Category: Wearables

  • Cosmo Technologies Launches JrTrack 4 Kids Smartwatch with GPS & Spotify

    Cosmo Technologies Launches JrTrack 4 Kids Smartwatch with GPS & Spotify

    Cosmo Technologies has introduced the JrTrack 4 smartwatch designed specifically for kids. This device comes with cellular connectivity, enabling children to dial 911 in case of emergencies, which is crucial in today’s world filled with dangers such as predators and kidnappers. Importantly, the watch does not include features like social media and Internet access, thus shielding children from the negative impacts associated with these platforms.

    The Need for Safety in a Digital World

    Smartphones have become an essential part of our daily lives, connecting us to a vast pool of information and people globally. However, this convenience also means that those with ill intentions can easily reach out to vulnerable youngsters through various online means. Moreover, even in the absence of direct threats, social media can have detrimental effects on children, contributing to issues like self-harm, mental health struggles, and bullying. The Cosmo JrTrack 4 addresses these concerns by completely removing access to the Internet, social media, and any communication with unauthorized contacts.

    Features That Matter for Parents

    The JrTrack 4 offers cellular service throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico, allowing parents to receive notifications if their kids stray outside designated safe zones. It also enables real-time GPS tracking of their location, along with the ability to send texts and make calls, including photo and video sharing. Only parents have the authority to add approved contacts, ensuring that communication remains secure.

    Kids can enjoy the JrTrack 4 throughout the day, listening to age-appropriate music via the integrated Spotify Kids app. With an IP68 rating for water resistance, the watch is suitable for swimming. Additionally, it includes an activity tracker to count daily steps.

    Specifications and Pricing

    This smartwatch features a 1.4-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 240 pixels. It is powered by a 1.3 GHz dual-core processor, complemented by 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. The watch is lightweight, weighing just 1.66 ounces (47 grams).

    The Cosmo JrTrack 4 retails for a suggested price of $129.99 and is available for purchase on Amazon, providing families a safer alternative to conventional smartphones filled with online risks. The JrTrack 4 also offers four different cellular service plans, starting at $17.99 per month, with discounts available for longer subscription commitments.

    Cosmo Technologies, Cosmo Technologies on YouTube, Cosmo Technologies press release

    COSMO Launches JrTrack 4: A Highly Customizable and Secure Smartwatch for Kids, Designed to Evolve with Your Child


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  • Humane Recalls 10,500 AI Pin Charging Cases Due to Safety Issues

    Humane Recalls 10,500 AI Pin Charging Cases Due to Safety Issues

    Humane has announced a recall for approximately 10,500 charging case accessories designed for the AI Pin. The notification was shared on X (via Engadget), where the company reported an incident involving one of the cases overheating and melting when used with a third-party USB-C cable and power source.

    Reason for Recall

    The decision to recall was made "out of an abundance of caution," as the company discovered quality problems with battery cells supplied by an outside vendor. Humane has since terminated its relationship with this vendor to ensure customer safety.

    Assurance to Users

    Humane confirmed that this problem does not stem from the hardware design of their products. The AI Pin, Battery Boosters, and Charge Pad are not affected, as the batteries for these items are supplied by a different vendor that has not been disqualified.

    Replacement and Refund Options

    The company expects that replacements will be ready in 3 to 6 months. Users will have the option to select either a replacement or a refund. Customers who purchased the Charge Case accessory alone will be eligible for a refund of $149 (€137.02 or £115.51). Those who acquired it as part of the AI Pin Complete System will receive a refund of $129 (€118.63 or £100.02).

    For more information, customers can check the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Humane Ground Control on X, and Engadget.

  • Garmin Adds Meditation Feature to Forerunner 955 in Beta Update

    Garmin Adds Meditation Feature to Forerunner 955 in Beta Update

    Garmin has begun the release of Public Beta Version 21.14 for the Forerunner 955 smartwatch. This update introduces several new features, enhancements, and numerous bug fixes for the device.

    New Features and Improvements

    According to the change log for beta version 21.14, a Moon Phase glance has been added alongside enhancements for the Pool Swim activity. Users can now receive lactate threshold estimates automatically, without needing a heart rate monitor strap or a guided test. Additionally, the issue where images from Android smart notifications would not load has been fixed. A new Meditation activity has also been introduced, which was previously exclusive to the Venu 3 and Vivoactive 5 smartwatches. This tool includes Free Mode, which is the simplest option featuring a timer, Session Mode that offers presets such as Mindful Sounds, and Custom Mode that allows users to personalize their meditation sessions.

    User Concerns and Solutions

    Nonetheless, some users have noticed a problem where sounds are not working. A representative from Garmin recommended that those facing this issue sync their devices with Garmin Express or via Wi-Fi, followed by a power cycle. After 24 hours, the audio file should then transfer to the watch. A thread on the Garmin forum indicates that the update is rolling out in phases, but it remains uncertain how many users of the Forerunner 955 have received the beta software so far. To check if the new beta version is accessible, navigate to Main menu > Settings > System > Software Update > Check For Updates.

    Conclusion

    Garmin is committed to enhancing user experience with the Forerunner 955 smartwatch through these software updates. With the introduction of new features and bug fixes, users can look forward to improved functionality and usability.


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  • Lucyd Armor AI Safety Glasses: Innovative Eyewear Unveiled

    Lucyd Armor AI Safety Glasses: Innovative Eyewear Unveiled

    Innovative Eyewear has introduced the Lucyd Armor, a pair of AI safety glasses certified by ANSI Z87.1. These glasses allow users to access ChatGPT, Google Voice, and Siri, in addition to making calls, listening to music, audiobooks, and getting map directions. They connect to smartphones via Bluetooth 5.3. With noise-cancelling microphones and quadrasonic speakers, wearers can easily take calls, interact with AI chatbots, and hear audio notifications.

    Easy Controls Even with Gloves

    Users can operate the Lucyd Armor even while wearing gloves, thanks to glove-compatible controls. The glasses come with a rechargeable battery that lasts up to eight hours when playing music, and can stay on standby for up to 100 hours. Recharging is done through a magnetic cable.

    Designed for Worksites

    While many smart glasses exist, most can’t be used on construction sites or similar work areas due to not meeting ANSI/ISEA Z87.1 eye safety standards. The Lucyd Armor includes photochromic lenses that automatically darken in bright light, and users have the option to add prescription lenses.

    The Lucyd Armor is priced at $129 (link to the product on Amazon) and includes a hard case, a charging cable, and a cleaning cloth. Those looking for affordable smart glasses for everyday use can find them in Innovative Eyewear’s Amazon store.

    Innovative Eyewear Launches ANSI-Certified Smart Safety Glasses for Everyday Use

    Innovative Eyewear Logo (PRNewsfoto/Innovative Eyewear, Inc.)


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  • Honor Watch 5 Launches in China: 1.85″ AMOLED, GPS & Health Features

    Honor Watch 5 Launches in China: 1.85″ AMOLED, GPS & Health Features

    Honor has just released the Honor Watch 5, along with the Magic 7 series. This smartwatch, which was first launched globally earlier this year, is now being introduced in China. Let’s take a look at what it offers.

    Honor Watch 5 Features

    The Honor Watch 5 comes with a stylish curved square 1.85-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 450 × 390, providing sharp and lively display with a smooth 60Hz refresh rate. Its design includes an aluminum alloy front and a sturdy polymer fiber back, keeping it light at only 35g (not counting the strap). The watch fits wrist sizes between 150mm and 200mm and is offered with composite woven, leather, and silicone strap choices.

    Advanced Health and Tracking

    One of the standout features of the Honor Watch 5 is its unique Honor Polaris positioning system, which supports standalone GPS and works with major positioning systems like BeiDou, GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and QZSS. The advanced antenna design ensures reliable tracking in busy city environments. It also includes one-touch health monitoring, tracking essential data like heart rate, blood oxygen levels, stress levels, and sleep patterns, plus advanced heart monitoring features to potentially spot health issues.

    Connectivity and Battery Life

    The watch supports eSIM connectivity, enabling users to make calls, receive notifications from two phones, and enjoy smooth LTE connections. It also comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, and holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance. With a 480mAh silicon-carbon anode battery, it provides multiple battery life options. In eSIM mode with dual-terminal functions, it can run for up to 10 days. In Bluetooth mode, the battery lasts up to 15 days, while independent eSIM mode allows for 3 days of usage.

    The Watch 5 features 97 sports modes, including 12 professional and 85 customizable modes. It also includes an AI fat reduction assistant to help users manage their weight by modifying diet plans and monitoring calorie deficits. Users can select from over 5000 watch faces, including interactive themes like game-based aquarium designs that unlock new features after every 3,000 steps.

    Pricing and Where to Buy

    The Honor Watch 5 is offered in five color options: Morning Gold, Obsidian Black, Pine Green, Moonlight Grey, and Snow White. The Morning Gold and Obsidian Black versions are priced at 999 yuan ($140), while the Pine Green, Moonlight Grey, and Snow White colors cost 1,199 yuan ($169).

    You can purchase the smartwatch via Honor’s official website and various selected retail partners across China.


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  • Rollme X3 Smartwatch Launches with Affordable Health Monitoring

    Rollme X3 Smartwatch Launches with Affordable Health Monitoring

    Rollme has introduced the X3 smartwatch, which is making waves in the international market due to its affordable price and advanced health monitoring features. This smartwatch stands out for its CFDA (China Food and Drug Administration)-certified medical-grade ECG function, allowing users to carry out accurate heart health evaluations. In addition to ECG, the X3 also tracks various health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and detailed sleep analysis.

    Rollme X3 Specifications and Features

    The Rollme X3 boasts a 2.04-inch square AMOLED display that gives a refresh rate of 60Hz and a resolution of 368 x 448 pixels, all enhanced by a 2.5D curved glass. On the right side of the watch, there is a rotating crown and an ECG touch area just below it. Users can easily activate the ECG feature by placing their finger on the specified touch zone for readings. The watch is made with a robust metal alloy frame and a comfy TPU strap, weighing in at only 58 grams.

    This smartwatch is designed with health tracking in mind, featuring a wide array of metrics, including body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, sleep quality, stress levels, MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task), HRV (Heart Rate Variability), body composition, and a one-touch health summary.

    Rollme X3 Connectivity and Fitness Features

    The Rollme X3 supports Bluetooth calling and includes a built-in voice assistant, making it a functional device that works with both Android and iOS platforms. Fitness lovers will find the X3 appealing given its wide selection of over 100 sports modes, suitable for various types of physical activities.

    The smartwatch is also rated with an improved IP68 waterproof standard, meaning it can handle water during intense workouts or swimming. It comes with a large 530mAh battery that can last up to 10 days on a single charge and can stay on standby for as long as 30 days.

    Rollme X3 Pricing and Availability

    The Rollme X3 is available for a price of $49.99 and is offered in colors like black, blue, and red. Those interested can buy it from the Rollme Official Store, which provides free shipping and shopping without taxes.

  • Timex Mini Ring Watch: A Modern Twist on Classic 80s Style

    Timex Mini Ring Watch: A Modern Twist on Classic 80s Style

    Wearable technology is a captivating field. Today, smart rings are competing closely with smartwatches, which have pushed digital watches into the realm of ‘retro-tech’. Digital watches, in their prime, had a similar fate for mechanical watches. Nevertheless, each of these gadgets has its loyal base of supporters. When it comes to wearable items, aesthetics do not always align with practicality, and emotional attachment can outweigh both.

    Timex’s Innovative Approach

    Timex is aware of this dynamic. Ignoring the usual patterns and timelines of technology and style, the renowned watchmaker has launched a distinctive product: a ring watch inspired by its classic T80 digital watch. Created in collaboration with the French fashion house Maison Margiela, the T80 ring watch is a nearly exact miniature of the original digital watch that debuted in 1974, just much smaller.

    The polished stainless steel casing measures only 20 mm in width (compared to the original T80’s 34 mm), has a thickness of 7 mm, and features a 12 mm strap width at the lugs. Notably, the ring watch simplifies sizing compared to modern smart rings like the Oura Ring 4, which offers multiple sizes and complex sizing kits. Similar to the T80 watch, this model comes with an expansion band crafted from brushed stainless steel links. It is available in two sizes—S/M and M/L—which can accommodate a variety of finger sizes while being convenient to wear or take off.

    Features and Design

    Interestingly, smart rings are also experimenting with their own (more complex) version of an expansion band, as a recent patent application from Xiaomi shows. However, fans of Timex watches might be disappointed to find that the brand’s beloved Indiglo backlight is absent in this model. Furthermore, there are no additional features such as a stopwatch, countdown timer, or alarm; it simply shows the time (in hours and minutes) and the date, with two buttons to adjust settings or switch between the two.

    In terms of appearance, the ring watch is truly eye-catching. The shiny case contrasts beautifully with the brushed band, and the numeral-rich design on the dial pays homage to the MM6 fashion label. The face is protected by basic mineral glass, and it offers water resistance up to 30 meters, which is sufficient for handwashing but not suitable for swimming.

    Pricing Concerns

    Sadly, whether due to its downsized design or the collaboration with a high-end fashion brand, the T80 ring watch comes with a hefty price tag for what it brings to the table. Retailing at $180, it is several times more expensive than a full-sized T80 watch (currently priced at $46 on Amazon). For that amount, you could also purchase a rugged, stylish, and feature-rich G-Shock (a brand with an equally rich history), such as the sporty GBX-100TT-8JF, the field-watch-inspired GM-2100CB-3AJF, or the much-loved, made-in-Japan GW-5000U-1JF, which features a DLC-coated steel case.


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  • CMF by Nothing Launches 3 Diwali-Themed Watch Faces

    CMF by Nothing Launches 3 Diwali-Themed Watch Faces

    CMF by Nothing is marking one of India’s largest festivals by offering something unique for its smartwatch users. The company has introduced special watch faces themed around Diwali for the CMF Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2. Let’s dive into the details.

    Diwali-Themed Watch Faces for CMF Watch Pro

    CMF, the sub-brand of Nothing, is rolling out a festive update to honor the festival of lights with its Indian audience. They have launched three new watch faces inspired by Diwali for the CMF Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2 devices. The designs include an Oil Lamp, a Lotus, and a Dancing Lady. The Oil Lamp and Lotus designs showcase a digital clock style, while the Dancing Lady features an analog clock style.

    Availability of the Special Watch Faces

    Currently, these three festive watch faces are available for users of the Watch Pro and Watch Pro 2 in India. If you’re interested, you can find these unique watch faces through the CMF By Nothing Watch App. The CMF Watch Pro 2 was globally announced in July 2024, whereas the original Watch Pro made its debut in September of the previous year. The Watch Pro 2 comes with a 1.32-inch circular AMOLED display that has a resolution of 466 x 466, a 60Hz refresh rate, and peaks at 620 nits brightness.

    Features of the CMF Watch Pro 2

    This smartwatch has an aluminum alloy frame and includes a rotating crown. It is rated IP68, meaning it’s resistant to both water and dust. A standout feature of this smartwatch is the interchangeable bezels, allowing users to personalize their device’s appearance. Additionally, it supports various health sensors like heart rate monitoring, SpO2 blood oxygen tracking, and more. In related news, the CMF Watch Pro 2 received an update in August 2024, which added support for Google Health Connect syncing and some user interface improvements.

  • Casio G-Shock Full Metal 2100 Series: New Watches Coming Soon

    Casio G-Shock Full Metal 2100 Series: New Watches Coming Soon

    Two fresh Casio G-Shock Full Metal 2100 Series timepieces have hit the market in Europe. The models GM-B2100SD-1A and GMB2100AD-5A are already for sale in the US. While these two watches share the same features, they differ in their looks.

    Stylish Design Choices

    The GM-B2100SD-1A was first launched in Japan earlier this October. It features a dark gray watch face complemented by silver accents. Many have noted its resemblance to the previous GM-B2100D-1A model, but the darker background alongside the brighter silver details enhances the contrast, making the watch easier to read. On the other hand, the GMB2100AD-5A showcases a pink beige watch face while retaining the same stainless steel bezel, casing, and bracelet as the GM-B2100SD-1A.

    Advanced Features

    Both of these Casio G-Shock watches come equipped with Bluetooth, allowing for connection to a smartphone app. This offers a range of features including automatic time adjustments, reminders, and a phone finder. Users can choose from 38 time zones, set alarms or countdowns, and utilize a stopwatch that measures down to 1/100th of a second. Additionally, these watches incorporate Casio’s Tough Solar technology, providing more than seven months of battery life with standard use.

    Pricing and Availability

    In Europe, the Casio G-Shock GM-B2100SD-1A and GMB2100AD-5A are priced at €549. Casio ID Members can register to get updates on when the watches will be available for purchase. In the US, the GM-B2100SD-1A can be found through third-party retailers for $550, while the GMB2100AD-5A is available directly from Casio at the same price.

  • Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Stylish Smartwatch with Features & Customization

    Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Stylish Smartwatch with Features & Customization

    Xiaomi has refreshed its Smart Band lineup just a little over two months after the global launch of the Smart Band 9 (curr. $53.50 on Amazon). The new addition is the Smart Band 9 Pro, which has been unveiled in China alongside the Xiaomi 15, Xiaomi 15 Pro, and the Pad 7 series.

    Affordable Smartwatch Alternative

    Xiaomi is keeping its strategy of promoting the Smart Band series as a budget-friendly option to smartwatches. The Smart Band 9 Pro, however, looks a lot like a traditional smartwatch with its rectangular AMOLED screen that measures 1.74 inches. To give you an idea, while the screen runs at 60 Hz, it boasts a peak brightness of 1,200 nits—this is double that of the Smart Band 8 Pro.

    Impressive Features

    The Smart Band 9 Pro features an aluminum casing that is 10.8 mm thick, weighs in at 24.5 g, and is rated at 5 ATM for water resistance. Additionally, this new fitness tracker from Xiaomi claims to have a battery life of up to 21 days, thanks to its lightweight and proprietary operating system (OS). It also offers over 150 sports modes, along with GPS and NFC capabilities for tracking activities and enabling contactless payments.

    Availability and Pricing

    Right now, the Smart Band 9 Pro is only available in China, where it comes in a variety of colors and band styles. For comparison, the device starts at CNY 399 (~$56) in its home market and goes up to CNY 449 (~$63) if you choose a leather strap. While it’s unclear when it will be available internationally, we think it might reach other regions in a few months.


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