Category: Wearables

  • Casio MR-G MRGB2100D-1A: Premium Titanium Alloy Watch Release

    Casio MR-G MRGB2100D-1A: Premium Titanium Alloy Watch Release

    Casio has launched the MR-G MRGB2100D-1A, a new watch from its G-Shock series that merges strong build quality with an elegant appearance.

    Features of the G-Shock MR-G MRGB2100D-1A

    This watch boasts a titanium alloy case (Ti64) along with a bezel made from a COBARION alloy, noted for its durability and shiny finish. The titanium strap, crafted from the DAT55G alloy, offers a perfect mix of toughness and flexibility, ensuring it feels comfortable on the wrist. Taking cues from traditional Japanese art, the bezel is made up of 27 separate pieces for a unique touch.

    Practical Aspects

    Aside from its striking design, the MRGB2100D-1A is packed with useful features. It utilizes Tough Solar technology, which harnesses solar energy to power the watch and minimizes the need for battery replacements. The Multi-band 6 radio-controlled timekeeping system ensures precision across various time zones, while Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to link to a smartphone app. This app provides functions like automatic time adjustments, a phone locator, and real-time information about the watch’s status.

    The watch is designed to withstand shocks and is also water-resistant up to 200 meters, making it perfect for outdoor use. The sapphire glass features an anti-reflective coating to maintain visibility in bright conditions, and the Super Illuminator LED light enhances readability in darker environments.

    Cost and Release Information

    The price of the Casio MRGB2100D-1A smartwatch is set at $4,200/£3,700, though the launch dates for other regions are yet to be confirmed.

    In related news, Casio has introduced a limited-edition G-Shock MR-G MRG-B2000JS-1A, which pays tribute to Japanese sword-making. This model takes inspiration from the Juryoku-Maru: San katana crafted by master swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. Featuring a recrystallized titanium bezel, a blue-grey AIP finish, aogai-nuri lacquer band, and intricate hand-engraved details, only 800 units of this exclusive piece will be made available worldwide.

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  • Garmin Smartwatch Update Enhances Lactate Threshold Estimate

    Garmin Smartwatch Update Enhances Lactate Threshold Estimate

    The Garmin Forerunner 255 is now getting a new beta update, version 21.14. The announcement was made on the Garmin forum, along with some release notes. One notable addition is the Meditation Activity, which is exclusive to the Forerunner 255 Music, currently priced at $299 on Amazon.

    New Features Added

    Another feature introduced is the Moon Phase glance, and for pool swimmers, there are improvements to pace alerts, critical swim speed, alert tones, and the rest screen. Additionally, this update addresses bugs related to the estimated training effect for daily suggested workouts and has fixed silent timers that were making sounds. Problems with image notifications on Android smartphones and heart rate spikes have also been corrected.

    Changes in Lactate Threshold

    Beta version 21.14 also changes how the Lactate Threshold estimate works for the Forerunner 255; users no longer need to manually start the calculation or use a heart rate monitor strap. The updated criteria require having auto lactate threshold detection turned on by default, a baseline VO2 Max estimate, and recording your heart rate during a Run or Trail Run activity. There is also an option for a manual reading. However, some users have reported that their BPM and lactate threshold data appear to be inaccurate since the update.

    How to Access the Update

    If you are part of the Beta Program and want to download version 21.24 for the Forerunner 255, you’ll need to manually check for updates in the Settings. Similar updates have also been released for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955, and Forerunner 965 devices.

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  • Xiaomi Watch S4: Interchangeable Bezels and Gesture Control Features

    Xiaomi Watch S4: Interchangeable Bezels and Gesture Control Features

    Xiaomi has just introduced a variety of new gadgets, headlined by the eagerly awaited Xiaomi 15 series smartphones. In addition to these high-end devices, the company also revealed the Xiaomi Watch S4, which serves as a budget-friendly alternative to the earlier released Watch S4 Sport.

    Features of the Xiaomi Watch S4

    Similar to other wearables from Xiaomi, the Watch S4 offers a significant level of customization. Users can adjust the watch to fit their personal styles by swapping out straps, changing watch faces, and taking advantage of a distinctive feature – replaceable bezels. This gives users much more flexibility in terms of visual appeal compared to standard smartwatches.

    The Watch S4 is equipped with a digital crown that helps users navigate menus and zoom in on maps. A new feature is gesture recognition, permitting users to carry out specific tasks — like activating a smart home light — with just a flick of the wrist.

    Health and Fitness Tracking

    Health-conscious individuals can benefit from heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, which Xiaomi claims is accurate to 98.2%. The watch utilizes Goodix Technology’s health sensor for precise, real-time measurements of these health metrics. Furthermore, Xiaomi is promoting enhanced sleep-tracking features when compared to earlier versions of their smartwatches.

    Fitness lovers can choose from over 150 sports modes, which includes a special running mode that gives feedback on posture during exercise. The watch features a round 1.43-inch AMOLED screen with a maximum brightness of 1,500 nits — which is 300 nits brighter than the new Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro. The battery life is estimated at about 15 days under regular usage, although it drops to 5 days if the always-on display is activated.

    Pricing and Launch Details

    As for pricing, the Xiaomi Watch S4 is set to launch in China at an attractive price of 999 yuan (around €129). The LTE version that comes with an eSIM module is priced a bit higher at 1,199 yuan (approximately €155). At this time, Xiaomi has not shared any information regarding the potential international release of the Watch S4.

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  • Huawei Launches Update for Watch GT 5 and GT 5 Pro

    Huawei Launches Update for Watch GT 5 and GT 5 Pro

    A fresh update, version 5.0.0.101(C00M01), is being distributed to the Huawei Watch GT 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro devices. Users from various countries, including the UK, Germany, and Malaysia, have reported this update on Reddit.

    Minor Update Details

    Version 5.0.0.101 seems to be a minor update for the Watch GT 5 smartwatches, mainly focused on enhancing system stability. The change log does not provide specific details on what changes have been implemented. Notably, this release does not seem to include the new NFC payment feature that was revealed earlier in October. One user on Reddit mentioned that heart rate readings during an Indoor Walk workout seemed more precise, although they didn’t provide any supporting data. This update comes after version 5.0.0.100, which was launched a few weeks ago and introduced a new RouteDraw Feature, a Calculator app, and more options for customizing gallery watch faces.

    Phased Rollout

    It looks like this is a gradual software rollout, and there’s no information on how many users of the Watch GT 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro (currently priced at €379 on Amazon) have received the update. To find out if it’s available for you, navigate to Settings > System & updates > Software updates on your watch or check for a notification in the Huawei Health app.

    u/Dubstec via Reddit, u/tonypapa67 via Reddit

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  • Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Aluminum Case, 1200 Nits, 21 Days Battery

    Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro: Aluminum Case, 1200 Nits, 21 Days Battery

    Xiaomi recently revealed a variety of products during their launch event. Although the Xiaomi 15 series was the main attraction, the company also showcased some new wearable gadgets. One highlight is the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro, which is their newest fitness tracker.

    ### Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro Details

    The Band 9 Pro keeps the same 1.74-inch rectangular screen as the previous model. And, not surprisingly, it features the same 60Hz AMOLED display. However, Xiaomi has increased the peak brightness to a notable 1200 nits in this version. The Band 9 Pro comes with an aluminum casing offered in black, gold, or pink. It is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, making it safe to wear while swimming. Additionally, it weighs only 24.5 grams and is a slim 10.8 millimeters thick.

    Depending on your choice, Xiaomi provides a sporty or a leather band, with a stylish Milanese loop available for separate purchase for those who want a bit of class. The battery life is where the biggest improvement is seen in this new smart band. Xiaomi asserts that the device can now last up to 21 days on a single charge.

    ### Features and Capabilities

    Xiaomi continues to excel in features with this new model. It includes over 150 sports modes and has a built-in GPS, so users can track their runs and bike rides without needing their smartphones. Sleep tracking is claimed to be more accurate this time, and heart rate monitoring is said to have improved too. Completing the feature set is an NFC chip, enabling users to make contactless payments directly from the band.

    ### Pricing and Market Availability

    Currently, the Smart Band 9 Pro is only available in China, with prices starting at 399 yuan (about €52) for the sports band and 449 yuan (around €58) for the leather version. The standard Xiaomi Smart Band 9 is already on sale in some areas for approximately €33, but details regarding the international release of the Pro model are still not disclosed.

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  • Google Pixel Watch 5 Features First Tensor Chip with Cortex-A78 CPU

    Google Pixel Watch 5 Features First Tensor Chip with Cortex-A78 CPU

    New information has come to light regarding the situation of Google’s Pixel Watch smartwatch sector. At present, Google is using the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 in the Pixel Watch 3 models, which come in 41 mm and 45 mm sizes (currently priced at $399.99 on Amazon). This is the same chip used in nearly all Wear OS devices, except for those made by Samsung. However, the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1, along with its counterpart, the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, are becoming quite dated in the mobile world since they were introduced in the third quarter of 2022.

    Need for Updates

    This means that the Wear OS platform is long overdue for some fresh updates in this area. Unfortunately, it seems that a new Qualcomm chipset isn’t on the horizon. As a result, Google is reportedly working on its first Tensor chipset designed specifically for smartwatches, aiming for a release around 2026.

    Future Plans

    This chipset is likely intended for the upcoming Google Pixel Watch 5 series. According to insights from Kamila Wojciechowska, Google is crafting its first smartwatch chipset, codenamed ‘NPT,’ which will feature three CPU cores—one ARM Cortex-A78 performance core and two Cortex-A55 efficiency cores. In comparison, the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 uses four Cortex-A53 cores.

    While the Tensor NPT may not be cutting-edge according to today’s smartphone standards, it still would provide a performance boost over the Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1. There have been indications that Google might consider Samsung’s Exynos W1000 chipset, which has a similar configuration. This could still be a possibility, especially since the Exynos W1000 has the same CPU core structure, but with an additional two Cortex-A55 cores for enhanced performance.

    Conclusion

    In summary, as Google moves forward, there’s a clear push to upgrade its hardware for the Pixel Watch line. With the Tensor NPT chipset in development, it seems that Google is aiming to improve the performance of its smartwatches, which is essential in keeping up with the competitive market.

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  • Redmi Band 3 Launches on October 29 in China – Pre-Order Now!

    Redmi Band 3 Launches on October 29 in China – Pre-Order Now!

    Xiaomi is preparing to unveil the Xiaomi 15 series in China on October 29, 2024. Alongside this, their budget subbrand is also set to introduce a new wearable device on the same day. The Redmi Band 3 will be available for purchase starting tomorrow.

    Redmi Band 3 Details

    The Chinese tech powerhouse has confirmed that the Redmi Band 3 will be available for sale in China on October 29 at 10 AM (Local Time). As indicated by its name, this is the latest smart band from Xiaomi’s affordable subsidiary, succeeding the Redmi Band 2. The Redmi Band 3 aims to improve user engagement and features a rectangular color display with a refresh rate of 60Hz.

    Design and Features

    This device sports silicone straps and comes in several color choices, including white, pink, yellow, black, and dark gray. Additionally, it boasts an impressive battery life that can last up to 18 days. Moreover, Redmi has assured that it will include comprehensive health monitoring features. Expect the Redmi Band 3 to come equipped with heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and additional functionalities.

    Upcoming Announcements

    In addition to the Xiaomi 15 series, the announcement will also include the Android 15 OS based HyperOS 2.0 custom skin, Xiaomi Pad 7 series tablets, SUV Ultra EV, and the Xiaomi Watch S4. The brand is also ready to unveil the Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro. These new devices are anticipated to bring upgraded features and a more contemporary design compared to their earlier versions. Stay tuned for more updates as we will be reporting on the launch event tomorrow!

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  • G-SHOCK MR-G Katana-Inspired Watch Limited to 800 Pieces Worldwide

    G-SHOCK MR-G Katana-Inspired Watch Limited to 800 Pieces Worldwide

    G-SHOCK has unveiled a new limited-edition MR-G model, drawing inspiration from the time-honored craft of Japanese sword-making. Scheduled for launch in November 2024, the G-SHOCK MRG-B2000JS-1A merges age-old artistry with cutting-edge technology, with only 800 pieces being made available globally for collectors.

    Celebrating the Art of Swordsmithing

    The design of this MR-G watch takes cues from the Juryoku-Maru: San, a katana created exclusively for G-SHOCK by the renowned swordsmith Kamiyama Teruhira. The bezel, crafted from recrystallized titanium, showcases a pattern reminiscent of the edges on hand-forged swords. A blue-grey AIP coating on the case offers a polished appearance akin to that of the katana’s blade.

    Incorporating a sense of tradition, the watch band is adorned with aogai-nuri, a lacquer technique featuring mother-of-pearl inlay that imitates the detailed design of the sword’s scabbard. This aspect provides a delicate shimmering effect that changes with different lighting. Each timepiece is individually numbered and includes a hand-engraved signature on the reverse side by Kamiyama Teruhira, ensuring that each unit is unique.

    Merging Heritage with Modernity

    Despite its rich traditional aesthetics, the MR-G model is equipped with contemporary features. The dial showcases a hishimaki-gara pattern, a classic diamond shape often seen on sword hilts, while the watch indexes subtly echo the curve of a blade.

    In terms of functionality, this timepiece boasts Bluetooth connectivity, solar charging capabilities, and radio-controlled timekeeping. With a sapphire crystal face and a case and band made from titanium alloy, this watch is designed to be scratch-resistant and impact-resistant, maintaining G-SHOCK’s reputation for durability.

    A Must-Have for Collectors

    This exclusive MR-G model is limited to just 800 pieces, making it a coveted addition for collectors, with a price of approximately $8,000 USD (1.1 million yen).

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  • Xiaomi Announces October Launch for Two New Wearable Devices

    Xiaomi Announces October Launch for Two New Wearable Devices

    Xiaomi is gearing up to launch several new products, including the Xiaomi 15 and the Xiaomi 15 Pro. They have also announced the upcoming Pad 7 series, which will succeed the Pad 6, currently priced at $326.06 on Amazon. In addition to these tablets and smartphones, Xiaomi is working on a new range of wearables as well.

    Product Launches in China

    It’s important to note that these launches are primarily for China, where Xiaomi typically releases its new devices before they become available in other regions, often several months later. For example, the Redmi Note 14 series has yet to be launched internationally, even a month after its debut in China. However, recent indications suggest that the new Redmi Note smartphones might soon be introduced globally.

    Wearable Devices on the Horizon

    As for the wearables, it seems it might take some time before they are available outside of China. Xiaomi has not revealed many specifics about these devices yet, but they did share promotional images for the Watch S4 and Smart Band 9 Pro. From what we can see, these wearables appear to be more modern versions of their predecessors.

    Upcoming Improvements

    Xiaomi plans to showcase some hardware enhancements on October 29 when they officially reveal both of these wearables. These improvements could include brighter screens or a new intercom feature, making the upcoming gadgets more appealing to consumers.

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  • Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch Update: New Features Released

    Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch Update: New Features Released

    Amazfit has rolled out an exciting “Dog Walking” mode in their latest update for the T-Rex 3 smartwatch, which we previously reviewed. This new feature is designed for pet owners, allowing them to keep track of the time and route of their dog walks. You can find this mode in the ‘Running and Walking’ section under ‘More Workouts’. It’s a great addition for those who love spending time with their furry friends.

    New Messaging Options

    In addition to the dog walking feature, the T-Rex 3 now includes a complete keyboard, which has letters, numbers, symbols, and even emojis. Users can also reply to messages using speech-to-text functionality. Right now, this feature works with the Zepp Flow app and Android devices. The improved message response system makes it easier for users to quickly reply without needing to pull out their phones. Plus, the update includes optimizations for Winter and Daylight Saving Time, helping users keep track of time changes more accurately.

    Enhanced Display and Stability

    The update also brings enhancements to the display, particularly improving the visibility of small lakes on offline maps. Users will benefit from stability upgrades, especially regarding the heart rate monitoring features, making workouts more reliable. The T-Rex 3, priced at $299 on Amazon, is becoming an even more appealing choice for consumers. With these new features and improvements, Amazfit shows its dedication to regularly updating its smartwatch lineup.

    Legitimate-Ad3237 shared this info on Reddit.

    Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch Update: New Features Released
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