Category: Wearables

  • Preorder New Casio AE-1600H Watches with 10-Year Battery on Amazon

    Preorder New Casio AE-1600H Watches with 10-Year Battery on Amazon

    The Casio AE-1600 series has been announced in late 2024 and is now ready for preorder on Amazon. It’s set to officially release on February 1, 2025. There are three models available in black, beige, and grey, each costing $77.94. This price might seem a bit high, especially since there are many more feature-packed options available for around $100.

    Features Overview

    Some of the standout features include a long-lasting 10-year battery, which uses a CR2032, and an inverted digital display. The watches are designed with a tough octagonal case and are water-resistant up to 100 meters. They also come with an LED Illuminator that has an Afterglow function to help see in the dark. They provide additional features like five multi-function alarms (one with snooze), a stopwatch that measures down to 1/100 seconds for nearly 24 hours, dual time settings, and a countdown timer.

    Design and Weight

    The watches have resin cases and bands, making them lightweight at just 52 grams each. The LCD screen is larger than the typical DW-5600 models, ensuring that information is displayed clearly. Plus, the auto-calendar is set to work until the year 2099.

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  • New Casio G-Shock Watches Now Available in the US

    New Casio G-Shock Watches Now Available in the US

    Casio US has introduced four new watches that pay tribute to the classic G-Shock design: the DW5600RL-1, DW6900RL-1, GA110RL-1S, and GA2100RL-1A. These timepieces were launched in Japan last year and were recently seen listed on the US website. They join the DW5000R-1A, which was released in December and sold out quickly.

    Features of the DW5600RL-1 and DW6900RL-1

    The DW5600RL-1 features a rectangular shape similar to the DW-5000R, with a durable resin case and band. This digital watch claims to operate for up to five years on a CR2016 battery and includes a white Super Illuminator LED backlight. It also boasts a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and a multifunction alarm. On the other hand, the DW6900RL-1 offers the same functionalities but showcases a round watch face.

    Hybrid Models: GA110RL-1S and GA2100RL-1A

    The GA110RL-1S is a combination analog-digital watch that is resistant to magnetic fields and provides world time for 48 cities. It is said to last for two years on its battery and features an amber LED backlight. This model also includes a countdown timer, five daily alarms, and a more accurate 1/1000-second stopwatch. Meanwhile, the GA2100RL-1A is another hybrid watch, featuring a Carbon Core Guard design and Neobrite illumination. Casio states that its battery lasts for about three years and it has a double LED backlight. It too offers a countdown timer, a 1/100-second stopwatch, and supports up to five alarms.

    Durability and Pricing

    All these watches are designed to be shock-resistant and can withstand water up to 200m. They come with a fully automatic calendar that is valid until 2099 and maintain an accuracy of within 15 seconds per month. You can purchase the Casio G-Shock DW5600RL-1, DW6900RL-1, and GA110RL-1S for $99 each from the official US online store. The GA110RL-1A is priced higher at $130. Additionally, these models are available in several European countries, including the UK.

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  • Oppo Watch X2 Leaked on TENAA: Design and Key Specs Revealed

    Oppo Watch X2 Leaked on TENAA: Design and Key Specs Revealed

    OPPO is gearing up to unveil its latest Watch X2 series in February 2025, probably alongside the Oppo Find N5 foldable smartphone. A recent entry in the TENAA certification database has disclosed some details about this smartwatch, which is anticipated to come equipped with advanced features, aiming to rival high-end smartwatches like Samsung’s Galaxy Watch lineup and the Apple Watch series.

    Features and Certification Insights

    The OPPO Watch X2, bearing the model number OWW242, has just been certified by TENAA, giving us a sneak peek at its design and capabilities. It showcases a circular gold body adorned with either white or silver bezels and comes with white or cream leather straps. There might also be a rotating crown included. This smartwatch supports a range of connectivity options like Bluetooth, GPS, BeiDou, GLONASS, Wi-Fi, NFC, and eSIM for use with China Unicom and China Mobile. Its battery, rated at 345mAh, is expected to deliver consistent performance.

    Different Models for Various Needs

    According to earlier leaks, the series is set to feature three versions: the basic Watch X2, a larger 46mm model, and the top-tier Watch X2 Pro, which will boast luxury features. There are indications that some variants may be rebranded under the OnePlus label for international markets, likely to be known as the OnePlus Watch 3.

    Health Features and Additional Specs

    Health and fitness tracking are significant priorities for the Watch X2 series. Zhou Yibao, who oversees the OPPO Find series, has confirmed that the Watch X2 will include blood pressure monitoring, and it’s likely to feature ECG monitoring, wrist temperature measurement, and a quick 60-second health assessment function. It will also monitor fitness activities such as steps and heart rate, with its built-in GPS capabilities aiding in tracking exercises like cycling and running more effectively.

    The watches will feature a rounded OLED display, operate on OPPO’s ColorOS, and provide water resistance for added durability. They will also support 10W fast charging for rapid battery refills. The earlier 3C listing for the Watch X2 with the model number “OWW251” has indicated that it will be equipped with a significant battery size of either 631mAh or 648mAh along with 10W fast charging.


  • Casio G-Shock GA-110AS & GA-2100AS in Black and Beige Colors

    Casio G-Shock GA-110AS & GA-2100AS in Black and Beige Colors

    As per a recent leak, Casio appears to be planning to broaden its G-Shock collection by adding four new models to what could be a new series. The models include the GA-110AS-2A (Black), GA-110AS-5A (Beige), GA-2100AS-2A (Black), and GA-2100AS-5A (Beige). Although the Japanese watchmaker has not shared official information regarding the series name or its theme, the watches are anticipated to launch this Spring.

    Design Features

    The designs showcase a mix of dark and neutral shades, highlighted by vibrant blue accents on the dials. This suggests a seasonal theme for these timepieces. The GA-110AS models fall under G-Shock’s larger case lineup, while the GA-2100AS models sport a slimmer carbon-core-guard structure, commonly known as the “CasiOak” design due to their octagonal case shapes. The selected color schemes give the timepieces a modern and somewhat understated look, hinting that they are ideal for casual wear and outdoor adventures.

    Functionality and Features

    Upon closer inspection of the images, distinct analog-digital layouts with prominent sub-dials can be observed. True to the G-Shock tradition, these watches are likely to include features like shock resistance, water resistance, stopwatch capabilities, and world time.

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  • Huawei Launches Global Update for Watch Ultimate

    Huawei Launches Global Update for Watch Ultimate

    Huawei has begun distributing a new global update for the Watch Ultimate, identified as version 5.0.0.21(SP1C00M02). This update comes after the introduction of firmware version 5.0.0.13, which was the initial global HarmonyOS 5.0 update for the Watch Ultimate.

    Update Details

    Reports indicate that firmware version 5.0.0.21(SP1C00M02) is now available for the standard Huawei Watch Ultimate models in both Voyage Blue and Expedition Black (currently priced at €573 on Amazon DE). However, the Watch Ultimate Green model has not yet received this update. The update itself is fairly small, at only 36.78 MB. According to the change log, this release offers optimizations for system stability in “specific situations.” Sadly, there’s no additional information to clarify what exact enhancements have been made.

    Missing Features

    One significant feature that’s missing from this 5.0.0.21 update is the NFC payments capability, which was previously announced for the Watch Ultimate, Watch GT 5, and Watch GT 5 Pro last year. The company had indicated that this feature would be available to users within the first half of 2025. Users of the Huawei Watch Ultimate smartwatch can download firmware version 5.0.0.13(SP2C00M02) along with future updates through the Huawei Health app.

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  • Casio Launches New Watches App with Badge Collections Feature

    Casio Launches New Watches App with Badge Collections Feature

    Casio has introduced a new feature called Badge Collections in its Watches app. While users began reporting this enhancement late last year, it has only recently gained more attention from the company.

    Badge Collections Explained

    The Badge Collections feature is specifically for Casio watches equipped with a step-counting sensor. Users have the opportunity to earn badges as they hit various step count milestones. Some of the collectible badges are themed after famous Casio characters, such as Gaussman, Frogman, and Rangeman. To unlock these special badges, it seems you must first collect all five of the colored badges associated with each character.

    Future Badge Offers

    Moreover, Casio has hinted at additional rare and challenge-based badges that will be introduced in the future, but no specifics have been shared yet. Users who own a compatible Casio watch can start their Badge Collections via a pop-up banner in the Casio Watches app, which appears when they connect their watch using Bluetooth.

    Casio emphasizes that collecting these badges is meant to be enjoyable, turning movement into a game and fostering friendly competition among family and friends. Unfortunately, the badges earned through the app cannot be converted into physical badges and do not have any redeemable value towards the brand’s products. A list of compatible Casio watches that support the Badge Collections feature can be found on the brand’s website. This includes models like the GBD800UC-3 watch, which is priced at $98.89 on Amazon.

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  • Casio My G-Shock Customization Returns with 10 Billion Options

    Casio My G-Shock Customization Returns with 10 Billion Options

    Casio introduced the “My G-Shock” service in October 2021. This feature enables enthusiasts to create their own unique G-Shock watches by choosing different elements like bezels, straps, and display types. Unfortunately, in October 2023, the service encountered significant technical difficulties, leading Casio to temporarily halt its operations. After several months of downtime, the custom watch service has now returned.

    Customization Options Abound

    The platform offers a variety of choices for strap materials, bezel finishes, and screen accents. If you have always dreamed of owning a Casio watch but struggled to find the perfect design, this customization option is tailor-made for you. To get started, users must sign up for a Casio ID account, which allows them to craft their designs and submit orders. As stated on the website, delivery for personalized watches generally takes around three to five weeks.

    Anticipated Demand and Improved Operations

    During the downtime, Casio was quite reserved about the specific technical issues that led to the service suspension. However, the reopening of this feature is likely to spark renewed excitement, with the company committed to managing orders effectively to satisfy expected demand.

    Explore the “My G-Shock Gallery”

    The “My G-Shock” page also includes the “My G-Shock Gallery,” showcasing images of G-Shock watches personalized by other users. If you’re unsure about the direction to take while customizing your watch, you can find inspiration from these examples or even recreate a design you admire.

    You can experience the “My G-Shock” customization service yourself here. As of now, this service is exclusively available on Casio’s Japan website.

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  • New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements

    New Garmin Update: Body Battery TrueUp & Workout Enhancements

    Garmin has been actively releasing new beta updates for its range of smartwatches and cycling computers. Recently, they have rolled out updated firmware for the Fenix 7 series and all currently supported Forerunner smartwatches.

    Upcoming Changes in Q1 2025

    Various sources have acquired an overview of Garmin’s intended stable updates for Q1 2025, which are expected to be released later this quarter. It’s important to mention that the accompanying image has not been verified yet. Therefore, we can’t ensure it’s free from alterations or photoshopping, even though it aligns with the design of previous Garmin feature launches.

    New Features on the Horizon

    The new features noted seem to align with what Garmin has been trialing in its recent beta versions. For example, Strength Workouts will be integrated into Garmin’s Run and Cycling Coach suites. Based on the image shown below, Strength Workouts are likely to be available for all recent Edge cycling computers, most Forerunner smartwatches, and the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon), but will not be available for the Fenix 7 series or its Enduro, Marq, Quatix, and Tactix models.

    Garmin is also expected to introduce Body Battery TrueUp, which syncs body battery data to a single Garmin account for use across various devices. In addition, the Q1 2025 update will bring passcodes; however, this feature will not be available for the Enduro 2, Fenix 7, and other similar devices. When enabled, the passcode feature locks the smartwatch with a custom PIN if it detects that it is no longer being worn. Unfortunately, it’s not clear when these new features will actually be released, other than sometime this quarter. For more information, please refer to the graphic below.

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  • Garmin Launches Forerunner Smartwatch Update with HR Zone Enhancements

    Garmin Launches Forerunner Smartwatch Update with HR Zone Enhancements

    Garmin has swiftly released a new update for several Forerunner smartwatches, just after finishing Software Version 22.12 for these devices. To summarize, the recent stable update included multiple bug fixes for the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 965 (currently priced at $594.99 on Amazon), among others. Software Version 22.12 also claimed to enhance Run Coach and Cycling Coach, with full details covered in a separate announcement.

    New Beta Version

    Now, Garmin has moved ahead to version 22.14, which is now part of its Beta Program. Sadly, there’s no clear timeline for when this update will shift from beta to stable. The quick transition of Beta Version 22.12 to stable suggests that the new version might follow the same path, though.

    Bug Fixes for Multiple Models

    Both the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 are getting the same two bug fixes, which aim to address heart rate (HR) zone problems. On one side, Beta Version 22.14 includes a fix for a glitch that might cause a crash when changing HR zones. On the other hand, this update also aims to fix issues that led to incorrect time displays or even wrong HR zones.

    The changelog for all five models mentions ‘various bug fixes and improvements’, but it does not give any further details about this. Moreover, Garmin issued a separate fix for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965, which sometimes resulted in missing app icons in the notification glance. It’s important to note that this fix isn’t being rolled out to the Forerunner 255 or Forerunner 955, nor to the newer Forerunner 165.

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  • Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: 7 Key Changes Revealed

    Garmin Fenix 7 and 7 Pro Updates: 7 Key Changes Revealed

    Garmin’s Fenix 7 and Fenix 7 Pro smartwatches are still relatively new. Yet, with the launch of the Fenix 8 (currently priced at $1,099.99 on Amazon) last year, it seems that these models, along with the Epix 2, Enduro 2, Marq 2, and Quatix 7, won’t be getting many new features. A recent leak indicates that these smartwatches will likely not receive the new features that Garmin plans to roll out in its Q1 2025 update.

    Changes in Update Strategy

    Garmin’s recent beta updates show a notable shift in their strategy. Normally, the initial beta versions in a new update cycle are aimed at adding new features, as seen in previous updates and with the Fenix 8 series. However, the second and third beta updates after the launch of System Software 19.41 have mostly been focused on fixing existing bugs instead.

    Beta Version Improvements

    For example, Beta Version 20.11 reportedly included “various bug fixes,” but it didn’t specify which issues were addressed. Now, a new version has come out that brings five additional improvements, all of which are also bug fixes. Despite this, Beta Version 20.12 is expected to enhance the user experience in multiple areas, including workouts, using the onboard maps service, or connecting headphones. The comprehensive list of improvements and changes this time is as follows:

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