Category: Wearables

  • Casio Collaborates with Chums and Li-Ning for G-Shock & Baby-G

    Casio Collaborates with Chums and Li-Ning for G-Shock & Baby-G

    Casio recently released a special series of G-Shock and Baby-G watches in partnership with outdoor brand Chums and Chinese sportswear leader Li-Ning. This thrilling launch includes two unique models, each combining tough functionality with fun design.

    G-Shock Model Details

    The G-Shock DW-5600LICH25-5PFL keeps the classic square shape but adds some military style. It has a beige resin case paired with a removable camouflage strap made of fabric, plus a bright red climbing rope-style lanyard for added versatility. The simple watch face includes discreet Chums branding and retains essential G-Shock features like shock resistance, 200m water resistance, and a stopwatch.

    Baby-G Model Overview

    On the other hand, the Baby-G BA-110XLICH25-7PFL opts for a lighter and more whimsical look. Its frosted white resin case features splashes of purple and blue, making a striking color combination. The layered dial showcases metallic pink and silver details, adding elegance. Chums branding is subtly placed on the dial, and this model offers 100m water resistance, shock protection, and various useful features.

    Both watches are exclusively available in China at the moment. The DW-5600LICH25-5PFL is listed at 990 yuan (about $138), while the BA-110XLICH25-7PFL is a little less expensive at 890 yuan (around $124). Although it’s unclear if they will be sold internationally, these limited-edition timepieces are likely to attract collectors and style lovers.

    Vintage A130WE Series Announcement

    In other news, Casio is introducing a four-watch Vintage A130WE series this month, featuring a nostalgic 1980s LC analog-digital design with shiny finishes. These watches can display World Time for 48 cities and come with a stopwatch, timer, alarms, and a battery life of three years. They are offered in silver, gold, and gunmetal colors, with prices ranging from 8,800 yuan ($57) to 11,000 yuan ($71).

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  • BOULT Draft Max Smartwatch: 2.01″ Display, Health Monitoring, IP68

    BOULT Draft Max Smartwatch: 2.01″ Display, Health Monitoring, IP68

    BOULT India has just unveiled the Drift Max Smartwatch, right after the introduction of the BOULT Trail Pro smartwatch. This new smartwatch comes with a 2.01-inch display and features a rotating crown that makes navigation easy. Users can choose from more than 250 customizable watch faces to personalize their experience.

    Fitness Tracking Features

    The Drift Max is designed with fitness lovers in mind, tracking more than 120 sports modes. It provides 24/7 health monitoring, including heart rate, blood pressure, SpO2 levels, stress, and menstrual cycle tracking. Additionally, it keeps an eye on sleep patterns, calories burned, and sends reminders for hydration and movement throughout the day.

    Smart Connectivity

    For connectivity, the watch uses Bluetooth 5.2, allowing for Bluetooth calling. It comes with smart features such as managing notifications, controlling the camera remotely, receiving weather updates, and locating your phone. The watch is also compatible with Google Assistant and Siri. Plus, its IP68 rating makes it resistant to both water and dust.

    Pricing & Availability

    You can find the Drift Max available on BOULT’s official website, as well as on Flipkart and Amazon.in. The Coal Black and Silver models, featuring stainless steel straps, are priced at Rs. 1199. On the other hand, the Pure Black version with a silicon strap is available for Rs. 1099.

    Meanwhile, OPPO has recently submitted a patent application to WIPO for a novel blood pressure monitoring system aimed at smartwatches. Unlike current models, like Huawei’s Watch D2, which incorporates an air nozzle in the watch head, OPPO’s innovative design integrates the air path directly into the strap, eliminating the need for an external nozzle.


  • Amazfit T-Rex 3 in Lava Red Launches for Valentine’s Day in India

    Amazfit T-Rex 3 in Lava Red Launches for Valentine’s Day in India

    Amazfit has introduced a new Lava color option for its T-Rex 3 smartwatch in India, perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day. This special edition, which was first revealed in September 2023 in Onyx, now showcases a bright red hue representing love and adventure. The Lava version keeps the strong durability and high-tech features of the original T-Rex 3, appealing to both outdoor lovers and fitness fans.

    Features of Amazfit T-Rex 3

    The Amazfit T-Rex 3 includes a 1.5-inch HD screen with a brightness of 2000 nits and is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It is compatible with Bluetooth 5.2, Wi-Fi, and dual-band GPS, utilizing six satellite positioning systems. For health tracking, it monitors heart rate, SpO2 levels, stress, sleep, and even menstrual cycles. Plus, the watch provides over 177 sports modes, smart recognition for 25 strength training exercises, and AI-driven coaching through Zepp Coach and PeakBeats.

    Specifications and Build Quality

    Equipped with Zepp OS 4, the smartwatch supports voice commands via Zepp Flow and offers offline maps for accurate navigation. Its design features a stainless steel bezel, a polymer frame, and it is rated with 10ATM water resistance, adhering to MIL-STD-810G military standards. The 700mAh battery can last up to 27 days with regular use, 13 days with intense use, and an impressive 40 days in battery saver mode.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The Lava variant is available for Rs. 19,999 and can be bought from in.amazfit.com, with Amazon set to offer it soon after.

    In other news, Amazfit has rolled out the Amazfit Up open-ear earbuds, which have a clip-on design that keeps the ear canal open for added comfort and awareness of surroundings. These earbuds utilize AI noise reduction for clearer calls and work seamlessly with Amazfit smartwatches for real-time workout notifications and navigation assistance.


  • Google’s Pixel Watch Could Get Adaptive Charging Feature

    Google’s Pixel Watch Could Get Adaptive Charging Feature

    Google’s Pixel phones come with a clever feature called Adaptive Charging, which is meant to extend battery life. This smart system observes how you charge your phone and delays it from hitting 100% until just before you usually unplug it. Recently, there are talks that this useful functionality could also be added to the Pixel Watch series.

    Pixel Watch Might Receive Improved Battery Management

    Research by Android Authority discovered hints of this possible upgrade during a breakdown of the Pixel Watch Management Service app. In the latest version 2024.10.14.685782837, new lines of code suggested that Adaptive Charging might be on the way. While specifics on how it will work remain unclear, it’s presumed to be similar to the phone version, enhancing charging cycles to reduce battery wear and tear.

    Good News for Pixel Watch Users

    This news is particularly exciting for those who own the Pixel Watch. Its current battery performance is okay, but it can still be an issue, especially for users who often keep their watches charging overnight. With Adaptive Charging, the life of the Pixel Watch’s battery could be greatly improved, allowing users to have a longer-lasting and more dependable device.

    It’s important to mention that Pixel Watches already have a battery-saving feature called Battery Defender. This function activates after four days of constant charging, limiting the battery capacity to 80%. While this is beneficial, Adaptive Charging presents a more sophisticated method, skillfully adjusting the charging schedule based on how the user behaves.

    An Uncertain Future for Adaptive Charging

    While there’s no clear timeline for when Adaptive Charging will come to the Pixel Watch, this development is a positive sign for improving user satisfaction. As more information becomes available, we will keep you informed about this thrilling advancement.

    On another note, Google is said to be releasing the Pixel 9a sooner than anticipated, with pre-orders kicking off on March 19 and sales starting on March 26. This new phone is expected to have a 6.285-inch OLED display, a Tensor G4 chip, storage options of up to 256GB, and a 5,100mAh battery with 23W charging. It may also feature a 48MP primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, and a 13MP selfie camera. The price is rumored to begin at $499 for the 128GB variant.

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  • Future Galaxy Ring Could Control Samsung Devices: Patent Insights

    Future Galaxy Ring Could Control Samsung Devices: Patent Insights

    A recent patent from Samsung has revealed exciting possibilities for how we might engage with our devices using smart rings. Traditionally, smart rings serve mainly as health monitoring tools that combine style with tech. However, the upcoming Galaxy Ring seems like it might also function as a controller for other gadgets.

    Gesture Control Potential

    The South Korean company has presented a patent to WIPO that illustrates a smart ring capable of managing other devices. Currently, Samsung has only launched one smart ring, with rumors suggesting that the Galaxy Ring 2 is in the pipeline. The original Galaxy Ring is designed to monitor heart rate, sleep patterns, and other health metrics, transmitting this data to a paired smartphone via the Samsung Health app.

    This is a fantastic method for health tracking, especially for those who are not keen on wearing a smartwatch. Nonetheless, the patent suggests that Samsung could be adding more features soon. The documentation and drawings depict a user interacting with various connected devices wirelessly. It looks like this new Galaxy Ring would enable communication between multiple devices, as illustrated by the sketches of a laptop and a tablet.

    Smooth Device Interactions

    The smart ring described in the patent seems to have the ability to transfer items from one screen to another. This operation is akin to Apple’s interconnected ecosystem. While Samsung’s S Pen has offered similar capabilities, the Galaxy Ring appears to provide a more fluid experience, likely due to its user-friendly design. It’s still uncertain if Samsung is genuinely developing this product or simply exploring options, but it certainly looks like a promising advancement for the Galaxy Ring.


  • OpenAI Expands into Humanoid Robots, AI Chips, and Smart Jewelry

    OpenAI Expands into Humanoid Robots, AI Chips, and Smart Jewelry

    OpenAI submitted a fresh trademark application to the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on January 31, 2025. This move indicates that OpenAI is looking to grow into new areas, such as hardware and robotics. While the application mentions possible new products, it’s essential to understand that these innovations might take a few years before they are available to consumers.

    What Products Are on the Horizon?

    The trademark application lists several hardware products, including headphones, glasses, smartwatches, smart jewelry, and cases for laptops and phones. OpenAI also suggests that it may enter the virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) sectors with new headsets. These products are intended to be compatible with AI technologies, aiming to improve user experiences through AI-enhanced simulations and training.

    Collaborations and Production Timeline

    OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has stated that the company is collaborating with various firms to introduce AI-focused consumer electronics to the market. Nevertheless, it is still uncertain when these products will be ready, as prototypes are anticipated to require several years for development.

    Advancements in Robotics

    In addition to hardware, the trademark application indicates that OpenAI aims to explore robotics, particularly humanoid robots. These robots will be programmable by users and will possess sophisticated communication and learning capabilities. To aid this vision, OpenAI has established a new robotics team led by Caitlin Kalinowski, who previously worked in Meta’s AR glasses sector. This team will concentrate on building robots equipped with tailored sensors and AI to replicate human intelligence and behavior effectively.

    Exploring AI Chips and Quantum Tech

    OpenAI is also looking into creating custom AI chips to enhance the performance of its AI models. The company is collaborating with Broadcom and TSMC, aiming to launch these chips by 2026. Furthermore, OpenAI is investigating quantum computing to utilize this technology for optimizing AI models in the future.

    While the trademark application showcases OpenAI’s aspirations in hardware, robotics, AI chips, and quantum computing, it’s still unclear when these advancements will become available to the public. The company is dedicated to developing AI-powered products, yet a significant amount of the work remains in the initial phases.

  • Google Plans to Introduce Adaptive Charging for Pixel Watch

    Google Plans to Introduce Adaptive Charging for Pixel Watch

    Pixel smartphones come with a neat feature known as Adaptive Charging. This function helps to optimize charging and safeguards the battery, which can ultimately prolong its life. Recent reports suggest that this feature could soon be available for the Pixel Watch, although it remains unclear which specific models will support it.

    Discovery of the Feature

    According to an initial report from Android Authority, new code snippets were discovered within the Pixel Watch Management Service system app (version 2024.10.14.685782837) indicating the potential addition of this feature. However, there are no details about how this feature will function. This is a significant concern since users have different charging habits with their smartwatches compared to their phones.

    Current Battery Management

    Interestingly, Pixel smartwatches already incorporate a function called Battery Defender, which operates in a somewhat similar manner. When a Pixel Watch is connected to a charger for 4 days or longer, Battery Defender stops charging to protect the battery. It also limits the battery charge to 80% or lower. To fully charge the watch, users must remove it from the charger and then put it back on.

    Need for Optimization

    While we await more information, it’s clear that having a battery optimization feature for the Pixel Watch is important, especially given its limited battery life and the fact that it cannot be repaired. The latest model, the Pixel Watch 3 (41mm version listed on Amazon for $299.99), boasts a battery life of up to 24 hours, but this can be increased to 36 hours when battery saver mode is enabled.

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  • Casio G-Shock Fine Metallic Watches Launching Soon in the UK

    Casio G-Shock Fine Metallic Watches Launching Soon in the UK

    The Casio G-Shock Fine Metallic watches are set to make their debut in the UK very soon. Earlier this year, these new timepieces in gold and silver were launched in Japan. The collection features four distinct models: the GM-5600YM-8, GM-2100YM-8A, GM-5600YMG-9, and GM-2100YMG-9A. Casio has now added all these models to their “Coming Soon” section on the G-Shock UK website.

    Features of the Models

    The GM-5600YM-8 is a silver model and is the most affordable option. It showcases an inverted digital display with bright numbers on a dark screen. Additionally, this model supports dual time formats, has a water resistance of 200 m, an LED backlight, and a battery life estimated at five years. It also includes useful features such as a 24-hour countdown timer, a stopwatch with 1/100-second precision, and a multifunctional alarm. The GM-5600YMG-9 variant is the gold counterpart, featuring a standard light display with dark figures.

    More About the Hybrid Model

    Next, we have the GM-2100YM-8A, which is another silver watch, but this one is a hybrid digital-analog type. It shares many features with the GM-5600YM-8, but has five daily alarms and an estimated battery life of three years. This model also includes a hand shift function, which moves the hands aside so you can easily view the LCD screen. The GM-2100YMG-9A is quite similar to the GM-2100YM-8A, but it comes with a black watch face paired with a gold bezel and highlights.

    Pricing and Availability

    All four models are equipped with a stainless steel bezel, a resin case that is strengthened with glass fiber, and a durable silicone strap. In the UK, the starting price for the Casio Fine Metallic G-Shock series is £229 for the GM-5600YM-8ER. The GM-2100YM-8AER has a price tag of £239, while the GM-5600YMG-9ER is priced at £259, and the GM-2100YMG-9AER costs £279. Information regarding the launch in other countries, including the US, has not been disclosed yet.

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  • Casio x Pac-Man Watches Now Available in the UK

    Casio x Pac-Man Watches Now Available in the UK

    Casio has introduced a collection of four Pac-Man themed watches in the UK. These timepieces celebrate the 45th anniversary of the popular arcade game, which were first showcased last year and made their debut in the US in January. The lineup includes four models: Vintage ABL-100WEPC-1B, A168WEPC-7A, Standard F-91WPC-1A, and the CA-53WPC-1B Calculator watch.

    Affordable Options

    The F-91WPC-1A is the most affordable model, featuring a black resin body adorned with vibrant Pac-Man graphics. It comes with basic functionalities like 12/24-hour time settings, a stopwatch that measures to 1/100 of a second, and a daily alarm. Casio claims that this watch can last up to seven years on a single battery, and it has an LED backlight for better visibility in dim environments. The A168WEPC-7A, which is in the mid-range category, shares a similar design and colorful aesthetic, but it is made with a silver stainless steel case and band. It provides the same features as the F-91WPC-1A, with an equivalent seven-year battery life.

    Unique Calculator Model

    Another model in the mid-range is the CA-53WPC-1B, featuring a yellow bezel that resembles an arcade cabinet, paired with a black resin strap. Beneath its digital display, there are 16 buttons that can be utilized along with the eight-digit calculator function. This watch also includes a stopwatch, alarm, and LED backlight, but its estimated battery life is shorter than the previous two models, lasting around five years.

    Premium Bluetooth Option

    At the top of the range is the ABL-100WEPC-1B, a Bluetooth-enabled watch boasting a stainless steel finish. This high-end model includes a step counter, five alarms, a countdown timer, and dual time support. Users can access additional features through the Casio Watches smartphone app, and it even has a battery level indicator. However, the expected battery life is shorter, with a lifespan of about two years.

    You can purchase the Casio F-91WPC-1AER in the UK for £54.90. The A168WEPC-7AER and CA-53WPC-1BER are available for £74.90 each, while the ABL-100WEPC-1BER is priced at £124.90. For those in the US, these models start at $59.95. Casio has not yet confirmed any plans to expand these offerings to other European nations. Nevertheless, third-party seller David et Philly is already taking pre-orders in France, with deliveries expected to commence on February 15th.

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  • Apple to Pay $20M in Apple Watch Battery Swelling Lawsuit

    Apple to Pay $20M in Apple Watch Battery Swelling Lawsuit

    Apple has come to a deal regarding the lawsuit tied to battery swelling problems in some older Apple Watch versions. The tech giant has consented to disburse $20 million to resolve this class action lawsuit.

    Settlement Details

    If you own one of the earlier Apple Watch models, you may qualify for a share of the $20 million that the Cupertino company has decided to pay. The settlement revolves around the Apple Watch Series 1, Series 2, and Series 3. For those who might not know, these models experienced a battery issue that caused them to swell, which could damage the watch itself.

    Apple Watch Series 3

    Even though Apple has settled the lawsuit, the company maintains that it disagrees with the allegations made against them. They have chosen to settle “to avoid further litigation.” The payment amounts will differ based on how many people file claims. However, early Apple Watch users can expect to receive between $20 and $50.

    How to Claim

    If you would like more information, you can click here for a full breakdown of eligibility and important dates. Remember, users needed to have reported the battery issue to Apple in the U.S. between April 4, 2015, and February 6, 2024. The linked site also notes that “Settlement Class Members will receive a payment without needing to submit a claim form.” Once a claim is filed, eligible users will be notified through mail or email.