Category: Wearables

August 14, 2024

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 Released at $229: New Features Unveiled

Google recently held its "Made by Google" event, showcasing the new Pixel 9 smartphone series and the Pixel Watch 3. In addition to these, the company introduced the Pixel Buds Pro 2.

Pixel Buds Pro 2 Specifications & Features

Emphasizing user comfort, Google has incorporated a twist-to-adjust stabilizer in the Pixel Buds Pro 2, designed from scans of 45 million ears. The earbuds are now 27% smaller and 25% lighter compared to the previous model.

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are powered by Google’s Tensor A1 chip, offering enhanced audio features like spatial audio with head tracking. They include custom 11mm drivers aimed at delivering deeper bass and a high-frequency chamber for smoother treble. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) has been upgraded with Silent Seal 2.0, significantly enhancing noise reduction over the earlier version.

The earbuds feature the Gemini AI assistant, allowing for hands-free access to directions, reminders, music suggestions, and Gemini Live.

Additional Features

They come with Clear Calling for better call quality in loud environments, Conversation Detection that automatically adjusts ANC during talks, and a customizable 5-band EQ. The earbuds boast an IP54 rating for water and sweat resistance, and the case is rated IPX4.

Battery life reaches up to 8 hours with ANC on, and the charging case extends this to 30 hours. A 15-minute quick charge offers up to three more hours of listening. The earbuds support both USB-C and Qi wireless charging.

Improvements Over Previous Model

As previously mentioned, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 introduce several enhancements over the first version. They’re smaller, lighter, and provide a more secure fit due to the stabilizer and multiple ear tip sizes. The noise cancellation is reportedly twice as effective, and the inclusion of the Tensor A1 chip is poised to enhance sound quality and overall performance.

Pricing & Availability

The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are up for pre-order and will be available from September 26. They are priced at Rs. 22,900 in India, available in Porcelain, Hazel, Wintergreen, and Peony colors.

In the US, they are priced at $229, marking a $20 increase from the previous model.

Tags: google, launch events, Pixel Buds Pro 2
August 13, 2024

Apple Watch SE 3 Rumored to Feature New Plastic Frame Design

The Apple Watch SE (2022) debuted with a plastic/sapphire crystal back and an aluminum frame. Now, rumors suggest that the upcoming Apple Watch SE might feature a plastic casing. Judging by previous launches, it is anticipated that the new product will be unveiled this September.

Apple Watch SE (2022)

This information originates from a Bloomberg report, which indicates that the next-generation Apple Watch SE is likely to forgo the metal case in favor of a plastic one.

If this holds true, it will mark the first instance of an Apple Watch SE sporting a plastic frame. The rationale behind this change is reportedly to cut costs, potentially lowering the retail price to around $200. Additionally, the new material may offer benefits such as easier manufacturing processes. Unlike metal, plastic surfaces are simpler to paint, allowing for a broader range of color options. The reduced cost could also make the product more accessible to a larger audience.

Potential Benefits

This change could be particularly advantageous for school students who are prohibited from bringing phones to school. The watches could serve as a more affordable alternative to expensive smartphones, helping parents remain in contact with their children.

Apple Watch SE 2022 Specifications

To provide some context for the forthcoming Apple Watch SE, here are the specifications of its predecessor:

The Watch SE 2022 includes LTE connectivity, a 448 x 368 pixel display with a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and a 1.78″ screen size. It is safeguarded by Ion-X strengthened glass. The device features 32GB of storage and 1GB of RAM, powered by a dual-core chipset. It supports wireless charging and includes several sensors such as an accelerometer, gyro, heart rate sensor (2nd gen), barometer, always-on altimeter, and compass.

Tags: Affordable Smartwatch, Apple Watch SE 3
August 13, 2024

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Launches in Europe on August 16 for €40

Xiaomi introduced its Smart Band 9 alongside the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 and Xiaomi Mix Flip in China last month. Following a teaser from Xiaomi Global yesterday, the Xiaomi online store for the Netherlands has now listed the Smart Band 9, confirming its European launch on August 16. It will be available for purchase in the Netherlands starting at 10 AM, priced at €39.99. The same price is listed for other EU regions, including Germany.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Specifications & Features

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits. It delivers a clear resolution of 192 x 490 pixels and a pixel density of 326 ppi. Users can select from over 200 watch face designs, and some models are equipped with NFC for contactless payments.

The band is engineered for health and fitness tracking, featuring sensors for heart rate, movement, and light conditions. It offers enhanced heart rate accuracy compared to its predecessor and supports more than 150 workout modes. Additionally, it can provide sleep cycle recommendations.

The 233mAh battery ensures up to 21 days of battery life without the Always-On Display feature. A full recharge takes about one hour. The band is water-resistant up to 50 meters and includes features such as music control, message notifications, and weather updates.

Tags: Fitness Tracker Market, Xiaomi Smart Band 9
August 11, 2024

Pico 4S Mixed Reality Headset: Specs, Images, and Details Revealed

Pico, a subsidiary of ByteDance, is gearing up to release its next-generation mixed reality headset, the Pico 4S. Information regarding this device was first leaked in July 2024. The 4S model comes with numerous enhancements over its predecessor, the Pico 4.

Enhanced Strap Design and Controller Safety

One of the notable improvements in the Pico 4S is its upgraded strap design, which now includes detachable wrist straps for the controllers. This enhancement is aimed at improving user safety and ensuring that controllers are not easily dropped or lost.

Advanced Chipset for Superior Performance

A significant upgrade in the Pico 4S is the inclusion of the Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2 chipset, also found in the Meta Quest 3. This powerful processor features two 2.05GHz cores and four 2.36GHz cores, coupled with 12GB of RAM. This combination is expected to deliver superior performance, setting the Pico 4S apart from its competitors.

Seamless Mixed Reality Experience

The Pico 4S is designed to seamlessly merge the virtual and real worlds. Although the front panel may look like a display, it mainly houses cameras crucial for mixed reality experiences. These cameras allow users to interact with both virtual and physical environments at the same time.

Focus on Comfort and User Experience

Comfort and user experience continue to be a priority for Pico. The Pico 4S boasts an improved head strap design, enhancing the comfort level established by its predecessor. Furthermore, the detachable wrist straps for the controllers add an extra layer of safety, preventing accidental loss.

The headset is anticipated to be released soon, likely aligning with the upcoming holiday season.

Tags: Mixed Reality Headsets, Snapdragon XR2 Gen 2
August 11, 2024

Xiaomi Unveils Mi Band 9 with New Health Data Sharing Feature

Xiaomi has enhanced its Mi Band series by adding a new feature that allows users to share their health data with others. This includes activity, sleep, heart rate, and other health metrics, aiming to provide additional motivation and support from friends and family.

Sharing Health Data in the Sports Health App

To activate this feature, users can invite friends and family members to share health data through the Sports Health app. The shared information encompasses exercise details, heart rate, sleep patterns, blood pressure, steps, standing time, activity intensity, weight, and blood oxygen saturation levels.

Mi Band 9 Specifications

Xiaomi’s latest fitness tracker, the Mi Band 9, is designed to track these metrics effectively. It boasts a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a peak brightness of 1200 nits and a 60Hz refresh rate, ensuring clear and responsive visuals.

This new data-sharing capability enhances the user experience by promoting a sense of community and encouraging healthy competition among users.

Tags: Fitness Tracker
August 11, 2024

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Global Release Coming Soon

Xiaomi introduced the Smart Band 9 last month along with the Xiaomi Mix Fold 4 and Xiaomi Mix Flip in China. It’s anticipated that the Smart Band 9 will be available globally "soon." Below are the different color options.

The information comes from tipster Arsène Lupin, although he couldn’t specify an exact global launch date. Previously, the Smart Band 9 was spotted on an Amazon Italy listing with an August 19 release date, but the listing did not disclose the product’s pricing. This early potential global release deviates from Xiaomi’s typical delayed international launches for its wearables.

The smart band debuted in China starting at 249 yuan, approximately US$35. There are also two other variants – one that includes NFC support and another labeled as the Ceramic Special Edition. These are priced at 299 yuan (US$41) and 349 yuan (US$48) respectively.

Pricing Speculations

According to Gadgets & Wearables, the product may start at €39.99 (~US$47) on Amazon Italy, a slight increase from its predecessor’s €36.99 price tag. However, the official global pricing is yet to be confirmed and may vary from these estimates.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Specifications

The Xiaomi Smart Band 9 features a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a brightness of up to 1200 nits. The display has a resolution of 192 x 490 and a pixel density of 326ppi.

Reportedly, it supports over 200 watch faces. Some models include an NFC coil for contactless payments. It is equipped with a 3-axis accelerometer, gyroscope, PPG, and ambient light sensors for health monitoring and other functionalities.

In terms of health tracking, it’s said to be 16% more accurate compared to the Xiaomi Smart Band 8. It supports over 150 workout modes, including guided running courses, and can suggest optimal sleep cycles for better recovery.

The band houses a 233mAh battery, which reportedly provides up to 21 days of battery life with AOD (Always-On Display) off. With AOD on, it lasts about 9 days on a single charge. Charging takes approximately 1 hour to reach full capacity. Additionally, it is water-resistant up to 50 meters. For connectivity, it supports Bluetooth 5.4 and includes basic features like music control, message replies, and weather updates.

Tags: global launch, specifications, Xiaomi Smart Band 9
August 10, 2024

Rogbid Model R Smartwatch: 2MP Camera, Blood Pressure Monitor & More

Rogbid introduced the Model C smartwatch last month. Following that, the wearable devices manufacturer has unveiled a new product named the Rogbid Model R, which is promoted as the company's first 4G Android smartwatch. This device incorporates a built-in camera sensor. Yes, you read that right! It also features an inbuilt SIM slot and a high-capacity battery. Continue reading to discover what else the Rogbid Model R has to offer straight out of the box.

Rogbid Model R Specifications

The Rogbid Model R boasts a sleek design with a metallic frame. It includes two physical buttons on its right side, with a 2MP camera sensor positioned between them. This camera can be utilized to take photos, record videos, and scan QR codes. The smartwatch is also IP67-certified, making it dust and water-resistant.

The Rogbid Model R has a circular dial with a 1.85-inch display that offers an HD resolution of 400 x 400 pixels and covers 98 percent of the RGB color gamut. On the left side of the device, there is a SIM card slot that supports a nano SIM for an independent network, ensuring continuous connectivity. It also includes an integrated microphone and speaker for hands-free calls and built-in GPS for real-time location and route information without needing a connected smartphone.

Health and Performance Features

Regarding health features, the Rogbid Model R comes with a heart rate monitor and SpO2 sensor and is also capable of tracking blood pressure. Additionally, it supports multiple sports modes for fitness enthusiasts.

The Rogbid Model R is powered by a quad-core processor paired with 3GB of RAM, ensuring smooth and seamless performance. It includes 32GB of internal storage, which can be used to download a variety of apps from the Google Play Store. The smartwatch runs on Android 8.1 and is supported by a 1,100mAh battery unit. Convenience features like NFC, flashlight, and notifications are also part of the package.

Pricing and Availability

The Rogbid Model R is available in Obsidian Black and Shiny Silver colors, with options for silicone and stainless steel straps. While it carries a regular price of $159.99, it is currently available at a promotional launch price of $79.99.

Tags: 4G Android smartwatch, Fitness and Health Monitoring
August 9, 2024

CMF Watch Pro 2 Update: Google Health Sync & UI Enhancements

The CMF by Nothing Watch Pro 2, released in July 2024, is getting an updated software version. The incremental update, version 1.0.0.51, is being deployed gradually and includes a mix of minor enhancements and one major feature: integration with Google Health Connect, though this is limited to Android users.

Update Details

The changelog for this update highlights several optimizations. Incoming call notifications now feature a revised light animation, and the display of weekly temperature data has been adjusted for improved clarity. The world clock feature also gets a minor update to better show daylight saving time information.

Additionally, specific widgets on the watch now display calorie and exercise duration measurements in a more refined manner. Lastly, the update promises a general improvement in user experience, although specific details are not provided.

Key Feature: Google Health Connect Integration

The standout feature in version 1.0.0.51 is the integration with Google Health Connect. This feature, available exclusively for Android devices, enables users to sync health data collected by the Watch Pro 2 with Google’s health data platform. This integration aims to provide users with a more comprehensive view of their health data by combining information from the Watch Pro 2 with data from other fitness trackers and health applications within the Google ecosystem.

The companion CMF Watch app, available for both Android and iOS, also receives an update alongside the Watch Pro 2 firmware. The app’s homepage is now redesigned to show data from the Watch Pro 2 (and the original Watch Pro). Additionally, users can now set daily step goals directly within the app.

CMF Watch Pro 2 Specifications

To recap, the CMF Watch Pro 2 comes with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display featuring a 60Hz refresh rate, 620 nits peak brightness, and gesture control.

The watch has an aluminum alloy body with a rotating crown, offers IP68 dust and water resistance, and has customizable bezels. Health features include a heart-rate monitor, SpO2 sensor, sleep tracker, and 120 sports modes with auto-detection. Additional features include breathing training, sedentary reminders, and hydration alerts.

The smartwatch supports Bluetooth calling, built-in GPS, and data integration across health apps. It is powered by a 305mAh battery, offering up to 11 days of usage on a single charge.

Tags: CMF Watch Pro 2, Google Health Connect, software updates
August 9, 2024

Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Pixel Watch 3 Renderings Leaked Again

We have already caught a glimpse of the new Pixel devices through a leaked promo video of the Pixel Watch 3 and renders of the Pixel 9 series. Now, additional renders of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the Pixel Watch 3 have emerged online, thanks to tipster Arsène Lupin.

Pixel Watch 3:

Below, you can view the renders of the Pixel Watch 3, which closely resemble its predecessor. However, reports suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will feature a brighter display and potentially slimmer bezels. The strap design seems unchanged from the previous model. The speculated color options are also visible in the images below.

According to an earlier report, the Watch 3 series will continue to utilize the Qualcomm 5100 chip and the Cortex M33 coprocessor, similar to the previous model. It will come with the same 2GB RAM and 32GB eMMC storage, mirroring its predecessor’s specifications. Consequently, the watch will have comparable computing power to the previous model. However, it is anticipated that the new watch will ship with Wear OS 5, which might bring some enhancements. It is also rumored that the refresh rate has been improved from 30Hz to 60Hz.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold:

The tipster has also shared high-definition renders of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which you can view below. Sources indicate that Google intends to release two storage versions of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 256GB and 512GB. These variants are expected to be priced at $1,799 and $1,919, respectively.

Previous rumors suggest that the phone will boast an 8.0-inch inner screen with dimensions of 147×141 mm and a resolution of 2152 x 2076 pixels. The panel will offer a pixel density of 374ppi, much like the Pixel Fold. Unlike its predecessor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is slightly shorter and features a 6:5 aspect ratio.

The outer screen measures 6.24 inches, whereas the predecessor has a 5.8-inch cover display. The upcoming device’s outer panel is rumored to achieve 1800 nits in high brightness mode, compared to 1200 nits in the previous model.

Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3 XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Tech Leaks
August 7, 2024

Google Pixel Watch 3 Rumored to Have Brighter Display Than Watch 2

The Pixel Watch 3 is anticipated to be unveiled at Google’s hardware event on August 13, alongside the Google Pixel 9 series. Prior to the launch, a new leak suggests that the Pixel Watch 3 will feature an enhanced display and improved battery life.

Enhanced Display and Design

The Pixel Watch 3 is rumored to sport a 2000-nit display, offering double the brightness of its predecessor. A leaked promotional video unveiled the design and several features of the upcoming smartwatch. According to the video, the watch will be available in two sizes: a 41mm dial and a 45mm dial. The classic circular design is evident from the images above. The 45mm model had also been mentioned earlier in a report by 9to5Google. The watch will feature a rotating crown located at the center on the right side.

Although the design in the promo video closely resembles its predecessor, it seems to have at least one notable upgrade. The bezels appear slimmer compared to the Pixel Watch 2.

Accessories and Fitness Features

Previous reports suggest that the product will come with various straps and an extra active band. A USB-C charging cable, which attaches magnetically to the watch, will also be included in the box.

The promotional video also showcases some of the fitness features of the forthcoming Google watch. It will provide real-time advice during runs and may include features like Cardio Load. It seems the company aims to position this as one of the top fitness-tracking watches available.

The watch will also offer a ‘Morning Brief notification’ to help users prepare for the day. This feature should include elements like a “Readiness Score,” a feature that Fitbit has been providing for some time.

Color Options and Battery Life

Although the leaked video only displays the all-black color, there are reports indicating that the product will also be available in blue and pink options. In addition to slimmer bezels, the display is said to offer a peak brightness of 2000 nits. For comparison, the predecessor could only reach a peak brightness of 1000 nits, and the Apple Watch Series 9 also reaches 2000 nits.

While the exact battery capacity has not been disclosed, it is rumored to last 36 hours in power-saving mode and 24 hours in regular mode.

Tags: Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel Watch 3 XL, Health and Fitness Features