Category: Wearables

April 13, 2025
Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Display Issue Hotfix Available Now
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released Software Version 22.26 Hotfix for the Forerunner 165 smartwatch, following the previous version 22.24.
2. The new update fixes distortion issues, including repeated text and numbers on the screen, which affected readability.
3. Both the regular Forerunner 165 and the Forerunner 165 Music were impacted by this problem during activities.
4. Users in the Garmin Beta Program can access beta version 23.13, which also addresses GPS Walk activity issues and crashes during workouts.
5. To download the updates, users should navigate to Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
Garmin has launched the Software Version 22.26 Hotfix for the Forerunner 165 smartwatch. This new update comes after the previous 22.24 version, which was released about a month ago and provided several bug fixes for the device. These fixes addressed issues related to scheduled workouts and Daily Suggested workouts, as well as improving the smart notification sounds.
Update Details
The change log for the stable version 22.26 indicates that it fixes a specific problem that may cause distortion in certain situations. Users have reported seeing repeated text and numbers on the screen, making it hard to read, along with some noise in specific areas. This issue has been frequently mentioned in the Garmin forum over the last few weeks and has affected both the regular Forerunner 165 and the Forerunner 165 Music during their activities. The software version 22.26 hotfix can now be downloaded by all Forerunner 165 smartwatch owners (approximately $223.99 on Amazon).
Beta Program Fixes
Users participating in the Garmin Beta Program will also see this issue resolved with the beta version 23.13. In addition to fixing this distortion issue, the update also addresses problems with GPS Walk activities, track skipping when using Apple AirPods Pro 2, and crashes that occur when starting workouts. Currently, this beta update is accessible to at least half of the users. To get either of the updates, you can navigate to Menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.
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Tags: Forerunner 165, Garmin, software update
April 12, 2025
Casio Unveils Sleep-Inspired G-SHOCK DW-5610UU-3PRM Watch
Key Takeaways
1. Casio launched the DW-5610UU-3PRM in China, a G-SHOCK watch in collaboration with MondaySleepingClub.
2. The watch features a green resin case, a bio-based resin strap with the phrase “Sleep Well, Stay Healthy,” and unique themed packaging.
3. It is shock-resistant, water-resistant up to 200 meters, and designed for wrist sizes between 145 mm and 205 mm.
4. The DW-5610UU-3PRM includes features like a stopwatch, timer, multi-function alarm, and a bright LED backlight with a dimming option.
5. The watch is priced at 790 yuan (about $108) and is currently only available in China.
Casio has introduced the DW-5610UU-3PRM in China, a unique edition of G-SHOCK created in partnership with the lifestyle brand MondaySleepingClub. This watch features a sleek design, made from a green resin case and a strap crafted from bio-based resin. The strap showcases the phrase “Sleep Well, Stay Healthy,” while the brand’s logo is etched on the back of the case. It comes in themed packaging, with the watch elegantly resting on a striped pillow, enhancing the sleep-centered theme.
Specifications and Features
The DW-5610UU-3PRM is derived from Casio’s DW-5600 line. It boasts a shock-resistant construction and is water-resistant up to 200 meters. The dimensions of the watch are 48.9 x 43.8 x 13.5 mm, and it weighs a mere 52 grams. It is designed to fit wrists that measure between 145 mm and 205 mm, and the glass used is mineral crystal.
Running on a CR2016 battery, this watch has an expected lifespan of five years. It features a stopwatch that measures in 1/100 seconds over a maximum duration of 24 hours. The timer can count down from 24 hours and supports increments of 1 second, 1 minute, and 1 hour, along with an auto-repeat function. Other features include a multi-function alarm, an hourly time signal, and a flashing alert with beeps to indicate reminders, alarms, and the countdown timer.
Display and Accuracy
The watch comes with a bright white LED backlight with a dimming option. It shows the time in hours, minutes, seconds, AM/PM, plus the month, date, and day. It has a full auto calendar set until the year 2099 and maintains an accuracy of ±15 seconds per month.
The DW-5610UU-3PRM is available at a price of 790 yuan (approximately $108). Casio has not announced any plans to make it available outside of China.
Additional Releases
Casio has also launched the G-Shock Move GMDB300SC series in the US, with a price tag of $120. This range is offered in colors like turquoise, coral orange, and white, and these sporty, eco-friendly fitness watches feature a robust octagonal resin case, a step tracker with Bluetooth sync capabilities, 200 meters of water resistance, and a battery life that lasts up to two years.
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Tags: Casio, DW-5610UU-3PRM, G-SHOCK
April 12, 2025
Garmin Smartwatch Update Resolves Morning Report Issue
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has released beta version 14.05 for Venu 3, Venu 3s, and vivoactive 5 smartwatches, following stable version 13.19.
2. The update fixes issues with the Morning Report tool and workout refresh problems related to Garmin Coach.
3. Minor bugs have been resolved, but specific details on other enhancements are not provided.
4. It’s unclear if the update addresses a lock screen bug reported by some users that causes the screen to go black.
5. Users can download the update through the smartwatch settings, but the ECG feature will be unavailable during beta testing for the Venu 3.
Garmin is launching the beta version 14.05 update for its Venu 3, Venu 3s, and vivoactive 5 smartwatches. This marks the second update in the new 14.xx testing phase, following the stable software version 13.19 that was released back in March. This prior update improved the Voice Assistant feature for Android devices.
Morning Report Fixes
The beta version 14.05 resolves an issue with the widely-used Morning Report tool, where certain images were not shown properly. Additionally, the update addresses a problem where workouts did not refresh when using the Garmin Coach glance. The release notes for this version mention other minor bugs being resolved and enhancements made, but don’t provide specific details.
Lock Screen Concerns
It remains unclear if this update tackles a recently noted issue regarding the lock screen, which was brought up in discussions on the Garmin forum. A few users reported that a bug in a previous beta update caused their screen to go black when locked, instead of showing the lock symbol. While someone from Garmin recognized the problem, there have been no further announcements on this matter.
How to Download
Users who have the Venu 3, Venu 3s, or vivoactive 5 smartwatches can obtain the update by navigating to Main Menu > Settings > System > Software Update. As is customary, Garmin has stated that the ECG feature will be unavailable during beta testing for the Venu 3 smartwatch (the 45mm Black version currently priced at $449 on Amazon).
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Tags: Garmin, Venu 3, Vivoactive 5
April 12, 2025
Casio Launches DW-5610UU-3PRM: Stylish Minimalist Watch
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio DW-5610UU-3PRM is launched specifically for the Chinese market in collaboration with MondaySleepingClub, promoting a relaxed lifestyle for youth.
2. The watch features a green resin case and strap with a message “Sleep Well, Stay Healthy,” and comes in themed packaging on a striped pillow.
3. It is modeled after the DW-5600, with a digital screen, octagonal bezel, hourly signals, multifunctional alarm, stopwatch, countdown timer, and white LED backlight.
4. The watch has a battery life of approximately five years and is water-resistant up to 200 meters.
5. Priced at CNY 790 (around $108), the watch is currently only available in China with no plans for international release.
The Casio DW-5610UU-3PRM timepiece has been launched for the Chinese audience. In this endeavor, the brand has collaborated with the leisurewear label MondaySleepingClub, which encourages a laid-back lifestyle for the youth, providing cozy garments for relaxation or sleep.
Design Features
The look of the DW-5610UU-3PRM reflects the brand’s simple style, featuring a green resin case and strap. The strap itself carries a message that says “Sleep Well, Stay Healthy.” Additionally, the packaging is designed with a sleeping theme, as the watch comes presented on a striped pillow.
Specifications
This Casio and MondaySleepingClub joint watch is modeled after the DW-5600, showcasing a digital screen encircled by an octagonal bezel. It includes features such as hourly time signals, a multifunctional alarm, a stopwatch accurate to 1/100 of a second, and a countdown timer. A white LED backlight allows for easy reading of the display during nighttime. Furthermore, it boasts an estimated battery lifespan of five years and is water resistant up to 200 meters.
Pricing and Availability
The Casio MondaySleepingClub DW-5610UU-3PRM is priced at CNY 790 (around $108) in China. As of now, the company hasn’t indicated any intentions to release this watch in other regions.
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Tags: Casio DW-5610UU-3PRM, minimalist design, MondaySleepingClub
April 11, 2025
Polar and Garmin Lock Smartwatch Features Behind Paywall
Key Takeaways
1. Polar has introduced a subscription model for certain fitness features on its smartwatches, costing €9.99 per month after a 14-day free trial.
2. The “Polar Fitness Program” is currently available only to users in Europe with Android devices, with iOS compatibility expected soon.
3. The program personalizes training plans based on individual goals and workout responses, adjusting over a four-week period for optimal recovery and performance.
4. It offers 20 different fitness levels and customizes to individual habits, but primarily focuses on endurance sports.
5. The program has limitations, as it primarily optimizes endurance training and cannot accurately assess muscle fatigue during strength training.
We’ve previously discussed Garmin’s controversial choice to place certain features of their smartwatches behind a paywall, and now another brand has made a similar move. Polar provides smartwatches that deliver standard functions like displaying notifications from a linked smartphone, but the company has also focused heavily on sports-related features.
Subscription Model
A few fitness features are now locked behind a paid subscription model, which includes a free trial period of 14 days and then costs €9.99 per month afterward. At this time, this new service called “Polar Fitness Program” is only accessible to users in Europe with an Android device, though compatibility with iOS is expected to come later this year. This fitness program aims to be a helpful tool for athletes and those who are active often.
Personalized Training
More specifically, it adjusts to personal goals and lifestyles by utilizing data gathered from a Polar smartwatch. It is said to be capable of recognizing how users respond to workouts and can devise a training schedule for four weeks that automatically changes if the user requires extra time for recovery. These data-driven changes are designed to make workouts more efficient and help reduce the risk of injuries and fatigue, all while ensuring that users continue to enhance their performance.
Limitations of the Program
Additionally, the program customizes itself to fit individual habits and offers 20 different fitness levels. However, Polar’s new subscription service has a drawback that is also seen in other smartwatches: all the training plans primarily focus on endurance sports. While optional strength and mobility workouts can be added to the plan, current wearable devices can only accurately optimize the intensity of endurance workouts using heart rate data. Unfortunately, Polar smartwatches are unable to detect muscle fatigue that may occur during strength training, for instance.
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Tags: fitness subscription, polar, Smartwatch
April 11, 2025
Therabody SmartGoggles 2nd Gen: Biometric Eye Therapy for Stress Relief
Key Takeaways
1. Therabody’s SmartGoggles (2nd Gen) are designed for eye therapy, helping to reduce stress, digital eye strain, and headaches, priced at $199 USD (£175 GBP).
2. The goggles feature a biometric sensor that adjusts vibrations and massage patterns in real-time based on the user’s heart rate, promoting relaxation.
3. Users can choose from three customizable modes and access guided audio content through the Therabody app, enhancing the relaxation experience.
4. Reviews indicate positive user experiences, with many reporting reduced stress and improved sleep quality, though some noted noise during use.
5. The second-generation model is 30% lighter than the original, offers better blackout coverage, and is available for purchase on the Therabody website and select retailers.
Therabody has launched the second version of its SmartGoggles, a device meant for eye therapy that helps reduce stress, digital eye strain, and headaches. Priced at $199 USD (or £175 GBP in the UK), this new model integrates heat, vibration, and compression, adjusting in real-time according to the user’s heart rate, providing a personalized relaxation session.
Innovative Features
The latest SmartGoggles come with a built-in biometric sensor that modifies the vibrations and massage patterns instantly, depending on the user’s heart rate. Therabody claims this advancement helps gently steer the body into a “rest and digest” state, which is the opposite of the stress-induced fight-or-flight response.
According to Dr. Jason Wersland, the founder of Therabody, “We aimed for SmartGoggles to offer more than just eye relaxation. We sought to align the device’s rhythm with the user’s own.” He further explained that by responding to heart rate changes, the goggles create a feedback loop that encourages calm at a physiological level.
Customizable Modes and Content
The device includes three preset modes—SmartRelax, Headache & Eye Strain, and Sleep—that users can tweak through the Therabody app. Additionally, users can enjoy guided audio content from the TheraMind library, featuring meditations, ambient soundtracks, and tracks aimed at enhancing sleep.
An investigation carried out by SleepScore Labs revealed that 82% of participants felt less stressed with regular use, and 71% reported lower anxiety levels. Some users also noted better sleep quality after using the device (SleepScore Labs).
User Experiences
Reviews from users have mostly been positive. Wired reviewer Medea Giordano mentioned, “While using them for a headache, it did help reduce pain. For severe headaches, the relief didn’t last beyond the session, but during those 30 minutes, I was in bliss.” Another user on Reddit commented, “They hold so much promise, but they do make a rattling noise while in use. Not exactly relaxing.”
The design of the SmartGoggles is soft and contoured, with an adjustable head strap for comfort during long sessions. They feature a rechargeable USB-C battery that allows for multiple uses on a single charge. Therabody’s press release states that this second-generation model is 30% lighter than the original and provides enhanced blackout coverage for greater relaxation.
Availability
You can purchase Therabody’s SmartGoggles (2nd Gen) now through the official Therabody website or at select retailers like Amazon, Target, and the Therabody EU store.
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Tags: eye therapy device, SmartGoggles 2nd Gen, Therabody
April 11, 2025
Lumicore OLED Microdisplay: 3000 Nits Brightness, 50% Energy Savings
Key Takeaways
1. Lumicore has gained recognition in the microdisplay industry and produces all components internally in China.
2. The new LMC071FHDC-A model reduces power consumption by 50% while maintaining high brightness (3000 nits) and improved color performance.
3. The display features smart processing capabilities, including MIPI interface support and built-in image enhancement for near-eye systems.
4. Mass production for the LMC071FHDC-A is set for 2025, indicating potential integration into upcoming headset prototypes.
5. While no consumer product is available yet, the compact display is a significant development to watch in XR hardware advancements.
For a brand that was not well-known until recently, Lumicore has been steadily making its way up in the microdisplay industry. Located in China, it is among the rare companies that produce everything internally – ranging from the manufacturing of micro-OLED panels to display driver ICs. In 2024, Lumicore introduced a small 0.71-inch FHD OLED panel that quietly found its way into various XR headset prototypes. Now, they have returned with a more advanced and efficient version.
Enhanced Efficiency
The latest model, the LMC071FHDC-A, improves upon the original by reducing its power consumption by 50%, all while maintaining its brightness and sharpness. The display continues to deliver a nominal brightness of 3000 nits, with an ANSI contrast ratio of 650:1 at maximum brightness and over 92% uniformity. Reports indicate that the color performance has also seen enhancements, providing better accuracy in grayscale rendering, which is crucial for headsets and AR glasses.
Smart Features
In addition to the panel technology, Lumicore has integrated smart processing features: MIPI interface support, pixel driving circuits, scanning direction switching, and built-in image enhancement. These features are specifically designed for compact, high-resolution near-eye systems.
This model has officially commenced mass production for 2025, which suggests it may already be undergoing testing or being incorporated by certain headset manufacturers. While Lumicore has not disclosed any partners, it would not be unexpected to see this technology appear in future AR developer kits or military optics, given their history of collaborations.
Future Outlook
Currently, there isn’t a consumer product to reference, but if you are monitoring the direction of XR hardware advancements, this compact display is certainly one to watch.
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Tags: LMC071FHDC-A, Lumicore, microdisplay
April 11, 2025
Garmin Launches Smartwatch Updates with Bug Fixes and Improvements
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin plans to launch the new Forerunner 975 smartwatch later this year, with rumors of a possible Forerunner 275 release as well.
2. Ongoing software updates are being rolled out for existing Forerunner models, including the Forerunner 165, priced at $223.99 on Amazon.
3. Garmin has moved from Beta Version 23.09 to Beta Version 23.13, which focuses on bug fixes rather than new features.
4. Beta Version 23.13 addresses nine common issues across several Forerunner models, including display problems in the Forerunner 165.
5. Users can expect improved stability, with fixes for crashes when using the History glance feature on various Forerunner models.
Garmin is planning to launch a new Forerunner smartwatch for the first time since early 2023, likely later this year. Rumors suggest that the Forerunner 975 is the next model in the series. However, it’s still unclear if there will also be a Forerunner 275 released alongside it.
Ongoing Software Updates
In the meantime, Garmin is working on improving the software for its current Forerunner models, including the Forerunner 165, which is currently priced at $223.99 on Amazon. Last month, the company started a new beta testing phase with Beta Version 23.09. They have now moved on to Beta Version 23.13, which has been rolled out to about 20% of users with Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, or Forerunner 965 smartwatches that are part of Garmin’s Beta Program.
Focus on Bug Fixes
While the previous Beta Version 23.09 introduced various new features, the current Beta Version 23.13 is concentrating on fixing bugs. There are nine common issues addressed across the smartwatches mentioned, and the complete list is provided below. Notably, Beta Version 23.13 includes a specific fix for the Forerunner 165 that may have been causing display issues on older versions. Additionally, users should no longer experience crashes when navigating through glances using the History glance in a folder on other Forerunner models. Here is the detailed changelog for Beta Version 23.13:
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Tags: Beta Version 23.13, Forerunner 165, Forerunner 975
April 11, 2025
Google Pixel Watch 4 Expected to Be Larger Than Pixel Watch 3
Key Takeaways
1. The Pixel Watch 4 is expected to have a smaller 41 mm version revealed, with a potential 45 mm upgrade also anticipated.
2. The design changes from Pixel Watch 3 to Pixel Watch 4 include a thinner bezel and the addition of two small buttons beside the speaker and microphone.
3. The Pixel Watch 4 is reportedly thicker, measuring 14.3 mm, an increase of over 16% compared to its predecessor.
4. A new sensor array may be introduced in the Pixel Watch 4, differing from previous models.
5. The Pixel Watch 4 might utilize inductive charging, eliminating the four charging pins found in earlier versions.
91mobiles and OnLeaks have teamed up to give us a sneak peek at what they say is the upcoming Pixel Watch 4. According to the information shared by OnLeaks, only the smaller 41 mm version’s CAD files have been revealed at this moment. However, 91mobiles believes that Google will also launch a 45 mm upgrade to the Pixel Watch 3, which is currently priced at $399.99 on Amazon.
Minor Changes Noticed
At first sight, it appears that Google hasn’t altered much from the Pixel Watch 3 to the Pixel Watch 4. That said, there are a few interesting modifications. For instance, it seems like Google has made the bezel thinner compared to previous models, although these changes will mostly be concealed by the curved glass once again. Additionally, there are now two small buttons located beside the Pixel Watch’s speaker and microphone grille, which is still positioned on the left side of the smartwatch.
Increased Thickness
Interestingly, 91mobiles and OnLeaks claim that the Pixel Watch has increased in thickness by over 16%, now measuring at 14.3 mm for its fourth version. It looks like Google might be introducing a new sensor array for the Pixel Watch 4 as well. While specific details about this are still unclear, this new sensor setup does not have the four charging pins that older versions of the Pixel Watch featured. This means that the Pixel Watch 4 could possibly be the first in its series to utilize inductive charging, similar to other smartwatches on the market.
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Tags: google, Pixel Watch 4, Smartwatch
April 11, 2025
Oppo Watch X2 Mini Launches: 1.32″ AMOLED, Snapdragon W5, eSIM
Key Takeaways
1. Display and Design: The Watch X2 Mini features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466, 1,000 nits peak brightness, and 2.5D glass protection.
2. Performance and Storage: Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, it has 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and an additional 4GB EMMC for RTOS functions.
3. Battery Life and Charging: Offers up to 2.5 days in smart mode and 7 days in power-saving mode, with fast charging that provides a full day of use in just 10 minutes.
4. Health and Fitness Tracking: Equipped with advanced health monitoring features, including heart rate and SpO₂ sensors, stress and sleep tracking, and support for over 100 workout modes.
5. Connectivity and Smart Features: Includes independent eSIM support, NFC for payments, and operates on ColorOS Watch 7.0, compatible with Android 10.0+ and iOS 14.0+.
Oppo has introduced the Watch X2 Mini in China, along with the Find X8s, X8s+, and X8 Ultra smartphones. Let’s take a look at its main features.
Key Features of the Watch X2 Mini
The Watch X2 Mini boasts a small 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 and a pixel density of 352 PPI, which is shielded by sleek 2.5D glass. It can achieve a peak brightness of 1,000 nits, making it easy to see even in bright sunlight.
This smartwatch is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 platform and includes a BES2800BP co-processor, ensuring a balance between performance and energy efficiency. It comes with 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage, and an additional 4GB EMMC for RTOS functions, allowing for a smooth user experience along with smart power management.
Battery Life and Health Monitoring
When it comes to battery life, the Watch X2 Mini can last up to 2.5 days in smart mode and up to 7 days in power-saving mode. It also features fast charging capabilities; just 10 minutes of charging gives enough power for a full day, and a full charge takes around an hour.
For health tracking, it is equipped with an 8-channel heart rate sensor and a 16-channel SpO₂ sensor for continuous monitoring. It tracks stress levels, sleep patterns (including REM cycles), and can even identify snoring risks through bio-signal analysis. There are features for women’s health, like menstrual cycle tracking and ovulation prediction, plus it can monitor blood sugar levels in real-time when paired with compatible CGM devices.
Workout Modes and Connectivity
The Watch X2 Mini supports over 100 workout modes, automatically starting six activities and providing advanced tracking for sports such as running, swimming, and skiing. Runners benefit from detailed metrics, a Fat Burn Run mode with voice guidance, and smart feedback post-run thanks to the DeepSeek-R1 AI engine.
Moreover, it includes a unique Travel Guardian system that provides real-time location sharing, automatic health alerts, and a quick emergency contact option for urgent situations. Connectivity options include independent eSIM support for making calls and replying to WeChat messages without needing a phone. It also features NFC for payments, smart door access, and digital car keys for certain BYD, Li Auto, and Leapmotor vehicles. The device supports five satellite systems for positioning and has 5ATM and IP68 ratings for water and dust resistance.
Smart Features and Pricing
In addition to its health and fitness capabilities, the Watch X2 Mini has smart features such as remote camera previews, automatic music pausing during sleep, and seamless notification syncing via Fluid Cloud. It operates on ColorOS Watch 7.0 and is compatible with Android 10.0+ and iOS 14.0+, although some features are limited to Oppo’s ecosystem.
The Oppo Watch X2 Mini is available in three colors: Black and Silver, both priced at 1,799 yuan (around $250), while the premium Gold version, which has an 18K gold-coated stainless steel case, is priced at 2,099 yuan (about $290). Sales are set to start on April 16, 2025, in China. As part of a launch promotion, customers will receive a free fluoroelastomer strap, adding extra value to the purchase.
Tags: Health Tracking, Oppo Watch X2 Mini, Smartwatch