Category: Wearables

February 28, 2025
Leica ZM 12: Luxury Watch with 100m Water Resistance & Titanium Case
Key Takeaways
1. The Leica ZM 12 is a new premium watch model that comes in four dial colors and features a smaller dial size compared to its predecessor, the ZM 11.
2. The watch is made from 316L stainless steel or grade 5 titanium, with a lightweight design and a double-domed sapphire crystal for durability and visibility.
3. It is powered by the Leica Calibre LA-3002 movement, offering a 60-hour power reserve and precision within -4/+6 seconds per day, along with 100 m water resistance.
4. The ZM 12 offers a variety of strap and bracelet options, including materials like rubber and stainless steel, with prices ranging from $550 to $1,350.
5. The starting price for the Leica ZM 12 is $6,250 for the steel version and $7,000 for the titanium version, available for purchase on Leica’s official website and through authorized dealers.
After making its entrance into the luxury watch world with the launch of the ZM 1 early in 2022, Leica has now presented its newest high-end timepiece, the ZM 12. This watch comes in four dial colors: Steel Blue Orange, Steel Silver Grey, Steel Olive Black, and Titanium Chocolate Black, with three in steel and one made of titanium. The ZM 12 follows the Leica ZM 11, which was released in 2023. A key distinction between the two models is the dial size; the ZM 12 is two millimeters smaller, measuring 39 mm.
Design and Materials
This compact and stylish watch is crafted from 316L stainless steel and weighs approximately 66 grams. There’s an option for a titanium case, made from grade 5 titanium, which is 14 grams lighter, bringing its weight down to just 52 grams. The watch features a double-doomed sapphire crystal with laser-printed text inside and a durable anti-reflective coating on both sides.
Dial Features
The design of the ZM 12’s dial is fairly minimalistic. It includes a printed minute track and an inner bezel to aid in precise timekeeping. For improved visibility in low light, Leica incorporates Swiss-Super LumiNova for the hands and indices. The watch also has a screw-down crown, typical of luxury timepieces.
Movement and Functionality
At the core of the ZM 12 is the Leica Calibre LA-3002, which was developed in partnership with the Swiss movement expert Chronode SA. Leica claims that this automatic caliber provides an impressive power reserve of 60 hours and maintains accuracy within -4/+6 seconds per day. The watch is rated for water resistance up to 100 m (~328 ft), making it suitable for everyday water activities.
Straps and Pricing
Leica provides a variety of straps and bracelets for the ZM 12, which include options like orange, technical textile beige, and black rubber, as well as stainless steel and titanium bracelets that feature dual folding butterfly-style clasps.
The steel version of the Leica ZM 12 starts at $6,250, while the titanium model is priced at $7,000. Straps and bracelets are available in a range from $550 to $1,350. You can now buy this timepiece through Leica’s official website or from authorized dealers.
Source:
Link

Tags: Leica ZM 12, luxury watch, Swiss movement
February 28, 2025
Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Fix Sensor Pairing Issues Before Update
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is no longer focusing on software updates for the Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro models.
2. Attention has shifted to newer models like the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8, which receive regular updates.
3. Recent updates for the Fenix 7 series included System Software 20.16, but it introduced bugs affecting external sensor connections.
4. Garmin is working on fixing the issues with a Beta Version 20.21, which has reached some public testers.
5. The ECG feature remains disabled in the new beta version, indicating more updates may be needed before a stable release.
The Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro (currently priced at $649.99 on Amazon) are now considered older models of smartwatches. Because of this, Garmin is no longer focusing on their software updates. Instead, attention has shifted to the Enduro 3, Fenix E, and Fenix 8, which receive many bug fixes, new features, and other enhancements on a monthly basis.
Recent Changes in the Fenix 7 Series
In the last few weeks, there have been a lot of changes regarding the Fenix 7 series, although they may not be what Garmin was expecting. The company recently wrapped up its latest round of beta testing before releasing System Software 20.16 to its stable software branch.
Issues with System Software 20.16
The launch of System Software 20.16 also aligned with the increase of ECG compatibility across Europe and the UK. Nevertheless, there were reports of a bug that came with the update, which caused problems with external sensors not connecting automatically during activities like using heart rate monitors (HRMs).
Now, Garmin is working to fix this problem, and they are distributing Beta Version 20.21 to address it. The company claims that this update has already reached half of the public beta testers. However, Garmin has decided to keep the ECG feature disabled in this new beta version. This suggests that there might be at least one more beta update before they release a stable version. Just for reference, the complete changelog for System Software 20.16 should include the updates introduced with Beta Version 20.19 as well.
Source:
Link
Tags: Fenix 7, Garmin, System Software 20.16
February 28, 2025
Casio G-Shock Manga CasiOak Faces Production Halt
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio ‘Manga’ CasiOak has become a highly sought-after collector’s item in 2024, with prices exceeding double its original retail value.
2. Its unique design features hand-drawn manga art elements, standing out from traditional G-Shock aesthetics.
3. Reports indicate that production of the Manga CasiOak has effectively stopped, increasing its scarcity and resale value.
4. The blue and white models of the Manga CasiOak are difficult to find in retail stores, leading collectors to seek them on secondary markets.
5. Interested buyers should act quickly to purchase, as prices may continue to rise and limited restocks may occur.
The Casio ‘Manga’ CasiOak has quickly become one of the hottest G-Shock models of 2024, reaching a status where it can be considered a true collector’s item. Its prices have surged to over double their initial retail value. Launched in May 2024, the GA-2100MNG series attracted attention from both watch enthusiasts and manga lovers alike, thanks to its distinctive hand-drawn manga art style paired with the well-known ‘CasiOak’ design and features.
Unique Design Elements
The Manga CasiOak draws inspiration from the highly popular GA-2100 series, which earned the nickname “CasiOak” due to its octagonal bezel that resembles the Royal Oak from Audemars Piguet. This Manga Edition takes a daring step away from standard G-Shock aesthetics. It boasts bold black outlines, screentone shading, and comic book-style speech bubbles. Even the case back is engraved with “Don!”—a famous Japanese sound effect often seen in manga. It’s safe to say that this watch certainly makes a statement on the wrist.
Market Scarcity
Casio has yet to officially announce the discontinuation of the Manga CasiOak, but reports from Great G-Shock World suggest that production has effectively stopped. This watch was heavily marketed with an emphasis on Japanese culture and was made in Japan, contributing to its allure as an exclusive release, similar to other limited edition products. As a result of its sudden unavailability, resale prices have skyrocketed, with some listings even hitting three times the original retail price of ¥25,300 ($170).
Collectors’ Demand
The blue GA-2100MNG-2AJR and the white GA-2100MNG-7AJR models are now reportedly hard to come by in regular retail outlets. Consequently, collectors and enthusiasts are turning to secondary markets like Yahoo! Auctions and Rakuten to secure their own pieces.
For those looking to make a purchase, it’s advisable to act fast before prices rise even more. G-Shock retailers may receive occasional limited restocks, so if you’re interested, make sure to check regularly for availability.
Source:
Link
Tags: Casio G-SHOCK, collectors’ item, GA-2100MNG
February 28, 2025
New Casio Edifice EFR-575 Chronographs Launching Soon in Europe
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio Edifice EFR-575 series includes four models: EFR-575D-1A, EFR-575D-2A, EFR-575L-7A, and EFR-575CL-3A.
2. These watches are waterproof up to 10 bars and feature a battery life of up to two years.
3. Each model has a stainless steel case, with some featuring stainless steel straps and others with leather bands.
4. The EFR-575CL-3A has a gold ion-plated case and is priced higher at €139.
5. The models are expected to be available in select European countries for around €119, with no confirmed release date for North America.
The Casio Edifice EFR-575 series chronographs have recently appeared on the brand’s online sites in various European nations. Earlier this year, some details about the 2025 Edifice models, believed to be influenced by vintage sports cars, were leaked. The lineup has four different models: EFR-575D-1A, EFR-575D-2A, EFR-575L-7A, and EFR-575CL-3A.
Features and Specifications
These watches from Casio Edifice are waterproof up to 10 bars and can last for as long as two years on an SR920SW battery. They feature three analog hands, along with a display for the date and the day of the week. Casio claims the timekeeping is accurate to within 20 seconds per month. Additionally, the model includes a 1-second stopwatch and three dials that show hours, minutes, and seconds. Each model showcases a two-tone design, with the watch face bordered by a slim bezel and protected by domed glass.
Design Variations
All four models come with a stainless steel case, but the EFR-575D-1A and EFR-575D-2A are fitted with a stainless steel strap, while the EFR-575L-7A and EFR-575CL-3A feature a leather band. Another notable distinction is that the EFR-575CL-3A boasts a gold ion-plated case, raising the cost of this particular model.
The Casio Edifice EFR-575D-1A, EFR-575D-2A, and EFR-575L-7A chronographs will be available for sale in countries such as the Netherlands, France, and Spain at a price of €119. They are currently marked as “Coming soon” with no specific release date provided. There are also rumors about their arrival in the UK, where they will be priced at £119. The EFR-575CL-3A is priced higher at €139. It remains uncertain when these models might be released in North America.
Tags: Casio Edifice EFR-575, chronographs, sports car inspired
February 28, 2025
Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Now Available in More Countries
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR series celebrates the 30th anniversary of the DW-6900 series and will soon be available in more European countries.
2. Design elements include a metal front button for the backlight, displaying “Since 1995,” and a back casing with a Shock Resist logo featuring 30 stars.
3. The models are shock-resistant, waterproof up to 20 bar, with a battery life of approximately five years and various timekeeping functions.
4. Availability includes listings in the Netherlands, France, and Spain with a price of €119, although a specific release date is not yet announced.
5. The watches are expected to be priced around $120 when they become available in the US.
The Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR-1, DW-6900TR-4, and DW-6900TR-9 limited edition timepieces are set to be available in more European nations soon. These three versions mark the 30th anniversary of the first 6900 series watches. They were introduced in the UK and Japan earlier this month.
Design Features and Inspiration
The DW-6900TR showcases several design elements inspired by its forerunners, featuring an enhanced metal front button that activates the backlight. When the backlight is turned on, the text “Since 1995” appears, marking the inception year of the DW-6900 series. The back casing has an engraved Shock Resist logo adorned with 30 stars, symbolizing each year of the series’ history. The DW-6900TR-1 comes in black, the DW-6900TR-4 is bright red, and the DW-6900TR-9 is yellow, reflecting the color palette of the classic DW-6900H series.
Technical Specifications
Casio’s DW-6900TR models are designed to be shock-resistant and waterproof up to 20 bar, boasting an estimated battery lifespan of five years. They feature a stopwatch that measures to 1/100 of a second, a 24-hour countdown timer, hourly time signals, and a multifunctional alarm. Users can select between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats, and the calendar is fully automatic until the year 2099. The watches are claimed to keep time within a margin of 15 seconds each month.
Availability and Pricing
Casio has already listed the DW-6900TR-1, DW-6900TR-4, and DW-6900TR-9 on its online platforms in countries like the Netherlands, France, and Spain, where they will be priced at €119. On these websites, the watches are labeled as “Coming Soon”; although a specific release date has not been announced, interested buyers can subscribe to receive an email alert upon launch. It remains uncertain when these watches will become available in the US, where they are anticipated to be priced around $120.
Source:
Link
Tags: Casio G-SHOCK, DW-6900TR, limited edition watches
February 28, 2025
Live Transcriptions for the Hearing Impaired with TranscribeGlass AI
Key Takeaways
1. Real-Time Transcription: TranscribeGlass provides instant speech-to-text transcription for easier communication for those with hearing difficulties.
2. Display Technology: The Vuzix Z100 glasses feature a lightweight design, a microLED waveguide display, and a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, with a battery life of up to two days.
3. Transcription Services: Connected to an Apple iPhone, the device captures conversations through microphones and transcribes them quickly, with options for offline or cloud-based accuracy.
4. Language Support and Pricing: Supports multiple languages for transcription and translation, priced at $377 with a monthly transcription service fee of $20; additional costs for prescription lenses and clip-on sunglasses.
5. Alternative Options: Other smart glasses like Lucyd are available for visual impairments, and a developer edition kit is offered for creating custom smart glasses.
The TranscribeGlass is designed to provide real-time speech-to-text transcription, making conversations easier for those with hearing difficulties. It does this by showing the text on customized Vuzix Z100 smart glasses.
Display Technology
The Vuzix Z100 features a microLED waveguide that projects a monochrome display with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels on the inside of the right lens. These glasses connect to smartphones via Bluetooth and can last up to two days on a single charge. Weighing just 1.34 oz. (38 g), they are lightweight and comfortable for users.
Transcription Services
To use the TranscribeGlass, it pairs with an Apple iPhone for its transcription capabilities. The phone’s microphones capture conversations, and the AI transcribes them in under 300 milliseconds, showing the text on the Z100. While transcriptions done on the phone may lack some accuracy, they can work without needing an Internet connection. On the other hand, cloud-based transcriptions offer better accuracy but may raise privacy concerns.
Language Support and Pricing
The transcription AI can understand and transcribe conversations in languages such as Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, and Vietnamese, and even translate them live into other languages for display.
The TranscribeGlass is priced at an MSRP of $377, with an AI transcription service available for a monthly fee of $20. For those needing prescription lenses, the cost is $158, while clip-on sunglasses are priced at $20.
For readers with visual impairments, there are smart glasses like the Lucyd smart glasses available on Amazon that can listen and narrate. Additionally, developers interested in creating specialized smart glasses can use the Vuzix Z100 developer edition kit.
Source:
Link
Tags: speech-to-text, TranscribeGlass, Vuzix Z100
February 28, 2025
Apple sued by consumers over carbon neutrality claims
Key Takeaways
1. Consumers have filed a lawsuit against Apple, claiming the Apple Watch models are falsely marketed as “carbon neutral.”
2. The lawsuit argues that two carbon offset projects funded by Apple have not effectively reduced carbon emissions.
3. Allegations suggest that the claimed carbon reductions would have occurred regardless of Apple’s involvement in the projects.
4. The misleading marketing is said to hinder consumer choice and deny informed buying decisions in the smartwatch market.
5. The legal case is currently ongoing in the United States District Court of Northern California.
Apple might not be as green as they say.
A recent lawsuit from consumers suggests that the tech giant misrepresented the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Ultra 2, and Apple Watch SE. These watches were marketed as “carbon neutral,” but seven buyers argue that this claim is misleading.
Claims About Carbon Neutrality
According to Apple, the watches achieved carbon neutrality through a mix of lowered emissions and funding carbon credits by investing in carbon reduction initiatives. The lawsuit, which involves customers from Florida, California, and Washington, D.C., asserts that two carbon offset projects funded by Apple have failed to effectively lower carbon emissions.
One of these projects is located in China, while the other is in a national forest in Kenya. Both initiatives focus on forestry, but the lawsuit claims they have done very little to actually reduce atmospheric carbon. The Kenyan project has been protected from deforestation since 1983, and the Chinese initiative is situated in a tree-rich area.
Allegations of Misleading Information
The lawsuit contends that “in both instances, the carbon reductions would have happened regardless of Apple’s participation or the projects’ existence. Since Apple’s claims of carbon neutrality rely on the effectiveness and credibility of these projects, its assertions are false and deceptive.” Apple stated that these initiatives have “retired 485,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents,” according to the lawsuit, which also claims these statements are misleading and incorrect.
The individuals involved in the lawsuit expressed that “Apple’s misleading marketing tactics… hinder consumer choice” and “[deny consumers] the chance to make informed buying decisions in the smartwatch sector.” The main argument in the lawsuit is that “each Plaintiff might not have bought the Products or would not have paid as much had they known that Apple’s ‘carbon neutral’ assertions were untrue,” indicating that Apple’s advertising led to financial harm by manipulating consumer choices.
Current Legal Proceedings
The case, titled Dib et al v. Apple Inc., has been filed in the United States District Court of Northern California under Case number 5:25-cv-02043 and is presently ongoing.
Source:
Link
Tags: Apple, Apple Watch Series 9, carbon neutrality lawsuit
February 28, 2025
Casio GMA-P2125W-6A G-Shock Watch Honors Modern Women
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio GMA-P2125W-6A is a soft purple analog-digital G-Shock designed to honor International Women’s Day on March 8.
2. The watch features bold hands, a digital sub-dial, and a Super Illuminator for visibility, along with functions like world time, stopwatch, timer, and alarms.
3. It has a compact size (46 x 40.2 mm) and is suitable for smaller wrists, weighing only 40 g and water-resistant up to 200 m.
4. The watch is made with a bio-based resin band and is known for its durability, making it suitable for everyday and sports activities.
5. The Casio GMA-P2125W-6A is set to launch in March 2025, with a Japanese version priced at approximately $125, while global pricing is still to be announced.
Casio has introduced a unique model called the Casio GMA-P2125W-6A. This soft purple analog-digital G-Shock features a special mimosa design to honor International Women’s Day on March 8. This initiative by the United Nations aims to advance equality, empowerment, and rights for women around the world.
Design and Features
The watch showcases bold hour and minute hands, along with a digital sub-dial placed between the three and six o’clock marks, giving it a neat look that suits office environments. When the Super Illuminator double-LED white light illuminates the digital display, the mimosa flowers become visible. The display allows access to various features, including world time across 31 zones, a stopwatch, a timer, and five alarms. The quartz movement is safeguarded by mineral glass, ensuring precise timekeeping with a tolerance of +/- 15 seconds each month.
Specifications
This charming timepiece boasts a case size of 46 x 40.2 mm (1.8 x 1.6 in.) and a thickness of 11.2 mm (0.4 in.), making it a compact G-Shock ideal for smaller wrists measuring from 145 to 190 mm (5.7 to 7.5 in.). Weighing only 40 g (1.4 oz.), the watch features a bio-based resin band and is water-resistant up to 200 m (656 ft.), along with the renowned durability of all G-Shocks. This allows it to transition seamlessly from everyday wear to workouts and sports activities without concern.
Release Information
The watch is set to launch in March 2025, and it will probably be available for sale through the Casio store on Amazon. The Japanese version, Casio GMA-P2125W-6AJR, has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of 18,700 (~$125). However, the pricing for the worldwide version of the Casio GMA-P2125W has yet to be disclosed.
Source:
Link
Tags: Casio GMA-P2125W-6A, G-SHOCK, International Women’s Day
February 28, 2025
New Casio G-Shock MR-G Frogman Dive Watch Leaked
Key Takeaways
1. Casio is developing a new high-end G-Shock MR-G Frogman watch, model MRG-BF1000RG, with a military-inspired design.
2. The watch will feature a rubber strap and an olive-green color scheme, with light beige hands and indices.
3. The expected price for the Frogman MRG-BF1000RG is around 600,000 yen (approximately $4,000).
4. The new model might use a titanium carbide treatment for durability instead of the hardening treatment and DLC coating found in previous models.
5. Anticipated features include ISO 200 meter water resistance, dive time tracking, Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 time synchronization, and Bluetooth connectivity, although no official details have been confirmed.
Casio is said to be preparing a new version of the G-Shock MR-G Frogman watch. This new model is anticipated to be the fourth entry in the MRG-BF1000 series of diving watches and will be a high-end analog option.
Military-Inspired Design
This information comes from the trustworthy Japanese blog Great G-Shock World, which shares details about the new G-Shock MR-G Frogman watch that is being developed with a military-inspired design. The model number for this watch is rumored to be MRG-BF1000RG, and it features a rubber strap, as indicated by the “R” in its model number.
Detailed Look at the Watch
The blog has also managed to obtain some high-quality images of the watch, allowing us a better view of its design. In the photos, the watch showcases a military-style appearance with an olive-green rubber band and light beige hands and indices. The back case displays a dark green vapor deposition, along with an engraved Frogman character.
Speculations on Durability
Because of its silver finish, Great G-Shock World suggests that the Frogman MRG-BF1000RG might not include the deep-layer hardening treatment and DLC coating present in the current MRG-BF1000 line. Instead, they believe a titanium carbide treatment has likely been used for enhancing its durability.
The expected price for the Frogman MRG-BF1000RG is around 600,000 yen (approximately $4,000), which, while quite high for a G-Shock watch, aligns with the pricing of the existing Frogman MRG-BF1000 models. For comparison, the Frogman MRG-BF1000-R1A model is priced at $5,000, and the MRG-BF1000-B1A model costs $5,800.
Anticipated Features
Based on the leaked images and pricing details, the G-Shock MR-G Frogman BF1000RG should be quite similar to the existing MRG-BF1000 models regarding features and functionality. If this holds true, it would likely include the signature features of the Frogman series: ISO 200 meter water resistance, a specific dive mode with dive time tracking up to two hours, surface interval monitoring for up to 24 hours, tide graphs for over 3,000 locations worldwide, and the ability to log and store up to 30 records. Furthermore, we can expect features like Tough Solar power, Multi-Band 6 automatic radio time synchronization, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, nothing has been confirmed yet. There has been no official announcement from Casio regarding the release date or availability in other countries. We’ll be sure to keep you updated if any new information comes to light.
Source:
Link

Tags: diving watch, G-Shock MR-G, MRG-BF1000RG
February 28, 2025
Tecno Launches AI Glasses and AI Glasses Pro at MWC 2025
Key Takeaways
1. Tecno has launched two pairs of AI smart glasses: Tecno AI Glasses and Tecno AI Glasses Pro.
2. Both models are made from lightweight materials and come in two styles: eyebrow frame and aviator design.
3. They feature an AI voice assistant named Tecno Ella, which can be activated via tap or voice commands.
4. Tecno Ella can recognize objects, summarize text, translate languages, and access personal notes and calendars.
5. The Pro version includes an augmented reality display for real-time navigation, but technical specifications and availability details are not yet provided.
Tecno is often recognized for its smartphones and tablets, but many of these devices fade from memory rather quickly. Yet, every so often, the brand owned by Transsion makes a significant impact with groundbreaking products, like the Tecno Pocket Go Windows gaming handheld. Now, they are stepping into the realm of smart glasses, releasing not one, but two pairs of AI smart glasses.
New Smart Glasses Models
Named the Tecno AI Glasses and Tecno AI Glasses Pro, these two new devices resemble regular glasses but are loaded with AI technology. In terms of design, both models are crafted from magnesium alloy and lightweight composite materials, making them comparable in weight to typical sunglasses. They will come in two styles – one with an eyebrow frame and the other in an aviator design.
Features and Functionality
Both models are powered by Tecno AI and feature a voice assistant called Tecno Ella. This assistant can be activated by tapping the temple or using voice commands. Once activated, Tecno Ella provides assistance with various tasks such as recognizing objects, summarizing text, translating languages, and offering business suggestions. Additionally, users can access saved notes, memos, and personal calendars through the assistant.
The Tecno AI Glasses include built-in cameras, while the Pro version boasts an augmented reality display, making it useful for real-time navigation. However, Tecno has not shared any technical specifications for the AI glasses, nor have they disclosed when these products will be available for purchase.
Tags: AI-infused technology, Tecno AI Glasses, Tecno AI Glasses Pro