Category: Wearables

  • New Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Now Available in the US

    New Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Now Available in the US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio launched the G-Shock DW-6900TR series in the US as part of the 30th anniversary celebration of the DW-6900 line.
    2. The series includes three color options: black (DW-6900TR-1), red (DW-6900TR-4), and yellow (DW-6900TR-9), inspired by original colors from 1995.
    3. Each watch features a case size of 53.2 × 50 × 18.7 mm and offers 200-meter water resistance.
    4. Key functionalities include a multi-function alarm, countdown timer, 1/100-second stopwatch, and a battery life of 5 years.
    5. The retail price for each model is $120 USD.

    Casio has officially introduced the G-Shock DW-6900TR series in the United States. This launch represents a new step in their 30th-anniversary celebration of the DW-6900 line, as these models were previously available only in certain international locations. Now, customers in the US can finally purchase them.

    Stylish Color Options

    The DW-6900TR-1 (black), DW-6900TR-4 (red), and DW-6900TR-9 (yellow) pay homage to the original color variants that debuted in the DW-6900H back in 1995. Each model retains the iconic round shape but incorporates modern materials and several special details to celebrate the anniversary. Below are the specifics of the updates made to the series:

    Key Specifications

    Each watch has a case size of 53.2 × 50 × 18.7 mm, offers 200-meter water resistance, and features mineral glass along with a battery life of 5 years. The functionalities include a multi-function alarm, countdown timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and an hourly time signal, all powered by a CR2016 battery. The cost for each model is $120 USD.

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    New Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Now Available in the US
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  • Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Notification Issues

    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Notification Issues

    Key Takeaways

    1. Garmin has released a beta update (version 22.24) for the Forerunner series smartwatches, including models 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965.
    2. This update focuses on fixing bugs, including issues with scheduled workouts, blank data in Daily Suggested Workouts, and crashes during smart notifications.
    3. The Forerunner 165 received specific fixes for crashes in Connect IQ apps and notification sound problems.
    4. The update rollout is currently at 20%, and users can manually check for updates in the settings menu.
    5. The previous stable version 22.22 introduced new features like passcode protection and compatibility with the new HRM 200 heart rate monitor.

    Garmin has started to release a new beta update for its Forerunner series smartwatches, including the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965. The update, version 22.24, comes out a few weeks after the stable version 22.22, which introduced features like passcode protection, Body Battery TrueUp, and compatibility with the new HRM 200 heart rate monitor (currently priced at $149.99 on Amazon).

    Focused on Fixes

    As expected, the beta version 22.24 primarily addresses various bugs. Garmin has worked on issues such as scheduled workouts showing on incorrect days in certain time zones and completed Daily Suggested Workouts displaying blank data. Additionally, the crashes that users experienced when trying to use the keyboard to reply to smart notifications during workouts have been reportedly fixed. Moreover, problems regarding virtual partner pace, dynamic source switching, and last activity have also been taken care of.

    Specific Improvements for Forerunner 165

    Only the Forerunner 165 smartwatch has received a fix concerning crashes in Connect IQ apps, which were linked to radial or angled text. Furthermore, some users of the Forerunner 165 pointed out issues with notification sounds; these have now been rectified. According to a post on the Garmin forum, the rollout of the beta version 22.24 is currently at 20%. Users can manually check for the update by navigating to the Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

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    Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Beta Update Fixes Notification Issues
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  • Casio MRW-230H Rotating Bezel Watches Now in the UK

    Casio MRW-230H Rotating Bezel Watches Now in the UK

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio MRW-230H-1E series is now available for sale in the UK, with three models priced at £39.90 each.
    2. The watches feature a marine-inspired design with a black resin case and strap, and different bezel colors for each model: black, blue/red, and green.
    3. These watches are water-resistant up to 100 meters and have a battery life of about three years.
    4. The analog face includes hour, minute, second hands, day of the week, date display, and a rotating bezel that functions as a timer.
    5. Future availability of the MRW-230H series in other regions, including the US, is still uncertain, but demand is growing among watch enthusiasts.

    The Casio MRW-230H-1E series of analog watches are now on sale in the UK. These models were listed on the brand’s global website in early February, but details about their release and pricing in other markets remained uncertain.

    Pricing and Models

    You can now find the Casio MRW-230H-1E1V, MRW-230H-1E2V, and MRW-230H-1E3V analog watches in the UK priced at £39.90. These timepieces are described as having a “marine inspired” design, featuring a black resin case and strap. Notably, the MRW-230H-1E1V comes with a black aluminum bezel, while the MRW-230H-1E2V boasts a blue and red bezel, and the MRW-230H-1E3V has a green bezel.

    Features and Specifications

    These Casio MRW-230H watches have a water resistance of up to 100 meters and are designed to last about three years on an SR626SW battery. The analog face includes hour, minute, and second hands, all shielded by resin glass. It also displays the day of the week and date, plus the rotating bezel functions as a timer. According to Casio, the watches are accurate to within 20 seconds each month. It is still unknown when these Casio MRW-230H watches will be available in other European nations or in markets such as the US.

    Future Availability

    Casio’s plans for expanding the availability of these watches in different regions remain unclear, but the excitement around the MRW-230H series is growing. The combination of style and functionality in these timepieces makes them a great option for watch enthusiasts and casual wearers alike. Keep an eye out for updates on their release in various countries.

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  • Meta Launches Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Heart Rate Tracking

    Meta Launches Aria Gen 2 Smart Glasses with Heart Rate Tracking

    Key Takeaways

    1. Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses are displayless and available only to research partners, not for public sale.
    2. The glasses feature enhanced sensors including RGB camera, eye tracking, and spatial microphones for better context recognition.
    3. A new PPG sensor monitors heart rate, and real-time processing allows for precise indoor and outdoor location tracking.
    4. Improved battery life by 40% allows for six to eight hours of continuous use while weighing approximately 75g.
    5. The glasses aim to assist individuals with blindness or visual impairments through collaboration with Envision’s Ally AI assistant.

    Meta has revealed the Aria Gen 2 smart glasses, which are displayless. These glasses come from the company’s AR and AI research initiative known as Project Aria, which began in 2020. However, this new version will only be accessible to research partners and won’t be available for the general public to purchase.

    Enhanced Features

    Meta states that the Aria Gen 2 glasses have improved capabilities to grasp human perspective and can recognize the surrounding context of the wearer. For instance, features like eye tracking and hand tracking help to precisely identify what the user is doing. When compared to the Aria Gen 1, there’s a notable upgrade in the sensor suite, which now includes an RGB camera, a 6DOF SLAM camera, eye-tracking cameras, spatial microphones, IMUs, a barometer, a magnetometer, and GNSS.

    New Sensors and Battery Life

    A new PPG sensor is included to monitor the user’s heart rate, while a contact microphone allows the glasses to detect if the wearer is talking or if it’s someone else nearby. The Aria Gen 2 can also process signals directly on the device in real-time and pinpoint your location both indoors and outdoors. Furthermore, it features built-in open-ear force-cancelling speakers for audio enjoyment. The battery has been improved by 40%, providing six to eight hours of use continuously. Still, the weight remains around 75g, maintaining the same foldable arms design as before.

    Future Applications

    The Aria Gen 2 glasses aim to enhance accessibility for people with blindness or visual impairments. Envision, a company in the field, is collaborating to integrate its Ally AI assistant with these smart glasses. A promotional video shows this technology being utilized in a grocery store, where a shopper is assisted in locating red onions. It remains uncertain when this technology will be broadly available. For those interested in purchasing smart glasses for casual use, the Ray-Ban Meta Glasses (Regular Black Wayfarer, currently priced at $299 on Amazon) could be a good option.

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  • RayNeo Air 3s Launch: Affordable Upgraded XR Glasses at MWC 2025

    RayNeo Air 3s Launch: Affordable Upgraded XR Glasses at MWC 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. RayNeo Air 3s launched at a budget-friendly price of $259, down from $399 for Air 2s.
    2. Enhanced HueView screen technology offers a micro-OLED display for vibrant colors and rich blacks.
    3. Air 3s conform to IMAX Enhanced standards with impressive color accuracy and contrast ratio.
    4. Improved peak brightness of 650 nits for better viewing in bright environments.
    5. New dual-speaker setup claims a 200% increase in audio quality, with a launch planned for April 2025.

    RayNeo has unveiled the Air 3s during MWC 2025, aiming to provide a budget-friendly option for XR glasses with enhanced specifications compared to the Air 2s. The pricing for these new XR glasses is set at $259 per pair, a notable reduction from the $399 launch price of their predecessors.

    Improved Features

    Despite the price drop, the Air 3s seem to be a superior option compared to RayNeo’s previous model, the Air 2s. A significant enhancement is the introduction of HueView screen technology, which features a micro-OLED display with a tandem OLED structure. According to RayNeo, this advancement allows the new XR glasses to deliver exceptionally vibrant colors and rich blacks.

    Performance Metrics

    RayNeo also asserts that the Air 3s conform to IMAX Enhanced standards, boasting an impressive 145% sRGB and 98% DCI-P3 accuracy, a contrast ratio of 200,000:1, and color accuracy rated at △E<2. In our hands-on review of the Air 2s, we found that while the display provided an engaging viewing experience, some users reported issues with blurry corners. Thankfully, the new model seems to have addressed this problem with a larger eye box.

    Audio and Launch Details

    Another improvement in the Air 3s is the peak brightness, which has increased from 600 nits to 650 nits. This enhancement should contribute to a better viewing experience, even in bright environments. In our review of the Air 2s, we noted the audio quality from the built-in speakers was not very impressive (EarFun Air Pro 4 currently priced at $59.99 on Amazon).

    It appears that the RayNeo Air 3s has also made strides in audio. The company is claiming a 200% increase in sound quality thanks to a new dual-speaker setup. As for availability, RayNeo plans to launch the new XR glasses in April 2025.

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  • HONOR Watch 5 Ultra Launch: Grade 5 Titanium, 1.5″ AMOLED, Health Scan

    HONOR Watch 5 Ultra Launch: Grade 5 Titanium, 1.5″ AMOLED, Health Scan

    Key Takeaways

    1. Durable Design: The HONOR Watch 5 Ultra features a lightweight Grade 5 titanium casing and scratch-resistant sapphire glass for enhanced protection.

    2. Impressive Battery Life: The smartwatch has a 480mAh battery that can last up to 15 days under normal use.

    3. Advanced Health Monitoring: It offers real-time tracking of heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and sleep quality through various health features.

    4. Extensive Fitness Capabilities: With over 100 sports modes and a 40-meter free dive capability, it is suitable for a wide range of activities.

    5. Smart Connectivity: The watch is equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS, ensuring reliable connectivity for outdoor activities.

    HONOR has unveiled the Watch 5 Ultra during the Mobile World Congress 2025, a high-end smartwatch that focuses on both durability and health monitoring. This device boasts a lightweight Grade 5 titanium casing, sapphire glass for enhanced protection, and a variety of fitness features. It is priced at €279 (around $289) and will soon be available in Europe, offered in Black with a fluoroelastomer strap and Brown with a leather strap.

    Features of the HONOR Watch 5 Ultra

    The smartwatch comes with a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED screen, featuring a 60Hz refresh rate and 310 PPI resolution, protected by scratch-resistant sapphire glass. Its 480mAh battery can last up to 15 days under normal use. With more than 100 sports modes, it can support activities such as a 40-meter free dive. This watch is rated 5ATM for water resistance and holds an IP68 certification for dust and water protection.

    Health Monitoring Capabilities

    A significant aspect of the Watch 5 Ultra is its health tracking features. The Quick Health Scan offers real-time information about heart rate, SpO2, and stress levels, while the Healthy Morning Report gives insights into sleep quality and recovery. Additionally, it continuously tracks heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and daily activity.

    Powered by MagicOS 7.2, it is compatible with devices running Android 9.0 and above as well as iOS 13.0 and higher. It comes with 8GB of storage for applications and offline music. Users can navigate through the watch using a rotating crown with various press functions and a secondary button for quick menu access. Measuring 46.3mm by 11.4mm and weighing 51.8g without the strap, it offers a combination of strength and comfort for everyday wear.

    Connectivity and Design

    Equipped with Bluetooth 5.2 and GPS, the watch provides reliable connectivity for outdoor activities. The 40-meter dive mode enhances its functionality beyond typical fitness watches, and the titanium casing contributes to a premium appearance for those who seek a robust yet fashionable wearable.

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    HONOR Watch 5 Ultra Launch: Grade 5 Titanium, 1.5
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  • Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition: Ice Blue Dial & 100m Water Resistance

    Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition: Ice Blue Dial & 100m Water Resistance

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition watch features a design inspired by sunlight reflecting off ocean waters, with a 40 mm stainless steel octagonal case.
    2. Its unique ice blue geometric dial sparkles like a calm sea, with lume-coated sword hands and baton indices for enhanced visibility.
    3. The watch is powered by Citizen’s caliber 9051 movement, allowing automatic and manual winding, with a 42-hour power reserve and improved magnetic resistance.
    4. It has a water resistance rating of 100 m (~10 bar) and is made with durable sapphire crystal, along with a stainless steel bracelet featuring H-shaped links and a push-button clasp.
    5. The limited edition watch is priced at $1,300 or €895, with only 1,800 pieces available for purchase.

    Citizen, a well-known watch brand from Japan, has introduced a fresh model called the Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition mechanical watch. The design of this timepiece is said to draw inspiration from sunlight bouncing off the clear blue waters of the ocean. In terms of design, the 831 aligns closely with the sleekest variants of the Series 8 collection. More precisely, this watch boasts a 40 mm stainless steel octagonal case featuring a date window and a singular screw-down crown positioned at 3 o’clock.

    Unique Dial Features

    What sets the Citizen Series 8 831 apart is its ice blue geometric dial texture, which Citizen claims sparkles and reflects light similarly to a tranquil sea’s surface. The elegant ice blue dial is embellished with lume-coated sword hands and baton indices, enhancing visibility in darker environments.

    Technical Specifications

    Inside the 831 lies Citizen’s own mid-range caliber 9051 movement, which allows for both automatic and manual winding. This movement offers a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound, ensuring accuracy of -10/+20 seconds daily. It also features improved magnetic resistance, safeguarding the watch from everyday magnetic fields.

    Durability and Availability

    Moreover, this watch includes the same durable sapphire crystal found in other models of the Series 8. It has a water resistance rating of 100 m (~10 bar), making it suitable for typical water exposure. Additionally, Citizen provides H-shaped links that are brushed with polished highlights, accompanied by a stainless steel bracelet that has a folding clasp with a push-button release.

    The Citizen Series 8 831 is currently available for purchase from Citizen’s official site and select authorized retailers at a price of $1,300 or €895. Keep in mind that this is a limited edition, with only 1,800 pieces produced. For more information, check out the official product page for the Series 8 831 watch.

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    Citizen Series 8 831 Limited Edition: Ice Blue Dial & 100m Water Resistance

     

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  • Zepp App 9.5 Introduces Enhanced Search for Amazfit Smartwatches

    Zepp App 9.5 Introduces Enhanced Search for Amazfit Smartwatches

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Zepp app for Amazfit smartwatches has been updated to version 9.5, enhancing user interactions in the app store.
    2. Users can now search using App ID and access more applications from a developer’s profile.
    3. Version 9.5.0 includes support for Amazfit UP Earbuds and allows users to edit workout data.
    4. The update is currently available on the Apple App Store, but the Android version is still listed as 9.4.5 in some regions.
    5. This update is expected to be compatible with all Amazfit smartwatches, including the Active 2 model.

    The Zepp app designed for Amazfit smartwatches has received an update to version 9.5. This update comes after the Zepp App 9.2 release in December, which introduced a new search feature for Mini apps along with an additional 3×3 grid view for New and Recommended apps.

    Enhanced User Experience

    With the new Zepp App 9.5, the app store’s user interactions have been improved. As hinted last year, users now have the ability to search using App ID, as well as copy an App ID directly from its page. Also, by clicking on a developer’s name, users can see more of their applications. The release notes mention an enhancement in the 3×3 Grid usability but don’t elaborate on it. Additionally, Zepp has improved Tap Zones that direct users to the app store and optimized the back button within the store.

    Availability and Features

    Zepp app version 9.5.0 is already available on the Apple App Store. The version history states that this update includes support for the Amazfit UP Earbuds, which were released in October. A new feature has also been added, allowing users to edit their workout data. To make use of this feature, users need to click on the ellipsis (three dots) button located in the top right corner of the workout. The change log also mentions a few minor bug fixes.

    Android Update Uncertainty

    At the Google Play Store in several regions, including the United States, the app is still listed as version 9.4.5. It remains uncertain when the Zepp App 9.5 will be accessible for Android users. This new version is expected to work with all Amazfit smartwatches, including the latest Active 2, which is currently priced at $99.99 on Amazon.

    Zepp Health shared this information through Discord and the Apple App Store.

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    Zepp App 9.5 Introduces Enhanced Search for Amazfit Smartwatches

     

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  • Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1 Upgrade Available Now in US Store

    Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1 Upgrade Available Now in US Store

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1 is the updated model replacing the DW5600E-1V, featuring a new module.
    2. The DW5600UE-1 has an LED backlight and improved battery life of approximately five years, compared to the two years of the previous model.
    3. The retail price for the DW5600UE-1 is $99.95, reflecting a $25 increase from the previous model’s price of $74.95.
    4. The DW5600UE-1 is available through various retailers, including the Casio Amazon store and Walmart, although stock may vary.
    5. This model has been available in European markets prior to its release in the US.

    Casio has officially launched the G-Shock DW5600UE-1, taking over from the DW5600E-1V. The company has recently updated its US online store to feature pictures and details of the DW5600UE-1. Although the product is still listed as “DW5600E-1V,” a note on the website tells customers that “the product’s name may vary on packaging due to an upgraded module.”

    Specifications and Features

    The new Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1, which was introduced in Japan at the end of 2023, closely resembles the previous DW5600E-1V. The key difference lies in the module; the newer model replaces the 3229 module with a 3525 module. As a result, the DW5600UE-1 comes with an LED backlight instead of the electroluminescent (EL) backlight found in the older version. This change in technology has also led to an increase in battery life, which now lasts an estimated five years compared to the two years of the earlier model. The price for the DW5600UE-1 stands at $99.95, reflecting a $25 hike from the previous RRP of $74.95 for the DW5600E-1V.

    Availability and Market Presence

    The DW5600UE-1 has already seen sales in the US through various channels, including the Casio Amazon store, although it is presently out of stock there. Other retailers, like Walmart, have been sending out the DW5600UE-1 to customers who order the DW5600E-1V. It’s advisable to check the latest user reviews at different retailers to determine which version is available. Additionally, the Casio G-Shock DW5600UE-1 has been on the market in European regions, such as the UK, the Netherlands, and France for a while now.

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  • Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS Hybrid Watches Launch in Europe

    Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS Hybrid Watches Launch in Europe

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS-2A and GA-2100AS-5A are part of the new Oasis of Day and Night series, launched in Japan and now available in Europe.
    2. The watches feature a durable Carbon Core Guard structure and are waterproof up to 20 bar, with timekeeping for 48 cities and a calendar valid until 2099.
    3. Key functionalities include a stopwatch measuring to 1/100th of a second, a 24-hour countdown timer, and five daily alarms.
    4. Enhanced visibility is provided by a dual LED backlight, and the watches are powered by two SR726W batteries lasting up to three years.
    5. Available for €119 in select European countries, it is unclear when they will reach the US or UK, and the release of other models in the series remains uncertain.

    The Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS-2A and GA-2100AS-5A timepieces are now up for grabs in Europe. These watches are part of the four-model series called Oasis of Day and Night, which was introduced in Japan just last month.

    Tough and Versatile Design

    The G-Shock GA-2100 Series features a hybrid design with a Carbon Core Guard structure, which makes them extra durable. They are also waterproof up to 20 bar. These watches can keep time for 48 different cities around the globe, and they come with a fully automatic calendar valid until 2099. Additional features include a stopwatch that measures to 1/100th of a second, a countdown timer for 24 hours, and five alarms you can set for daily reminders.

    Enhanced Visibility and Longevity

    Moreover, there is a dual LED backlight that illuminates both the dial and the inset digital display, allowing for easy reading in dim conditions. Casio claims that the two SR726W batteries can power the watch for as long as three years. The GA-2100AS-2A sports a navy blue resin case and strap, while the GA-2100AS-5A is a desert sand-inspired beige. Both models include blue-green highlights, which are said to symbolize the oasis’s lake.

    You can purchase the Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS-2A and GA-2100AS-5A in various European locations such as the Netherlands, France, and Spain for €119. It’s still uncertain when these models will be available in other regions like the US or the UK. Additionally, it is yet to be determined if the remaining models from the Oasis of Day and Night line, the GA-110AS-2A and GA-110AS-5A, will be released in these countries.

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    Casio G-Shock GA-2100AS Hybrid Watches Launch in Europe

     

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