Category: Wearables

  • New Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 Limited Edition Watch Unveiled

    New Casio G-Shock GA-B2100 Limited Edition Watch Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Limited Edition Release: The G-Shock GA-B2100-1A1PRX is a limited edition watch honoring Xi’an, with only 600 pieces available.

    2. Unique Design: The watch features blue highlights, a specially designed strap with landmarks, and comes in a scroll-shaped gift box.

    3. Advanced Functionalities: It includes world time support, Bluetooth connectivity, multiple alarms, and a 1/100th second stopwatch.

    4. Durable Features: The watch has Tough Solar charging, a dual LED backlight, and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.

    5. Launch Details: The watch will be available in physical retail stores in China starting July 21st.


    Casio has introduced the new G-Shock GA-B2100-1A1PRX watch in China. This limited edition model honors the city of Xi’an, which is the capital of Shaanxi province. The design is said to draw inspiration from the historic city of Chang’an and the poetry of the Tang Dynasty.

    Unique Design Elements

    The G-Shock Xi’an city limited edition GA-B2100-1A1PRX watch is a variation of the standard GA-B2100-1A1. This standard model features an all-black design with a negative digital screen. In contrast, the new version showcases blue highlights on the watch face and a specially designed strap that features a blue-white ink pattern. The strap also includes outlines of famous landmarks such as the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and a Terracotta Army soldier. Additionally, it comes in a unique scroll-shaped gift box.

    Advanced Features

    Watches in the GA-B2100 series come with various functionalities, including world time support and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to access multiple settings and tools via the Casio Watches smartphone app. They also have features like a 1/100th second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. Moreover, the watches utilize Tough Solar charging, include a dual LED backlight, and offer water resistance up to 200 meters. Each timepiece is built with the brand’s Carbon Core Guard structure, featuring a resin case and strap.

    The Casio G-Shock GA-B2100-1A1PRX watch is set to launch in China on July 21st. There will be only 600 pieces of this regional edition available, and it will be sold exclusively in physical retail stores.

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  • Casio G-Shock x Beijing Guoan F.C. Watch Release Coming Soon

    Casio G-Shock x Beijing Guoan F.C. Watch Release Coming Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio and Beijing Guoan F.C. launched a special edition G-Shock DW-5600 watch for fans in China, honoring the team’s supporters.
    2. The watch features a bright green design, reflecting the New Workers’ Stadium seats, with the team logo visible when the backlight is on.
    3. It includes a collectible tin, pins, and a small football scarf featuring both brands.
    4. The watch has various features like a stopwatch, multifunctional alarm, countdown timer, and is water-resistant up to 200 m.
    5. Only 2,000 pieces will be available at a pop-up event on July 12th, with no online sales planned.


    Casio and Beijing Guoan F.C. have joined forces to launch a special edition G-Shock DW-5600 watch for fans in China. This unique timepiece is designed as a “honor to the 12th man,” which refers to the supporters of the Chinese Super League football team.

    A Vibrant Design

    The G-Shock x Beijing Guoan Football Club watch showcases a bright green hue, reflecting the color of the seats found in the New Workers’ Stadium. When the backlight is turned on, the team logo is visible and etched on the back of the case. Additionally, the limited edition number of the watch is also engraved on it. This exclusive set comes with a collectible tin, pins from G-Shock and Beijing Guoan F.C., as well as a small football scarf that features both brands.

    Features and Specifications

    As part of the DW-5600 series, this watch is expected to have a stopwatch that can measure up to 1/100th of a second, hourly signals, a multifunctional alarm, and a countdown timer. These Shock Resistant models usually provide 200 m of water resistance and can last about five years with a replaceable CR2016 battery. They also feature a fully automatic calendar and are designed to remain accurate within 15 seconds each month.

    Limited Availability

    Per the G-Shock Weibo account, the Casio G-Shock x Beijing Guoan Football Club limited edition watch will be available at a pop-up event at the Beijing Huiju Shopping Center on July 12th. There will only be 2,000 pieces up for grabs, and it seems that this product won’t be sold online. Other DW-5600 models, such as the DW5600UE-1V, can be found on Amazon in the US, priced at about $69.00.

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  • Amazfit Enhances Zepp App Features in Latest Update

    Amazfit Enhances Zepp App Features in Latest Update

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Food Log feature in the Zepp App was upgraded and initially appeared in beta at the end of 2024, now available in multiple regions including the US, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific.

    2. Users can save favorite food items to simplify tracking their dietary intake, a feature that was requested but not mentioned in the release notes.

    3. Food logging can now be done via text, voice, or AI camera, with an option to ‘Add to Favourites’ for easier access.

    4. To manage favorite food items, users must navigate through the ‘Food’ tile on the homepage and access the settings icon.

    5. The Food Log feature is compatible with various Amazfit wearables and tested on Zepp App version 9.9.5 for iOS, with unclear availability for Android users.


    Amazfit users of wearable devices have seen an upgrade in the Food Log feature of the Zepp App. Initially appearing in a beta version at the end of 2024, the tool was later rolled out to customers in the US. Since then, it has expanded to several countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, and recently started being available in the Asia-Pacific region.

    New Features in the Zepp App

    A user shared on Facebook that the updated version of the Zepp app now allows users to save their favorite food items. This feature, which many users had been asking for, aims to simplify the process of tracking dietary intake. Interestingly, there was no mention of this feature in the release notes accompanying the app update, raising some questions.

    Users can now log food items in the app via text, voice, or AI camera. At the bottom of the logging page, there is an option to ‘Add to Favourites’ (as seen in the screenshot). To access and manage their favorite food items, users need to click on the ‘Food’ tile on the homepage, tap the settings icon located in the upper right corner, and scroll down to ‘My Favourites’. After that, when users log food from the Food page, they will see a new option to choose from ‘My Favourites’ (refer to the screenshot below).

    Availability and Compatibility

    We had the chance to test this feature with Zepp App version 9.9.5 on iOS, but it’s not clear if Android users have access to it too. You can find the latest Zepp app version for download on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. The Food Log feature is compatible with various Amazfit wearables, including the new Helio Strap, which is currently priced at $99.99.

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  • Qualcomm Project Aspen Leak Reveals New Snapdragon Wear Chipset

    Qualcomm Project Aspen Leak Reveals New Snapdragon Wear Chipset

    Key Takeaways

    1. The smartwatch chipset industry is evolving slowly compared to other tech sectors like laptops and smartphones.
    2. Samsung’s recent smartwatch models utilize the same Exynos W1000 chipset as last year’s versions, indicating minimal changes.
    3. Qualcomm has not introduced a new smartwatch chipset in over three years, with the last being the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1.
    4. Qualcomm is working on a new chipset, codenamed SW6100, which may be released as Snapdragon W6 Gen 1, but the timing is uncertain.
    5. The SW6100 is expected to provide nearly a 2x performance boost over the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, featuring improved CPU core configurations.


    The smartwatch chipset industry is evolving at a much more gradual speed compared to the rapid advancements seen in laptop, smartphone, and tablet chipsets. For example, Samsung recently introduced the Galaxy Watch8, Galaxy Watch8 Classic, and Galaxy Watch Ultra 2025, all priced at $649.99 on Amazon. These models utilize the same Exynos W1000 chipset that was used in last year’s versions. Similarly, Apple has shown little variation in its S series chipsets over several generations.

    Qualcomm’s Approach

    Qualcomm seems to have the most laid-back strategy when it comes to making smartwatch chipsets compared to the other two brands. To summarize, it has been over three years since the company released the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform. This platform includes four ARM Cortex-A53 cores running at 1.7 GHz, along with an Adreno 702 GPU built on a 4 nm process. However, Android Authority mentions that Qualcomm is finally gearing up to launch a successor.

    The Upcoming SW6100 Chipset

    The project, codenamed Aspen, is also known as SW6100. At this moment, Android Authority suggests that this chipset might eventually be launched as the Snapdragon W6 Gen 1. Yet, the exact timing of its release remains uncertain for now.

    In addition, the website indicates that Qualcomm is working on the SW6100 using a TSMC node that has not been specified. It will feature LPDDR5X RAM, a new QCC6100 coprocessor, and similar CPU core clusters as the Exynos W1000. Specifically, the SW6100 is expected to have one ARM Cortex-A78 CPU core along with four Cortex-A55 cores. Based on our benchmarks, this change in CPU cores could possibly offer nearly a 2x performance boost compared to the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, using the Exynos W1000 as a reference point. Sadly, more details are still unavailable at this time.

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  • Casio G-Shock GMA-P2100C: Affordable Polarized Dial Watches Available

    Casio G-Shock GMA-P2100C: Affordable Polarized Dial Watches Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio has launched the GMA-P2100PC watch collection in Japan, featuring three models with pastel accents.
    2. The watches feature a unique polarized dial that changes color based on light angle and have a shiny index finish.
    3. Each model has a matte bio-resin case, is 46mm tall, weighs 40g, and offers 20-bar water resistance with a three-year battery life.
    4. Available styles include the versatile -1AJF (black), beach-inspired -4AJF (beige), and -7AJF (white), suitable for anyone despite being categorized under women’s line.
    5. Each model is priced at ¥18,700 (about $127) and is available on Casio Japan’s online store, with a potential US release in the future.


    Casio has begun selling its new GMA-P2100PC watches in Japan, just a few weeks after their official introduction. This collection consists of three models with pastel accents, making it a great choice for fans of compact G-Shocks.

    Unique Features

    The new models – GMA-P2100PC-1AJF, -4AJF, and -7AJF – maintain the familiar 2100 size that we’ve seen in previous designs. What sets these watches apart is their polarized dial, which changes color based on the light angle, combined with a shiny index finish. The ‘PC’ in the name stands for “polarized color,” and the design theme reflects sunlight glimmering off the ocean.

    Specifications

    In terms of construction, there aren’t any major surprises. All three models feature a matte bio-resin case and strap, measuring 46mm in height and a bit over 11mm in thickness, weighing just 40g. They offer water resistance of 20 bars, a battery life of three years, and LED lighting for both the dial and LCD. The typical 2100-series functions are also included, such as world time, stopwatch, timer, alarms, and a full auto-calendar. However, there’s no Bluetooth or solar charging, which is to be expected at this price.

    Style and Availability

    If you’re looking for a versatile daily watch, the -1AJF (black) might be your best choice. On the other hand, the -4AJF (beige) and -7AJF (white) provide a more seasonal, beach-inspired vibe. Although these watches are categorized under Casio’s women’s line, their neutral colors and clean design make them suitable for anyone.

    Each model is priced at ¥18,700 (approximately $127) in Japan. They are available on Casio Japan’s online store, and you can anticipate third-party retailers to start offering them soon. A release in the US is likely on the horizon as well.

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  • Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update: Enhanced Pairing Features

    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update: Enhanced Pairing Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Software version 17.40 is now available for the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch, following beta testing and nearly a year since the last stable update (17.30).
    2. The update improves the inReach pairing process for Garmin satellite communication tools.
    3. A fix has been made for a potential crash when starting LTE.
    4. Issues with Real Time Settings for Live Event Sharing and Spectator Messaging have been resolved.
    5. Some users have reported new problems with Spectator Messaging, but the extent of the issue is unclear; the update is accessible via Garmin Connect Mobile app or Garmin Express.


    Garmin has rolled out software version 17.40 for the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch. This update comes after a recent beta version and nearly one year since the last stable update, which was version 17.30. The previous update addressed a rebooting problem.

    Key Updates in Version 17.40

    The new software version 17.40 introduces four main changes to the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch. To begin with, it aims to enhance the inReach pairing process when connecting the device with a Garmin satellite communication tool. The release notes also mention a fix for a possible crash that could occur when starting LTE. Furthermore, issues related to the Real Time Settings for Live Event Sharing and Spectator Messaging have been fixed.

    User Feedback on Spectator Messaging

    Interestingly, one user of the Forerunner 945 has reported new problems with the Spectator Messaging feature. However, it remains uncertain how widespread this issue is. A recent post on a forum indicates that this update has been delivered to at least half of the Forerunner 945 LTE smartwatch users (curr. $335 at Amazon). You can get the update via the Garmin Connect Mobile app or through the Garmin Express software on a computer.

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  • Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update Fixes Notification Bugs

    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update Fixes Notification Bugs

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch has received a new software update, version 11.03.
    2. The update fixes a bug that caused users to receive excessive update notifications.
    3. Connectivity improvements have been made, resolving issues with the Connect IQ app not recognizing the smartwatch.
    4. The update is currently rolling out to 20% of users, with no specified timeline for full availability.
    5. Users can install the update via Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile.


    The Garmin Forerunner 55 smartwatch has begun to receive the new software version 11.03. This update comes just weeks after the previous stable version 11.02, which fixed a problem with the language selection feature.

    Fixes in Version 11.03

    With the new version 11.03, another issue has been addressed that many Forerunner 55 users faced. A bug that caused users to receive constant update notifications has reportedly been fixed. Some individuals stated they were getting as much as ten notifications daily, which was quite frustrating.

    Connectivity Improvements

    Another notable fix was related to connectivity problems. On the Garmin Forum, numerous Forerunner 55 users expressed concerns that the Connect IQ app would not recognize their smartwatch, even though it showed as linked in the Garmin Connect app. A company rep has confirmed that this problem has been resolved, though it’s worth noting that this fix isn’t mentioned in the release notes for version 11.03.

    This stable update is now rolling out to 20% of users who own this smartwatch. As is typical, users can install the update via Garmin Express or Garmin Connect Mobile. However, the company has not yet provided a timeline for when software version 11.03 will be accessible to all Forerunner 55 smartwatch owners (current price: $169 at Amazon).

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  • Casio Launches New Textured Dial Watches in July 2023

    Casio Launches New Textured Dial Watches in July 2023

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio has announced five new MTP-1302D watch variants with minimalist designs and unique dials.
    2. The collection includes dark blue, light blue, green, white, and a black mother of pearl dial options.
    3. Each watch features an ion-plated case, stainless-steel band, and is water-resistant up to 50 m.
    4. The watches are powered by a replaceable SR626SW battery, lasting about three years, and maintain accuracy within 20 seconds per month.
    5. The MTP-1302D watches are expected to launch in July 2025, with uncertain availability and pricing for North America and Europe.


    Casio has announced five new MTP-1302D watches on its global website. These standard timepieces, which are not yet available, showcase a minimalist design featuring a metallic case that encircles a unique dial.

    Watch Variants

    The collection consists of the MTP-1302DA-2A1V (dark blue dial), the MTP-1302DA-2A2V (light blue dial), the MTP-1302DA-3AV (green dial), and the MTP-1302DA-7AV (white dial). Each watch has a matte finish and a textured look, much like the soon-to-be-released EFR-S108DE. The last watch of this lineup is the MTP-1302DS-1AV, which boasts a ‘black’ mother of pearl dial.

    Specifications

    Every variant comes with an ion-plated case and a stainless-steel band. These timepieces are water-resistant up to 50 m and are designed to operate for about three years on a replaceable SR626SW battery. The analog watches display three hands for the hour, minute, and second, along with a simple date function. Casio claims that these watches will maintain accuracy within 20 seconds per month. Their dimensions are 44.2 x 38.5 x 9.4 mm (~1.7 x 1.5 x 0.4 inches) and they weigh 104 g (~3.7 oz).

    Release Information

    The Casio MTP-1302D watches are anticipated to launch in July 2025. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain when they will be available in markets such as North America and Europe, or what their pricing will be.

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  • New Casio Edifice EFR-539DE Watches with 3D Bezel Design

    New Casio Edifice EFR-539DE Watches with 3D Bezel Design

    Key Takeaways

    1. Three new Casio Edifice EFR-539DE models introduced: blue (EFR-539DE-2AV), green (EFR-539DE-3AV), and gray (EFR-539DE-8AV).
    2. Each watch features a standard chronograph design with a 1/10th second stopwatch function and a date display.
    3. The build includes stainless steel and aluminum, with water resistance up to 100 meters and a two-year battery life.
    4. Watch dimensions are 54.1 x 49.5 x 11.7 mm and weight is 184 grams.
    5. Release date and pricing remain unclear, with potential availability suggested for July.


    Three fresh Casio Edifice EFR-539DE watches have popped up on the brand’s global site. These timepieces are characterized as sizable standard chronographs, featuring a noticeable bezel, and they come in three different colors.

    Watch Details

    The Casio Edifice EFR-539DE-2AV (blue), EFR-539DE-3AV (green), and EFR-539DE-8AV (gray) are analog watches. Each model includes three hands for seconds, minutes, and hours, along with the date shown on the right side of the dial. The dial displays three smaller dials that are connected to a 1/10th second stopwatch function. This stopwatch can measure split time, elapsed time, and times for 1st and 2nd places.

    Build Quality

    These watches have a casing and bezel crafted from a mix of stainless steel and aluminum, with the band also made of stainless steel. They are designed to be water resistant up to 100 meters, and Casio claims that the replaceable SR920SW battery lasts around two years. The dimensions of each watch are 54.1 x 49.5 x 11.7 mm (~2.1 x 1.9 x 0.5 inches), and they weigh 184 grams (~6.5 ounces).

    Release Information

    There is no clear information on when the Casio Edifice EFR-539DE watches will actually hit the market, nor what their pricing will be. Although the product listings on the company’s global website suggest a potential release in July, it is still uncertain if or when they will be available in countries such as the US, UK, or Netherlands.

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  • Apple Vision Pro 2 Launching in 2025 with Two Key Upgrades

    Apple Vision Pro 2 Launching in 2025 with Two Key Upgrades

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Apple Vision Pro, powered by the M2 chip, received a lukewarm response due to its high price of $3,499 and limited technological advancements at launch.
    2. A new version of the Vision Pro is expected by the end of 2024, featuring slight design changes and a more comfortable headband for extended use.
    3. The upcoming headset is likely to use the Apple M4 chip, while the M5 chip is projected for release in late 2025.
    4. Despite updates, the Vision Pro may struggle to gain popularity unless it has a larger app ecosystem, especially with the anticipated visionOS 26 software upgrades.
    5. Apple is planning a more affordable consumer headset, codenamed “N100,” along with smart glasses that focus on AI features without a display.


    Powered by the Apple M2 chip, the Apple Vision Pro didn’t exactly push the limits of technology when it was first introduced back in February 2024. It faced a rather tepid response, partly because of its high starting price of $3,499. As reported by Bloomberg recently, a new version is expected to come out by the end of this year, featuring only slight modifications to its design and specifications. One key improvement is a new headband that aims to enhance comfort for users during long periods of wearing.

    Speculations on Future Chips

    While the Apple M5 is projected to launch in the latter part of 2025, the upcoming headset will probably still use the Apple M4 chip, an ARM processor that first appeared over a year ago with the iPad Pro, which is around $899 on Amazon. Bloomberg believes that these updates won’t be enough to make the Vision Pro a big hit in the market. However, with software upgrades in visionOS 26, the new headset might become a more appealing option for developers and businesses.

    The Path to Wider Adoption

    For Apple to achieve broader acceptance of its consumer-centric headset, expected sometime in 2027, it’ll need a much larger app ecosystem. This device, which goes by the codename “N100,” is said to be much lighter and more budget-friendly. Additionally, Apple is reportedly developing a pair of smart glasses that don’t have a display but come packed with speakers, microphones, cameras, and, most crucially, AI features.

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