Category: Wearables

  • Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with GPS and Activity Fixes

    Garmin Updates Mid-Range Smartwatches with GPS and Activity Fixes

    A while ago, Garmin released Beta Version 17.00 for the Instinct 2 series, along with the Instinct Crossover and its variations like the Instinct 2 Solar (currently priced at $329.99 on Amazon). This update included key bug fixes, particularly targeting issues related to charging.

    New Build Introduction

    Now, more than three weeks later, Garmin has rolled out a new version. Beta Version 17.01 is the second update in the 17.xx series made public thus far. For context, this is only the second release since Garmin introduced Stable Version 16.11 to these smartwatches back in early August. However, it’s important to note that this update does not bring any new features.

    Focus on Bug Fixes

    Garmin is still concentrating on fixing existing bugs. Beta Version 17.01 aims to resolve a problem that could stop the Connect app from showing the course used during activities. Furthermore, the update should address the issue of Connected Predicted Ephemeris (CPE) appearing to be absent and showing wrong GPS versions, which only affects the Instinct 2X and Instinct Crossover models. Currently, Garmin has made Beta Version 17.01 available only via its related forum post. This means that users will need to manually download and install the update instead of getting it through Garmin Connect Mobile or other over-the-air (OTA) services. For more information, check Garmin’s forum post.

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  • Casio Royale $40 Watch Upgrade: New Leather Strap Now Available

    Casio Royale $40 Watch Upgrade: New Leather Strap Now Available

    Casio is launching a fresh addition to its well-liked AE-1200WH lineup – the AE-1200WHL-5AV. Commonly known as the "Casio Royale," this model is celebrated for its tough design, wallet-friendly price, and broad world time features. The newest version maintains the essential traits of the original but offers a more polished and sophisticated appearance thanks to its leather strap.

    Specifications and Features

    The AE-1200WHL-5AV maintains the dependable 100-meter water resistance and 10-year battery life that users appreciate about the AE-1200WH. Weighing 39 grams, this new watch has the same measurements (45 x 42.1 x 12.5 mm) as its resin and steel versions.

    Functionality and Performance

    When it comes to features, the AE-1200WHL-5AV continues to deliver a range of functions, such as a world map display with multi-time settings for 4 cities, a stopwatch that measures to 1/100 of a second, and five daily alarms. Additionally, the watch is equipped with an amber LED light, a countdown timer, and a fully automated calendar that runs until 2099. Its accuracy is +/-30 seconds per month, which ensures it is quite dependable.

    Pricing and Availability

    The first AE-1200WH was launched in 2012, with an initial price around $40. Its low cost and useful features made it popular among both those on a budget and watch enthusiasts alike.

    Scheduled for release in October 2024 in Asia, excluding Japan, the AE-1200WHL-5AV will be priced at S$65 (~$49.53) in Singapore, making it a tad pricier than earlier versions. Nevertheless, the new leather strap certainly provides a more luxurious touch without sacrificing the practicality that the AE-1200WH series is known for.

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  • Casio and Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary G-Shock Watch Collaboration

    Casio and Hello Kitty 50th Anniversary G-Shock Watch Collaboration

    Casio and Hello Kitty have teamed up multiple times to produce unique, limited-edition timepieces and other items. These partnerships typically showcase designs, hues, and patterns inspired by Hello Kitty, all cleverly blended into Casio’s well-loved watch styles. To mark the 50th anniversary of both G-Shock and Hello Kitty, they are introducing a special edition watch, the G-Shock DW-5600KT24-1JR.

    Design Features

    The new watch retains the classic DW-5600 appearance while adding a delightful Hello Kitty twist, featuring a glowing bow and a uniquely designed case back for this special occasion. The design subtly appeals to Hello Kitty enthusiasts while staying true to G-Shock’s renowned durability.

    Technical Specifications

    This model is part of the robust DW-5600 series, boasting impressive water resistance of 20 ATM and a shock-resistant structure, making it perfect for everyday use or outdoor activities. It is anticipated that the watch will include a 1/100-second stopwatch, shock resistance, an electro-luminescent backlight, and a 24-hour countdown timer. Additional features may comprise an auto calendar, alarm, hourly time signal, along with a sturdy resin band and case.

    Availability and Pricing

    Scheduled to launch in Japan this October, the pricing for the watch stands at ¥18,700 (approximately $126). While a global release has yet to be confirmed, previous collaborations hint that it could be accessible internationally. Currently, it appears on the Casio Japan website, but it isn’t available for purchase at this moment.

    In addition, Casio plans to unveil the DQD-851J-8JF desk clock in Japan on October 25. This clock draws inspiration from the classic A158 digital wristwatch and features a Wave Ceptor function for automatic time synchronization within Japan, a built-in thermometer and hygrometer, a customizable snooze alarm, options for 12/24-hour display, an auto calendar, and an amber LED light.

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  • ViXion Launches Crowdfunding for Autofocusing Eyeglasses on Greenfunding

    ViXion Launches Crowdfunding for Autofocusing Eyeglasses on Greenfunding

    ViXion has kicked off its crowdfunding effort for the ViXion01S autofocusing glasses. This latest version is lighter than the original ViXion 1 model and helps users to see small items up close and distant objects more easily, reducing strain on their eyes without the need to change glasses.

    Autofocusing Technology

    These glasses can automatically adjust their focus on things ranging from 5cm to infinity. This feature allows people to work on intricate tasks like miniatures, electronic parts, and other detailed work without having to use magnifying glasses or specialized eyewear. The pupillary distance (PD) can be set between 55mm and 73mm, accommodating most eyeglass users.

    Pricing and Options

    For those keen on purchasing, they can back the campaign for 64,800 yen (around $430) for a single pair of glasses via Greenfunding or Kibidango. Readers who are looking for a more budget-friendly alternative can check out affordable magnifying glasses on Amazon.

    Charging and Specifications

    The ViXion01S is powered by a USB-C charger, taking just three hours to fully charge, which provides a usage time of 15 hours. The dimensions of the glasses are 155.5 x 163.44 x 42.5 mm (6.1 x 6.4 x 1.7 inches) and they weigh 31 grams (1.1 ounces), representing a 40% lighter design compared to the first version.

    The outer frame adds an additional 15 grams (0.5 ounce) and can be customized with blue-light blocking, polarized, or other types of lenses. However, it’s not necessary to have the outer frame for the glasses to function properly.

    Company Background

    ViXion emerged as a separate entity from HOYA, a significant player in the optical lens industry, back in 2021.

    ViXion, ViXion on YouTube, ViXion on Kibidango, ViXion on Greenfunding

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  • Casio G-SHOCK Mudman: Tough Solar, Stainless Steel, Triple Sensor

    Casio G-SHOCK Mudman: Tough Solar, Stainless Steel, Triple Sensor

    Casio has teamed up with Earthwatch Japan to present the G SHOCK Mudman GW-9501KJ-8JR, drawing inspiration from the Blakiston’s fish owl, which is one of the biggest and rarest owls in the world. This watch will be part of Casio’s Love The Sea And The Earth 2024 program, aimed at aiding environmental preservation efforts.

    Design Features

    The Mudman GW-9501KJ-8JR showcases an earthy aesthetic with understated colors, featuring a black and brown resin strap complemented by a gold stainless steel front bezel. Its tough look appears to mirror its strong performance capabilities. The bezel, button highlights, and pushers are adorned with hints of rose gold and black, providing a subtle yet noticeable contrast against the earthy tones. When you turn on the LED backlight, it lights up the Earthwatch logo.

    Advanced Technologies

    Equipped with crucial G SHOCK technologies, the GW-9501KJ-8JR offers Tough Solar power and Multi-Band 6 automatic radio tuning. It also comes with Triple Sensor features, including an altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer, along with a Carbon Core Guard and a duplex LCD display displaying compass indicators.

    Availability and Pricing

    Scheduled for release in November 2024 — similar to the recently launched G SHOCK GA-B2100CD models — the GW-9501KJ-8JR will be sold in Japan for ¥64,900 (approximately $435). This limited-edition piece is expected to be exclusive to the Japanese market.

    If your interested in owning a Casio watch, the Casio Classic Diver Stainless Steel Watch is currently priced at $65 on Amazon, reduced from its usual price of $90 – which means you can save nearly 28%.

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  • Casio Debuts Galápagos G SHOCK GA-B2100CD for Darwin Foundation

    Casio Debuts Galápagos G SHOCK GA-B2100CD for Darwin Foundation

    Casio has unveiled two new G-Shock GA-B2100CD watches, continuing their partnership with the Charles Darwin Foundation. These exclusive timepieces aim to aid conservation projects in the Galápagos Islands, drawing inspiration from both the marine iguana and the Galápagos penguin.

    Unique Designs and Features

    The models, GA-B2100CD-1A4 and GA-B2100CD-1A7, showcase striking color combinations. The GA-B2100CD-1A4 sports a black and red look that echoes the marine iguana, whereas the GA-B2100CD-1A7 is designed in black and white, representing the Galápagos penguin. Both watches are based on the GA-B2100 framework and come loaded with features like Tough Solar technology, Bluetooth connectivity for smartphones, and a sturdy Carbon Core Guard casing.

    Eco-Friendly Construction

    In line with the ecological focus of the collection, the watches are made with renewable bio-based resin. Their designs include special elements such as a subdial shaped like an animal, a representation of the Galápagos Islands on the band keeper, and a message of support for conservation printed on the strap. The stainless steel case back features an engraving of the Charles Darwin Foundation logo. Moreover, the packaging is entirely plastic-free, enhancing the commitment to environmental sustainability.

    The GA-B2100CD-1A4 and GA-B2100CD-1A7 are set to launch globally in November 2024.

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  • Spectra Smartwatch: Customization & Repair for Tech Lovers

    Spectra Smartwatch: Customization & Repair for Tech Lovers

    Pocuter has kicked off its Kickstarter campaign for the new Spectra Smartwatch, presenting a fresh approach to the high-end smartwatch market. Emphasizing the right to repair, the Spectra features an ESP32-S3, a sleek aluminum frame, and numerous sensors to create an inviting experience for tech lovers. Early bird units can be snagged for about $217, making it a tempting deal for potential buyers.

    Design and Accessibility

    The Spectra showcases a CNC-machined aluminum outer casing, held together by just seven screws, ensuring easy access to the internal components. Additionally, Pocuter has crafted all internal parts to be modular, simplifying the repair process significantly. For those seeking a more luxurious option, there’s a stainless steel version available, which offers enhanced durability and attractiveness.

    Powerful Internals

    Underneath, the Spectra operates on a top-tier ESP32-S3, boasting impressive specifications like 8 MB of RAM and 32 MB of flash storage. It also comes with an nRF52832 co-processor to enhance battery longevity, which Pocuter suggests can last for weeks. This co-processor also improves Bluetooth connectivity and overall efficiency. Users can expand their storage beyond the 32 MB, thanks to a micro SD card slot that supports up to 512 GB.

    Display and Software Features

    The Spectra will come equipped with a 368×448 OLED screen, delivering a vibrant visual experience. A hacker watch wouldn’t be complete without a plethora of I/O options, and the Spectra is set to meet those needs. Below is an overview of what to expect when the Spectra watch officially launches.

    The watch will operate on Pocuter’s own SpectraOS, which incorporates hardware abstraction to maintain compatibility with future versions of the device. This means users can rest easy knowing their apps will continue to function with new iterations. With such foresight, it’s evident that Pocuter is building a smartwatch platform designed to last, even though the Spectra is still in its development phase. For further details or to reserve your unit, please check out the Kickstarter page linked below.

    [Pocuter Spectra on Kickstarter]

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  • Mobvoi Launches New TicWatch Atlas Rugged Smartwatch

    Mobvoi Launches New TicWatch Atlas Rugged Smartwatch

    Mobvoi had a somewhat low-key summer after beginning the season by announcing an update to the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro (currently priced at $349.99 on Amazon). Since that time, the company has only released Wear OS 4 for all TicWatch Pro 5 smartwatches. However, with the launch of the TicWatch Atlas today, it’s clear that they were finalizing a new addition to their lineup.

    Rugged Design

    Mobvoi claims the TicWatch Atlas is their "most rugged smartwatch yet." The company markets this new watch with statements like:

    Redesigned entirely with beautiful sand-blasted steel and a sapphire crystal display, it presents a perfect mix of raw beauty and unyielding strength from every angle. It’s built to resist dust, water, and impacts, ensuring it stays tough and supports you through every adventure.

    Technical Specifications

    However, the reality is a bit more complex than the advertising implies. In short, Mobvoi’s technical specs do not indicate that the TicWatch Atlas is any more or less "rugged" compared to the TicWatch Pro 5 series. As shown in the image below, the TicWatch Atlas seems to include all the features from Mobvoi’s fifth-generation smartwatches, except it comes with Wear OS 4 pre-installed instead of Wear OS 3.5.

    Thus, the TicWatch Atlas boasts a 5 ATM water resistance rating and is advertised as being compliant with MIL-STD-810H; do note that the results of MIL-STD tests are not independently verified. Additionally, Mobvoi’s newest smartwatch shares the same casing, sapphire crystal display, and connectivity options as the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro.

    Similar Features

    Moreover, Mobvoi continues to use a Snapdragon W5 Plus Gen 1 chipset and a 628 mAh battery. In simpler terms, the TicWatch Atlas is merely a cosmetic update of the TicWatch Pro 5 series. As a result, the TicWatch Atlas is priced at $349.99, just like the TicWatch Pro 5 Enduro. For further information, please visit Mobvoi’s website.

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  • Huawei Watch GT 5 Launches in India: AMOLED, Health Tracking & More

    Huawei Watch GT 5 Launches in India: AMOLED, Health Tracking & More

    Huawei has broaden its smartwatch range in India by launching the Watch GT 5. This smartwatch was initially unveiled globally in September and subsequently reached China in the same month. Let’s take a look at its main features.

    Huawei Watch GT 5 Features

    The Watch GT 5 is available in two sizes; the 46mm model comes with a 1.43-inch AMOLED screen that has a resolution of 466×466 pixels and a pixel density of 326 PPI. On the other hand, the smaller 41mm variant has a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, maintaining the same resolution but offering a sharper PPI of 352.

    The 46mm version measures 45.8mm x 45.8mm x 10.7mm and weighs 48 grams without the strap, whereas the 41mm version is more compact and lighter, at 41.3mm x 41.3mm x 9.5mm and weighing 35 grams.

    Comprehensive Sensor Suite

    Both models are packed with a wide array of sensors such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, optical heart rate sensor, barometer, temperature sensor, and ambient light sensor. They are compatible with Android 9.0 and later, along with iOS 13.0 and above, and they support Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity.

    The Huawei Watch GT 5 acts as a personal health and fitness assistant, featuring over 100 sports modes, including Pro options like Golf, Diving, and Trail Running. It utilizes the Huawei Sunflower Positioning System to improve tracking and includes Activity Ring 2.0 to motivate users to stay active.

    Advanced Health Monitoring

    The watch is equipped with Huawei’s TruSense technology, which tracks 60 health and fitness metrics. It also incorporates the Celia keyboard for efficient messaging, an optimized user interface, screenshot functionality, and access to various apps through the Huawei AppGallery.

    These devices are designed for long-lasting performance, promising up to 14 days of battery life on the 46mm version and up to 7 days on the 41mm version under ideal usage. They are rugged enough to handle different conditions, having a water and dust resistance rating of 5 ATM and IP69K, making them ideal for outdoor use.

    Price and Launch Details

    The Huawei Watch GT 5 starts at a price of Rs. 15,999 for the 41mm model and Rs. 16,999 for the 46mm model. The 41mm version is available in Black, Blue, or White, with choices of fluoroelastomer or leather straps, while the 46mm model comes in Black or Blue with options for fluoroelastomer, fabric, or silicone straps.

    Additionally, there is an elegant 41mm Gold version featuring a stainless steel strap, priced at Rs. 21,999. Customers can pre-order it on Flipkart, with sales commencing on October 20th. Buyers can also take advantage of bank and coupon deals to reduce the price to Rs. 15,499.

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  • Huawei Watch D2 Smartwatch First Firmware Update Released

    Huawei Watch D2 Smartwatch First Firmware Update Released

    The Huawei Watch D2 has just received its initial worldwide software update. This blood pressure measuring smartwatch was introduced in September and features several enhancements over its predecessor, along with a more streamlined design.

    Update Details

    The change log for firmware version 5.0.0.156(C00M01) for the Huawei Watch D2 does not offer much insight into the specific improvements. It merely mentions that the system stability has been optimized in some circumstances. Because of this, it is difficult to determine how users might notice the benefits from the update, especially since no user feedback was available at the time of writing. Interestingly, various users have shared that the size of the updates they received varies significantly, ranging from 49.14 MB to 555 MB. The reason behind this discrepancy remains unclear, even though the firmware version numbers and related release notes are the same.

    User Experiences

    HuaweiBlog.de and u/Kubiac6666 from Reddit have both touched on this topic, but so far, there’s no clear consensus on what changes have been observed. This leaves users guessing about the actual impact of the new firmware. The mystery of the differing update sizes adds another layer of confusion for those looking to get the most out of their devices. As more users receive the update and share their experiences, we might get a better understanding of what the new firmware brings to the Huawei Watch D2.

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