Category: Wearables

  • Polar Launches Special Edition AMOLED Smartwatch with Soft Band

    Polar Launches Special Edition AMOLED Smartwatch with Soft Band

    The Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn special edition smartwatch is now available globally. As indicated by its name, this newest version of the fitness and wellness smartwatch features a fresh woven fiber wristband, replacing the original silicone band.

    Lightweight and Comfortable Design

    Polar claims that this updated strap is lightweight and has a soft texture, which makes it “extremely comfortable.” There are two color choices available. The first is a black design with a woven zig-zag pattern, maintaining the same 20 mm width as the silicone version. Additionally, a Bold Red variant, which features a colorful design, has been showcased in images but is not yet available for purchase.

    Impressive Features and Battery Life

    The Ignite 3 boasts a 1.28-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a resolution of 416 x 416 px. It includes features like sleep analysis, with Nightly Recharge showing your energy levels for the upcoming day. Users can access fitness tests, suggested workouts, training audio guidance, and a variety of activities. Furthermore, the watch allows you to monitor your heart rate, track calorie intake, and follow guided breathing exercises. According to Polar, the battery lasts up to five days in watch mode or 30 hours when utilizing GPS and heart rate monitoring.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can currently purchase the Polar Ignite 3 Braided Yarn smartwatch for £294.00/€339.90. It is also set to launch in the United States for $339.95; however, as of now, the product is listed as out of stock on the brand’s website, with no expected release date provided. This pricing aligns with the previous Polar Ignite 3 that featured a silicone strap (currently $305.96 on Amazon).

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  • Casio Launches Premium G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2A Bluetooth Solar UK

    Casio Launches Premium G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2A Bluetooth Solar UK

    Casio has officially announced that the G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2A watch will be available in the UK market. This model can now be found on the G-Shock UK’s Coming Soon page, and it’s also featured on the global website of the brand. Speculations about this watch started circulating last year, and it has been confirmed for a launch in Japan on January 24th.

    Pricing and Features

    According to the Casio G-Shock UK product page, the MRG-B2100R-2A, also known as MRG-B2100R-2ADR, will be available for £3,600. The watch boasts a titanium case and a top bezel made from Cobarion alloy, while the navy blue display is shielded with sapphire crystal glass. This model comes equipped with Bluetooth connectivity, which allows for features like automatic time adjustment and a phone finder through the Casio Watches smartphone app. Additionally, the radio-controlled watch supports Tough Solar charging, has a power-saving mode, and includes an LED Super Illuminator backlight.

    Release Date Uncertainty

    Even though the Casio G-Shock MRG-B2100R-2ADR is marked as coming soon in the UK, there isn’t a specific release date at this time. It’s still unclear if or when this watch will be available in other regions, such as the USA.

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  • Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Launching Soon in the UK

    Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR Watches Launching Soon in the UK

    The Casio G-Shock DW-6900 30th Anniversary Special Edition watches are set to hit the UK market. Earlier this year, these models were leaked and now they can be seen on the “Coming Soon” section of the G-Shock UK website. There are three different color options available: the DW-6900TR-1 (black), the DW-6900TR-4 (red), and the DW-6900TR-9 (yellow). These shades pay homage to the original three versions of the watch.

    Features and Specs

    Introduced in 1995, the DW-6900 is known for its round face and central button, serving as a triple graph watch. The DW-6900TR series, including the DW6900TR, comes with a digital display that can show time in either 12 or 24 hours. They also include a multifunctional alarm, a countdown timer, and a stopwatch. Notably, these watches are water-resistant up to 200m and maintain accuracy within 15 seconds monthly. Additionally, there’s a Super LED backlight for easy reading in dim conditions, and Casio projects the battery to last around five years.

    Design and Pricing

    Each of these three variants features a casing and strap made from bio-based resin, while the display is safeguarded by mineral glass. The models, namely the Casio G-Shock DW-6900TR-1ER, DW-6900TR-4ER, and DW-6900TR-9ER, are all priced at £99.90 on the UK website. However, there is currently no information about their release date or availability in other countries. If they were to be released in the US, they might retail for $99.95, aligning with the suggested retail price of the DW6900-1V (currently priced at $54.50 on Amazon).

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  • Casio G-Shock G-Steel GM-110: Upcoming Metal Strap Watch

    Casio G-Shock G-Steel GM-110: Upcoming Metal Strap Watch

    Rumors are swirling about a new Casio G-Shock G-Steel GM-110 timepiece that might be released soon. The GM-110 Series, also known as the GM110 Series, debuted in 2020 as a metal version of the GA-110 model. The latest addition to this lineup was the GM-110GC-1A, which made its debut in Asia in February 2024.

    New All-Metal Model

    According to a report from the specialized Casio blog, Great G-Shock World, there are whispers of an all-metal variant of the GM-110 being developed. The blog mentions that a reader’s tip is the basis for this rumor, but fails to elaborate on the source of this information. The anticipated new G-Steel watch is likely to come with a stainless steel band and a stainless steel bezel, similar to other watches in the GM-110 series. This would continue the trend set by the 2110 Series, which saw the launch of five GM-2110D models with metal bands last September.

    Features and Pricing

    Current GM-110 timepieces boast features like 31 world time zones, a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and five daily alarms. They include a Super Illuminator LED backlight and are designed to have a battery life of about three years. It remains uncertain how much the rumored Casio G-Shock G-Steel GM-110 will be priced at. For comparison, the previous model GM110-1A is currently listed for $196.89 on Amazon.

    Great G-Shock World, Casio’s dedicated blog, continues to keep fans on the lookout for any updates or confirmations regarding this new watch.

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  • Meta’s First AR Headset Set to Launch by 2027

    Meta’s First AR Headset Set to Launch by 2027

    Meta is preparing to unveil its AR headset within the next couple of years. This upcoming device is expected to be the brand’s first authentic AR headset, according to a recent rumor. It falls under the company’s line of wearable tech. However, before any formal announcement, we have gathered more insights about these devices.

    Upcoming Meta AR Headset in 2027?

    The information comes from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, who provided fresh insights into Meta’s latest technological endeavors. Sources familiar with the situation indicate that the tech titan is working on three new smart glasses and has a timeline for the launch of its genuine augmented reality eyewear. Moreover, Meta seems to be focusing on incorporating AI-driven features into other wearable items like smartwatches, fitness bands, and earbuds.

    Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Version 2.0

    Earlier in 2024, the company joined forces with Ray-Ban to debut the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses Version 2.0. The latest report mentions that current models will be launched in new regions while new versions are on the way. Although an exact release date remains uncertain, Gurman suggests that Meta aims to release its true AR headset, codenamed Orion, as soon as 2027.

    The company may soon partner with other significant brands like Luxottica Group. There are also whispers about a Supernova 2, which would be the next generation of the Ray-Ban x Meta glasses collaboration. In addition, another AR headset is being internally called Hypernova, which could be priced above 1,000 US Dollars due to its high-end features. This is all the news for now, so keep an eye out for more updates.

  • Samsung XR Headset Expected to Launch at Galaxy Unpacked Today

    Samsung XR Headset Expected to Launch at Galaxy Unpacked Today

    We are just a few hours away from the Galaxy Unpacked event. As everyone is excited for Samsung to reveal the Galaxy S25 series, rumors suggest that the company might surprise us with something even more significant. A report from Business Korea indicates that Samsung could showcase its XR headset, known as Project Moohan, during the event.

    Anticipated Showcase

    Industry insiders state that Samsung plans to introduce its XR headset with some video presentations. There may also be a chance for attendees to try out the headset firsthand at the event. While the leaks so far seem promising, it will be interesting to find out if this headset is Samsung’s competitor to Apple’s Vision Pro and Meta’s Quest 3.

    Event Details

    The Galaxy Unpacked event is scheduled to happen in San Jose, California, on January 22 at 10:00 am PT (which is 11:30 PM IST). You can watch the event live on Samsung’s website or its official YouTube channel.

    Collaborations and Specifications

    Samsung’s XR headset, Project Moohan, is being developed in partnership with Google and Qualcomm, who are responsible for the operating system and chipset. The headset operates on Google’s Android XR OS, which is specifically designed for extended reality devices. It houses the Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 for processing.

    This new chip is an upgrade from the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2, which powers Meta’s latest mixed-reality headset, the Quest 3. On the surface, Samsung’s XR device appears to have greater raw performance capabilities, potentially allowing it to outperform the already impressive Quest 3.

    Additional Features

    Google has already disclosed some information regarding Samsung’s new project. The headset supports Google’s Find My Device feature and boasts at least two app viewing modes.

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    Extended reality devices are not yet widespread, and it will be fascinating to see how much progress Samsung, Google, and Qualcomm have made towards making these devices more accessible. Personally, I am looking forward to seeing the design, weight, and battery life of the headset.

    As for Apple, they couldn’t fit the battery (which weighs over 350 grams) inside the headset, as this would add too much weight to the product. For those curious, the AVP weighs between 600-650g without the battery. These are indeed high-performance devices that require significant processing power and energy to run.

  • Fitbit Smartwatch Overheating Risks: Google Offers $50 Update Compensation

    Fitbit Smartwatch Overheating Risks: Google Offers $50 Update Compensation

    Two Fitbit devices are facing a notable problem. As per Google’s statement, the Fitbit Sense and Fitbit Versa 3 smartwatches have lithium-ion batteries, commonly used in most modern gadgets, that might overheat under certain conditions. In extreme cases, this could lead to burns on the wrist, though Google emphasizes that the overall risk of such serious overheating is quite low.

    Update Rollout

    Google has mentioned that this problem can be fixed with software updates, and one has already begun to be distributed. This update aims to lower the chance of overheating, but it will also reduce the usable battery capacity, meaning users will experience a shorter battery life and will need to charge their devices more often. The tech giant has also stated that users will need to install this update manually.

    Consequences of Inaction

    For those who choose not to update their smartwatches, a factory reset will automatically happen soon, wiping all personal data from the device. During the setup that follows, the new firmware will be automatically installed, which seems to be Google’s way of ensuring that users get this important update.

    Compensation for Users

    Furthermore, Fitbit Sense and Versa 3 owners can check a dedicated website to see if their device is impacted. Those affected by this issue will receive a compensation of $50 or its equivalent in their local currency. However, it is still uncertain how much the new software update will affect the battery life of these Google smartwatches. Neither the Fitbit Sense nor the Versa 3 is currently available for purchase, but the unaffected Fitbit Sense 2 can be bought for $149 on Amazon.

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  • New Casio Edifice & Oceanus Titanium Watches with Solar Tech

    New Casio Edifice & Oceanus Titanium Watches with Solar Tech

    A fresh set of Casio leaks has revealed information about new models, moving away from the usual G-Shock or Baby-G series we often discuss. This time, the spotlight is on the Edifice and Oceanus collections. According to the leaks, we can expect two watches from the Edifice ECB-S100D series along with two Oceanus models, OCW-T6000B-1A and OCW-S7000-1A2, to be launched shortly.

    Edifice Series Details

    The Edifice ECB-S100 series presents two options, specifically the ECB-S100D-2A and ECB-S100D-8A, both available for £169 (around $208.5). These watches feature solar-powered functionality, water resistance up to 100 meters, Bluetooth connectivity, and a super illuminator for enhanced visibility in dim lighting. The dimensions are slim and sleek at 48.1mm × 43mm × 9.6mm, showcasing a textured dial along with an analog-digital display. While these models offer alarms and world time features, they do not include a seconds hand.

    Oceanus Lineup Highlights

    The Oceanus series introduces two titanium watches, which boast a more luxurious design and superior materials typical of this collection. The OCW-T6000B-1A is priced at ¥173,800 (approximately $1,315) and sports a dynamic black aesthetic. Meanwhile, the OCW-S7000-1A2, affectionately referred to as the Manta model, features a black dial and is set at ¥198,000 (around $1,500). Both models are equipped with sapphire glass, multi-band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping, and solar-powered movements.

    Aesthetic Features

    Examining these timepieces more closely, the ECB-S100 models flaunt a shiny metallic finish paired with sharp indices, while the Oceanus models showcase a more detailed wave-patterned dial in the Manta version, which clearly highlights a marine influence.

    At this point, more information regarding exact launch dates and worldwide availability remains unverified.

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  • Garmin Approach S50 Smartwatch: Popular Features Now Available

    Garmin Approach S50 Smartwatch: Popular Features Now Available

    The Garmin Approach S50, a new GPS golf smartwatch, has just been announced. This model comes out together with the simpler Approach S44 wearable. Both devices feature a 1.2-inch AMOLED screen that can be kept on all the time.

    New Features of the S50

    The S50 includes everything that the S44 offers. It also features a heart rate monitor, which lets you keep track of your heart rate, how well you sleep, and your stress levels. You’ll find a wider selection of preloaded activities like strength training, cardio, and even yoga. Additionally, users benefit from popular functions like Morning Report, Body Battery, and Fitness Age. Similar to the S44, you can get smart notifications right from your linked smartphone. Moreover, this smartwatch supports Garmin Pay, allowing you to make contactless payments easily from your wrist.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Garmin Approach S50 smartwatch is selling for $399.99/£379.99/€449.99. This means it is about $100/£80/€100 pricier than the Approach S44. Buyers have a choice of a black variant with a slate aluminum bezel and a ComfortFit nylon band, or a cream model featuring a gold aluminum bezel along with an ivory ComfortFit nylon strap. Although the watch is listed at various third-party retailers like Amazon, it seems that the device is currently only available for immediate shipping directly through Garmin.

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  • Garmin Unveils New AMOLED GPS Smartwatch with 10-Day Battery Life

    Garmin Unveils New AMOLED GPS Smartwatch with 10-Day Battery Life

    Garmin has introduced the Approach S44 GPS golf smartwatch to the global market. This device features a 1.2-inch vibrant AMOLED display framed by a silver aluminum bezel. Buyers can select from either Black or Twilight (blue/gray) silicone bands.

    Extensive Golfing Features

    The Approach S44 is packed with various golfing capabilities and includes preloaded maps for more than 43,000 golf courses. Users can access tools such as hazard view and yardage measurements to different locations on the green, assisting in shot planning. Additionally, features like CourseView maps and PlaysLike Distance are available for Garmin Golf subscribers, starting at $99.99 per month. Furthermore, you can keep track of your scoring directly on the watch and upload your scores to the Garmin Golf app for detailed analytics.

    Smart Connectivity and Activity Tracking

    This smartwatch can connect to your smartphone through Bluetooth LE for smart notifications. It also includes features like a calendar, weather updates, music control, and a phone finder option. Besides golfing, the watch can be used to monitor activities such as running and cycling, as well as track your daily step count. As per Garmin, the smartwatch has a battery life of up to 15 hours in GPS mode and can last for 10 days in smartwatch mode.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Garmin Approach S44 for $299.99/£299.99/€349.99 directly from the Garmin online store. It’s also available on Amazon, although it is currently listed as “Temporarily out of stock” there. This new model is released along with the Approach S50, which boasts additional features like heart rate monitoring and a Morning Report.

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