025

Shop Casio G-Shock Black and Bold Red Series Watches Now

Key Takeaways

1. Casio has launched the G-Shock “Black and Bold Red” collection in Japan, featuring five models with a unique matte black and red-tinted design.
2. The collection includes the DW-5600BBR-1JF, GD-010BBR-1JF, GX-56BBR-1JF, GA-700BBR-1AJF, and GA-B2100BBR-1AJF, showcasing a cohesive color scheme despite differing designs.
3. Prices range from ¥14,300 ($92) for the DW-5600BBR-1JF to ¥24,750 ($160) for the Bluetooth-enabled GA-B2100BBR-1AJF.
4. Each watch is shock-resistant and water-resistant up to 200 meters, with varying features like Tough Solar and Bluetooth connectivity.
5. Currently, the “Black and Bold Red” collection is exclusive to Japan and the UK, with no confirmation of availability in Europe or the US yet.

Shortly after the GBX-100S watches hit the market in Japan, Casio has now launched its much-awaited G-Shock “Black and Bold Red” collection, also available in the same area. The five-watch series, which was initially teased in a leak earlier this year, can now be bought directly from Casio Japan’s online store. Until this point, only the DW-5600BBR-1JF model was available in the UK.

Full Collection Details

The entire collection consists of the DW-5600BBR-1JF, GD-010BBR-1JF, GX-56BBR-1JF, GA-700BBR-1AJF, and GA-B2100BBR-1AJF. Every watch in this lineup sports a matte black casing with red-tinted LCD displays, giving the series a unique monochrome look. Although the models vary significantly in design—from the small DW-5600 to the rugged GX-56 and the well-liked analog-digital GA-B2100—the consistent color scheme brings them together as a cohesive set.

Pricing and Features

Prices begin at ¥14,300 ($92) for the DW-5600BBR-1JF and reach up to ¥24,750 ($160) for the Bluetooth-capable GA-B2100BBR-1AJF. Each model is designed to be shock-resistant and can withstand water pressure up to 200 meters, featuring different attributes based on the base model: Tough Solar on the GX-56, Bluetooth connection on the GA-B2100, and large digital displays on the GD-010.

The series doesn’t seem to be a limited edition, but Casio has yet to confirm if it will be available in Europe or the US. For now, the “Black and Bold Red” watches are exclusive to Japan and the UK. However, due to the global popularity of these models, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a broader release in the future.

Source:
Link

Tags: Black and Bold Red, G-SHOCK
May 16, 2025

Garmin HRM 600: Advanced Wearable for Training and Analysis

Key Takeaways

1. Smartwatches commonly include optical sensors for heart rate tracking, but wrist readings can lag during quick fluctuations.
2. Garmin’s HRM 600 is designed specifically for serious athletes, offering features like heart rate variability and advanced running metrics.
3. The HRM 600 includes a unique Step Speed Loss feature for assessing running efficiency, available only on the Forerunner 970.
4. The HRM 600 strap can be used independently of a smartwatch for various activities, including boxing and climbing.
5. The device has a rechargeable battery lasting up to two months and is priced at $169.99, available from May 21.

There are nearly no smartwatches these days that lack an optical sensor to track your heart rate. When you combine heart rate with speed, easily measured via GPS, it gives a pretty detailed insight into performance, especially for activities like running or cycling. From what we’ve seen, measuring heart rate on the wrist usually works quite well, but if there are quick and noticeable fluctuations in heart rate, the readings can be slow or lagging. This tends to impact serious runners and athletes who push their limits during training.

Designed for Serious Athletes

Garmin has designed the HRM 600 with these dedicated athletes in mind. This heart rate monitor not only tracks heart rate but also looks at heart rate variability. It assesses heart rate over time and examines how individual heartbeats differ from each other. It also includes advanced metrics for running efficiency (known as Running Dynamics) that work in conjunction with a compatible smartwatch. The device has a feature called Step Speed Loss, which evaluates the decrease in speed caused by ground contact; however, this feature is exclusive to the new Forerunner 970. Runners are encouraged to reduce this metric by refining their running technique. Stride length, ground contact duration, and vertical movement can also be evaluated with other models aside from just the Forerunner 970.

Versatile Usage

The HRM 600 strap is versatile and can be utilized without a smartwatch, making it suitable for activities like boxing, martial arts, or even climbing. The rechargeable battery boasts an impressive life of up to two months.

This model is priced at $169.99 and will be available for purchase starting on May 21.

Source:
Link

Tags: Garmin, HRM 600
May 15, 2025

Huawei Watch Fit 4: Offline Maps and NFC Payments Now Available

Key Takeaways

1. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is the most affordable smartwatch in Huawei’s latest line, following the Watch Fit 3 released in 2024.
2. It features a 1.82-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits and a lightweight design, measuring 9.5 mm thick and weighing 27 g.
3. The watch includes new functionalities such as tracking for seven watersports, barometric pressure sensors, and a Sleep Breathing Awareness feature for monitoring sleep patterns.
4. It offers enhanced GPS accuracy with Huawei’s Sunflower Positioning System and supports offline maps and NFC payments.
5. Priced at €169, the Watch Fit 4 is available in four strap colors: black, gray, purple, and white.

The Huawei Watch Fit 4 has just been released in Europe. This model is the follow-up to the Watch Fit 3, which debuted in 2024, and it stands as the most affordable option in Huawei’s latest line of smartwatches.

Display and Design

The Watch Fit 4 features a 1.82-inch AMOLED screen that can reach a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. In contrast, the Watch Fit 4 Pro offers a screen brightness of up to 3,000 nits. Huawei markets this watch as thin and light, measuring 9.5 mm (about 0.4 inches) in thickness and weighing just 27 g (around 1.0 oz). It also comes with a 400 mAh battery, which can last up to ten days on a single charge, or seven days under normal usage; recharging the battery fully takes about 75 minutes.

New Functionalities

Among the new features introduced in this model are seven watersports activities, including kayaking, sailing, and paddleboarding. The watch is equipped with barometric pressure sensors to track depth and elevation, making it useful for hiking and stair climbing. Another innovative addition is the Sleep Breathing Awareness feature, which tracks your breathing patterns at night to identify potential signs of sleep apnea. Moreover, Huawei’s Sunflower Positioning System is claimed to enhance GPS accuracy, even in areas with tall buildings. Additionally, it supports full-color offline maps with tracking capabilities and includes an NFC payment option.

Pricing and Options

The Huawei Watch Fit 4 is currently available for purchase in Europe for €169. Buyers can select from four strap colors: black (fluoroelastomer), gray (fabric), purple (fluoroelastomer), and white (fluoroelastomer).

Source:
Link

Tags: Fitness Tracking, Huawei Watch Fit 4, Smartwatch
May 15, 2025

Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro: Affordable Rival to Apple Watch Ultra 2

Key Takeaways

1. The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is a budget-friendly alternative to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, starting at €279 compared to Apple’s €899.
2. It features a titanium alloy bezel, sapphire glass screen, and a lightweight design at 30.4 grams, with a 1.82-inch AMOLED display boasting 3,000 nits brightness and 347 ppi pixel density.
3. The smartwatch claims superior battery life, lasting up to 7 days in normal mode and 10 days with battery saver, compared to the Apple Watch Ultra 2’s 72 hours in low power mode.
4. It includes Huawei TruSense technology for tracking heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ECG, along with various fitness features, including a Golf Mode with access to over 15,000 golf course maps.
5. The Watch Fit 4 Pro has a 5 ATM water resistance rating, sleep health tracking, and compatibility with Android, iOS, and EMUI, available in three color choices.

The Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro has officially been revealed at the launch event in Berlin. This new smartwatch is an enhanced version of the standard model, and Huawei is marketing it as a budget-friendly rival to the Apple Watch Ultra 2. It comes with a starting price of €279 in the European market, while Apple’s premium device begins at €899.

Competing Features

Although the Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro is not a direct rival to the Apple Watch Ultra 2, it lacks several high-end features, like extensive third-party app compatibility. Nonetheless, Huawei emphasizes the apparently superior build quality of its latest device.

Design and Display

This new budget smartwatch features a bezel made from titanium alloy and a screen crafted from sapphire glass. It also has a lightweight design, weighing just 30.4 grams. The front of the device showcases a 1.82-inch AMOLED display that boasts a brightness of 3,000 nits. Huawei points out that this display has a pixel density of 347 ppi, which surpasses the 326 ppi of the Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49 mm GPS + Cellular currently priced at $729.99 on Amazon).

Battery Life and Health Features

Huawei asserts that the Watch Fit 4 Pro has superior battery life when compared to Apple’s leading smartwatch. More detailed, the company claims that the new device can last up to 7 days in normal mode, and with the battery saver feature, it can stretch to 10 days. In contrast, the Apple Watch Ultra 2 is rated for a maximum of 72 hours in low power mode.

In addition, the Watch Fit 4 Pro includes Huawei TruSense technology, which can track essential health metrics such as heart rate, oxygen saturation, and ECG readings. It also offers various fitness capabilities, including a Golf Mode with access to over 15,000 golf course maps.

Additional Features

Other notable features encompass a 5 ATM water resistance rating, tracking for sleep health, and compatibility with Android, iOS, and EMUI. The Watch Fit 4 Pro is offered in three different color choices at the official store.

Tags: Affordable Smartwatch, Apple Watch Ultra 2, Huawei Watch Fit 4 Pro