Category: Wearables

  • Casio A130WE Series Launches Four New Retro-Futuristic Models

    Casio A130WE Series Launches Four New Retro-Futuristic Models

    Casio has revealed a new collection of four watches as part of the Vintage A130WE series, set to launch in February 2025. Initial information pointed to a March release, but the confirmed models are A130WE-1A, A130WE-7A, A130WEG-9A, and A130WEGG-1A.

    Design Inspired by the 80s

    These watches showcase a design that draws from the LC analog-digital displays of the 1980s. Their metallic finishes and vibrant accent colors create a nice mix of retro and contemporary styles. The LCD display is divided into a digital area and an LC analog area, featuring an analog display in the upper-left for home time and graphics in the upper-right to show different functions.

    Features and Specifications

    The watches come equipped with World Time functionality, allowing users to store information for four cities and easily toggle between them. This world time feature supports 48 cities across 31 time zones and offers a home city swap option. The case boasts a straightforward square shape with a stainless-steel band, making it adaptable for various outfits. Available colors include silver, gold, and gunmetal, while the A130WE-7AJF and A130WEGG-1AJF models showcase blue and orange LCD accents, respectively.

    Construction and Performance

    Constructed with a resin case and bezel, the watch face is shielded by resin glass. The stainless-steel band includes a free-type clasp, accommodating wrist sizes from 150 to 205 mm. The battery life is approximately three years. Additionally, the watch features a 1/100-second stopwatch with a 24-hour counter and split mode, along with a timer adjustable in one-second increments for up to 24 hours. Users can set five alarms, either for a single occasion or daily. The calendar is automatic, and the display can alternate between 12-hour and 24-hour formats.

    Pricing and Release Date

    The premium models, A130WEG-9A and A130WEGG-1A, are listed at ¥11,000 ($71), while the standard models are priced at ¥8,800 ($57). The official release is anticipated in February 2025.

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  • Casio G-Shock DWE-5600UD-1: All-Black Watch with Camo Straps

    Casio G-Shock DWE-5600UD-1: All-Black Watch with Camo Straps

    Casio has been busy with their ‘modular’ watches this year. Last month, they introduced the DW-6900-ASRV24A-1CR collaboration timepiece that features interchangeable components, and now there’s another partnership from their G-Shock range. This time, they are collaborating with the Los Angeles streetwear brand, ‘Undefeated’, to launch the DWE-5600UD-1. The new watch showcases a military camouflage design, various strap choices, and a sleek, understated look.

    Key Features of the Watch

    What will surely catch attention is the addition of three interchangeable resin straps. The watch features a matte black finish, with the Undefeated logo discreetly engraved on the bezel, complemented by a green-tinted LCD display. In addition to the standard black strap, Casio includes two camouflage straps—one designed in classic woodland camo and another in a desert camo pattern.

    Stylish Packaging

    The packaging matches the military aesthetic, coming in a brown camo-printed box adorned with both Casio G-Shock and Undefeated branding. As this model is part of the DWE-5600 series, it boasts the same shock-resistant Carbon Core Guard build, a water resistance of 200 meters, and a design that allows for easy part swapping. It maintains the essential G-Shock features like:

    Pricing and Availability

    Initial reports suggest that the G-Shock DWE-5600UD-1 will retail for $230 USD in the United States, with a launch anticipated in February 2025. Given that G-Shock collaborations often sell out swiftly, this one is likely to attract attention from collectors and streetwear enthusiasts alike. Its long-term appeal beyond its design features remains to be seen. For now, the watch is exclusively listed on Casio’s Mexico website, with a price tag of 6,449 Mexican Pesos.

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  • Ugreen AirTag Alternative: Thinner, Cheaper, and Smart

    Ugreen AirTag Alternative: Thinner, Cheaper, and Smart

    Ugreen has launched a new ultra-slim, card-style tracker in China that works with Apple’s “Find My” network. With a price tag of 109 yuan ($15), this tracker is a direct competitor to Apple’s AirTag, which costs $29. You can find it on JD.com. Let’s go through its main features.

    Ugreen CM817 SmartTag Features

    This smart tracker has a very thin and portable design, measuring just 1.7mm thick. It’s made with cold-press sealing technology, making it light and tough. The size is similar to a regular card, so it fits easily in wallets, keychains, bags, and even cars.

    The Ugreen SmartTag is compatible with Apple’s Find My network and includes a triple-location guidance system featuring map navigation, sound alerts, and LED indicators. Users can keep track of their items using the Find My app, play a sound to help find them, or use the LED light in dark places. It also has an automatic lost-item reminder that will notify the iPhone when the connection is lost.

    Connectivity and Security

    Equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), this device allows for quick location updates when nearby. The Find My app offers real-time tracking, making it easier to recover lost items. For further safety, the SmartTag includes Apple’s anti-tracking technology, which warns users if an unknown tracker is traveling with them.

    The SmartTag features a magnetic charging system and a 155mAh rechargeable lithium battery. Once charged, it can last up to 12 months with regular usage, providing long-lasting performance with minimal need for recharging.

    Durability and Compatibility

    Designed to endure harsh conditions, this device has an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, protecting it from dirt, dust, and water immersion.

    The Ugreen SmartTag works with various Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers that run iOS 14.5, iPadOS 14.5, or macOS 12.5 and newer. It can be connected to one Apple ID and shared among up to five devices, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices. Additionally, it allows for up to 32 SmartTags to be linked to a single account.

    Easy Setup

    Setting up the SmartTag is straightforward and does not need an extra app. It’s ready to use right out of the box; users just need to long-press the power button to switch it on, bring it near their Apple device, and add it through the Find My app.


  • New Pebble Watch: Key Hardware Details Unveiled

    New Pebble Watch: Key Hardware Details Unveiled

    The return of the Pebble watch has taken many by surprise. Originally launched in 2013, the Pebble smartwatch was part of a very successful crowdfunding effort, with prices starting at a budget-friendly $100. The Pebble brand was later acquired by Fitbit, which was then purchased by Google.

    Anticipation for the New Model

    What’s certain is that a new Pebble is said to be in development, but specific details about the features have not been disclosed yet. This leaves potential buyers in the dark about what to expect from the brand’s revival. Recently, CNET conducted an interview with Eric Migicovksy, revealing some initial insights into the upcoming device.

    Design and Functionality

    Sources indicate that the new Pebble watch will not include a touchscreen, opting instead for button controls reminiscent of earlier models. This approach sets it apart from the current trend in smartwatches that predominantly rely on touchscreens. The new design is expected to have a rectangular plastic casing available in two color options: black and white. Moreover, reports suggest that the watch will deliver an impressive battery life of up to one week.

    Sensor Capabilities and Pricing

    It appears that the upcoming Pebble will not introduce new sensor technologies, even though advancements have been made since the original watch was first launched. For example, many current wearables now include features like blood oxygen monitoring alongside heart rate tracking. As of now, Eric Migicovksy has not shared any information regarding pricing or a specific launch date for the new Pebble.

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  • Huawei Set to Launch Band 10 and Hook-Style Earbuds in March

    Huawei Set to Launch Band 10 and Hook-Style Earbuds in March

    Huawei might be getting ready to grow its collection of wearable devices, as a recent leak indicates that the company could introduce the Band 10 fitness tracker and new ear-hook-style earbuds in March. Although Huawei has not officially announced the launch, multiple sources on Weibo are suggesting that these products are on the way.

    Possible Launch of the Band 10 and Arc Earbuds

    A tipster named FixedFocusDigital mentioned that Huawei could reveal these gadgets next month, but there’s also talk that the release might be delayed until April. Another rumor points out that the Band 10 and ear-hook earbuds could be launched together with the Pocket 3 foldable smartphone.

    The Band 10 has already shown up in global certification databases, signaling that it may be ready for release soon. The certification information indicates that the fitness tracker could come in two different versions and has an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

    New Design for Ear-Hook Earbuds

    Regarding the ear-hook earbuds, codenamed “Arc,” they may represent a fresh style within Huawei’s audio offerings. Unlike the current FreeClip’s C-shaped design, this new shape may focus on ease of use and a better fit for users. Although the exact name has not been confirmed, it’s possible that they will be called “FreeArc.”

    Specifications of the Huawei Band 9

    While we don’t have much info on the Huawei Band 10 yet, it’s worth taking a look back at what the Band 9 has to offer.

    The Huawei Band 9 features a 1.47-inch HD AMOLED screen with a 2.5D curved glass, providing a resolution of 194 × 368 pixels and a clear pixel density of 282ppi. It also has an always-on mode for quick access to information.

    On the hardware side, the Band 9 includes a 9-axis IMU sensor, which consists of an accelerometer, gyroscope, and magnetometer, as well as an optical heart rate sensor and an ambient light sensor.

    For health monitoring, Huawei’s TruSeen 5.5 enables heart rate tracking, while TruSleep 4.0 offers advanced sleep analysis. Additionally, the Band 9 features stress management through TruRelax and menstrual cycle tracking for women. Fitness lovers can benefit from 100 workout modes, with automatic detection for four standard exercises.

    Bluetooth 5.0 handles connectivity, ensuring it works with Android 8.0 and higher, as well as iOS 13.0 and newer. The device has a 5ATM water resistance rating, making it fit for swimming and use underwater up to 50 meters.

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  • Casio GA-110AS and GA-2100AS Oasis Series Watches Launching Feb 14

    Casio GA-110AS and GA-2100AS Oasis Series Watches Launching Feb 14

    Casio is set to launch its Spring G-Shock collection, and it’s no longer just a rumor — new details confirm that the GA-110AS and GA-2100AS models will hit the market on February 14, 2025. These four timepieces, which were first leaked in January, feature blue-accented transparent dials and can already be found on Japanese retail sites like Rakuten and Yahoo Japan, proving their price and availability.

    Pricing Details

    The GA-110AS-2AJF and GA-110AS-5AJF models are tagged at 21,450 yen (around $145 USD), whereas the GA-2100AS-2AJF and GA-2100AS-5AJF are priced a bit lower at 19,800 yen (about $135 USD). These watches showcase a blend of beige and dark gray in their casing. This aesthetic aligns well with past G-Shock seasonal collections. The theme for this series is called ‘Oasis of day and night,’ reflecting the contrast between daytime and nighttime in a desert setting. This concept is illustrated by the blue translucent skeleton dials paired with vapor deposition indices.

    Features and Design

    As for features, this lineup adheres to the typical G-Shock durability standards, including shock resistance, water resistance up to 200 meters, LED backlight, world time function (across 48 cities), stopwatch, and five alarms. The GA-110AS models stand out with their bulkier design and prominent sub-dials, while the GA-2100AS models maintain a sleeker, octagonal ‘CasiOak’ design.

    With the official pricing and release dates now revealed, the only uncertainty left is whether these models will be available outside Japan. Casio has not yet disclosed if they will be released internationally, but based on trends from previous Spring models, it’s likely that they will be distributed more widely.

    G-Shock’s Global Reach

    In conclusion, the excitement surrounding the new G-Shock collection is palpable, and fans are eager to see how these models will be received. The combination of stylish design and the reliability that G-Shock is known for makes these watches a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

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  • Casio GA-V01 Series Analog Watches Unveiled: Mixed Reactions

    Casio GA-V01 Series Analog Watches Unveiled: Mixed Reactions

    After much anticipation, we finally got a look at Casio’s GA-V01 series, which brings a surprise element — a WeChat mini-game known as OpenVWorld. Originally hinted at as a secretive addition to the G-Shock family, the final version might leave some loyal fans confused. According to information shared by @morgan_gshock on Instagram, the watch will come in four different colors, with prices ranging from 990 to 1,090 yuan (approximately $140 to $155). However, early feedback on social media suggests that it may not be the ‘big collector’s-edition watch’ many were expecting.

    Game Integration Stands Out

    The unexpected highlight is not just the watch, but its digital connection. According to a poster from Casio China (shared by @geesgshock on Instagram), OpenVWorld will be a ranking-based game linked to WeChat, allowing players to earn points and redeem rewards, which include G-Shock watches. This game is set to run from February 1 to April 30, 2025, but as of now, it’s unclear if it will be available outside of China.

    Design Choices and Opinions

    The GA-V01 will launch in four distinct colors:

    G-Shocks are known for their bold styles, yet the GA-V01 seems to be pushing boundaries in a way that has split opinions. From the somewhat blurry images we’ve seen, the watches showcase a thick, rounded case along with an over-the-top gear-like bezel. It feels more like a marketing experiment. While the WeChat game may boost sales within China, it’s uncertain how well this digital element will connect with audiences elsewhere if it is intended for a global release. Furthermore, Casio has not yet confirmed whether this model will be sold internationally, or if a version without the game will be available in other regions.

    A Divisive Release

    The GA-V01 appears to be aimed at a specific market, featuring an unusual design that probably won’t appeal to everyone. As it stands, this watch might become one of the more controversial G-Shock releases in recent years. We should expect an exact release date very soon.

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  • Casio A130 Series: 4 Affordable Retro LCD Watches for 2025

    Casio A130 Series: 4 Affordable Retro LCD Watches for 2025

    Earlier this month in January 2025, we shared information about the Casio Vintage A130WE-1AEF, which is inspired by the Seiko G757. This timepiece features a stainless-steel look and a versatile digital display. New updates indicate that the A130WE-1AEF is actually part of a four-watch collection set to debut in February 2025, which is a change from our previous mention of March 2025 as the launch date. The collection includes the models A130WE-1A, A130WE-7A, A130WEG-9A, and A130WEGG-1A.

    Retro-Futuristic Appeal

    The A130 series showcases a retro-futuristic style that clearly takes cues from the LCD digital-analog hybrid watches from the 1980s. The dial is divided into multiple parts, featuring a large LCD screen for displaying time, an analog-style graphical area on the upper left for local time, and a smaller section on the right for other functions. As is typical for Casio, an LED backlight is also incorporated.

    Compact Design and Build

    Measuring 40.5 x 33.9 x 9 mm and weighing just 54g, these watches are both compact and lightweight. The case is constructed from resin, while the bezel is also made of resin material. Each watch is fitted with stainless-steel bracelets that come with a free-adjustment clasp for added convenience.

    Feature-Rich Functionality

    The A130 series maintains the features found in earlier Casio digital watches, such as world time across 48 cities, multi-time zone functionality, a stopwatch with split timing, countdown timer, five alarms, and a full-auto calendar. Additionally, the display allows for switching between 12/24-hour formats and an LED backlight with adjustable duration (1.5s or 3s). These models are powered by a CR2016 battery, which has an estimated life of three years.

    The A130WE-1A and A130WE-7A are available in classic silver-tone finishes, whereas the A130WEG-9A features a luxurious gold-tone plating. The A130WEGG-1A has a gunmetal finish, giving it a darker overall look. The two premium models, A130WEG-9A and A130WEGG-1A, come at a slightly higher price of ¥11,000 (~$71), while the standard models are priced at ¥8,800 (~$57).

    Water Resistance and Availability

    Casio has branded these watches as “waterproof for daily use,” which means they provide basic splash resistance but aren’t meant for deep-sea diving, unlike the hydro-modded Casio F91W. As mentioned before, the release is planned for February 2025, but you can already place reservations through the official product pages (linked below).

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  • Apple Cancels Lightweight AR Glasses, Focuses on Vision Pro 2 Development

    Apple Cancels Lightweight AR Glasses, Focuses on Vision Pro 2 Development

    Rumors about Apple working on slim AR glasses similar to Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses have been going around for several months. The idea was to create glasses that are so subtle that people could wear them all day. Instead of an integrated battery, Apple planned to connect them to an iPhone via a wire, allowing for decent processing power. Besides having speakers and microphones, the glasses were meant to feature a display within the lenses, showing useful information about real-world objects.

    Early Challenges

    Initial prototypes faced issues, as they drained the iPhone’s battery too fast, and the phone’s processing didn’t meet the needs for many features. This led to the creation of a new model that was designed to work with Macs. However, a recent report from Bloomberg states that these prototypes did not impress Apple’s management, resulting in the project’s cancellation this week. This has been a disappointment for Apple’s Vision Products Group, which is also in charge of the Vision Pro mixed reality headset, and has reportedly affected the team’s spirit.

    Future Aspirations

    Looking ahead, Apple is said to be aiming for AR glasses that won’t need a connection to an iPhone or Mac. Work on some key technologies, like microLED panels for the lenses, will keep going. The Vision division is also working on a new version of the Vision Pro and AirPods with built-in cameras, which could feature AR capabilities and gesture controls. Despite this, internally, Apple is struggling with the Vision Pro’s lack of success. It’s believed that the high cost has led to poor sales, and additionally, users are not utilizing their headsets as much as Apple had hoped, making it critical for the company to discover new uses for Vision Pro.

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  • Casio Launches MTS-S100 Series Watches with Sapphire Crystal

    Casio Launches MTS-S100 Series Watches with Sapphire Crystal

    Casio’s G-Shock division has recently rolled out a variety of new timepieces worldwide, including the Barbie Special Edition, the Master of G Caution Yellow series, and the Fine Metallic Series. Now, the company is set to launch a fresh collection of standard analog watches shortly. The forthcoming Casio MTS-S100 series is expected to hit the market in the next few days and will feature five distinct models: MTS-S100D-1AV, MTS-S100L-1AV, MTS-S100D-5A, MTS-S100D-2AV, and MTS-S100D-3AV.

    Built to Last

    These watches are crafted with durability in mind, showcasing sapphire crystal glass that includes an anti-glare coating, ensuring both scratch resistance and clear visibility. Every model in the series incorporates Casio’s Tough Solar technology, enabling them to recharge through ambient light, thus minimizing the need for battery changes.

    Stylish Design

    The dials employ a vapor deposition method to achieve smooth gradient color shifts, available in shades of green, blue, gray, and reddish-brown. The MTS-S100D models come equipped with brushed stainless-steel bracelets, while the MTS-S100L-1AV opts for a leather strap, adding a different style choice. Each watch has a case size of 47 x 41.7 x 9.5 mm, providing a compact and comfortable fit for daily usage. All models boast a water resistance rating of 50 meters, safeguarding them against splashes from rain or handwashing, but they are not suitable for swimming or diving. The precise launch date for these watches remains unclear, but their price is set at S$159 (approximately US$117) in Singapore.

    Special Editions

    In another announcement, Casio has released a special G-Shock model, the GA-B2100CD-1A4, in collaboration with the Charles Darwin Foundation. This piece showcases a striking red and black dual-tone design, taking inspiration from the Galapagos marine iguana. Additionally, the GA-B2100CD-1A7 variant presents a black and white color scheme that reflects the Galapagos penguin.