Category: Wearables

July 30, 2024

Xiaomi Smart Band 9: Global Launch Date and Pricing Leaks

Xiaomi’s Smart Band 9, the much-anticipated follow-up to the Smart Band 8, may be launching globally sooner than expected. Although the device was recently introduced in China, new information points to a quicker international release.

An Amazon Italy listing for the Smart Band 9 has appeared with a release date set for August 19, although the pricing remains unconfirmed. This hints at an earlier global availability, which is unusual for Xiaomi’s typically delayed international launches of their wearables.

Pricing and Availability

According to a report from Gadgets & Wearables, the upcoming wearable is expected to be priced at €39.99 on Amazon Italy, slightly higher than the €36.99 price of its predecessor. While the official pricing hasn’t been disclosed yet, it is anticipated that the global version of the Smart Band 9 will share the same specifications and features as the Chinese model.

Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Specifications

The Xiaomi Band 9 features a 1.62-inch AMOLED display with a brightness of 1200 nits and offers over 200 customizable watch faces.

Health monitoring capabilities have been enhanced by 16% for heart rate accuracy compared to the previous model, and the device also tracks blood oxygen levels and stress. Improvements in sleep tracking now provide insights into optimal sleep cycles for better recovery.

With over 150 workout modes, including guided running courses, the Band 9 connects via Bluetooth 5.4 and supports basic smart features such as music control, message replies, and weather updates.

Some versions come with NFC for contactless payments, and the device is water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it ideal for swimming. The 233mAh battery allows for up to 21 days of usage on a single charge.

Tags: Fitness and Health Monitoring, global launch, Xiaomi Smart Band 9
July 30, 2024

Rollme R3 Smart Ring: Health Tracking, Six Sizes, Now $90

Rollme, known for its wearable tech, introduced the first-generation R1 smart ring in January. By March, the Rollme R2 was released, and now the Rollme R3 has been launched. This new model comes with several upgrades and enhancements over its predecessors.

Rollme R3 Specifications and Features

The Rollme R3 boasts a robust titanium alloy exterior paired with a hypoallergenic epoxy resin inner lining. Despite its sturdy build, it only weighs around 4 grams.

With its IP68 certification, the R3 is both dustproof and waterproof, capable of enduring depths up to 50 meters, making it ideal for swimming. Available in sizes ranging from 7 to 12, it ensures a snug and comfortable fit for every user.

For health and fitness buffs, the Rollme R3 includes an optical heart rate PPG sensor to monitor real-time heart rate and blood oxygen levels via its dedicated app. Its sleep tracking capabilities provide insights into sleep patterns and detailed sleep analysis. It supports various exercise activities, collecting comprehensive workout data to give users a clear understanding of their fitness progress.

The Rollme R3 also features improved gesture controls, allowing users to operate their smartphone’s camera shutter and control music and short video playback with simple hand gestures. It’s powered by a 17.5mAh polymer battery and includes a charging case, offering an impressive standby time of about 60 days when fully charged.

Rollme R3 Price and Availability

Available in Black, Gold, and Silver, the Rollme R3 has a standard retail price of $169.99. However, it is currently offered at a special launch price of $89.99. Interested buyers can purchase the R3 from Rollme’s official store.special launch price of $89

Tags: Smart Rings, Wearable Tech
July 29, 2024

Realme 13 Pro 12GB+512GB India Price Leak

Realme is gearing up to launch its new Realme 13 Pro series, Realme Watch S2, and Realme Buds T310 tomorrow, July 30th, at 12 noon. The event will be broadcast live on Realme India’s website and Flipkart.

The Realme 13 Pro 5G is likely to feature a Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 processor, a 5200mAh battery with 45W fast charging, and a 3D VC cooling system. It is expected to come in three colors: Monet Gold, Monet Purple, and Emerald Green.

Pricing and Configurations

A recent leak indicates that the 12GB+512GB variant of the Realme 13 Pro 5G will be priced at Rs 31,999. Other versions with lower RAM and storage capacities are anticipated to be priced accordingly.

Realme 13 Pro 5G and Realme 13 Pro+ 5G Specifications (Expected)

Both the Realme 13 Pro 5G and Realme 13 Pro+ 5G are anticipated to sport a 6.7-inch AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, although Realme has yet to officially confirm any display details. Both models will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 2 chipset and are expected to be available in various configurations: 8GB+128GB, 8GB+256GB, 12GB+256GB, and 12GB+512GB. They will likely run on the Android 14-based Realme UI 5.0 custom skin.

Camera Setup

The Realme 13 Pro+ will feature a 50MP Sony LYT-701 main camera sensor, a 50MP Sony LYT-600 periscope telephoto lens with 3x optical zoom, and an 8MP ultrawide camera, all enhanced by Realme’s AI Photography Architecture, HyperImage+. The Realme 13 Pro is expected to have a similar main and ultrawide camera setup but might lack the telephoto or periscope lens. Both phones will come with a 5,200mAh battery supporting 80W fast charging.

Tags: Realme 13 Pro series, Realme Buds T310, Realme Watch S2
July 29, 2024

Exclusive: Xiaomi Kids Smartwatch 7C Launch Date and Details

Xiaomi is gearing up to introduce a new smartwatch designed specifically for children: the Xiaomi Kids Smartwatch 7C. Known for its wide array of products, Xiaomi is now expanding its offerings with this new kid-centric smartwatch. The upcoming Smartwatch 7C has been identified in our IMEI database.

Xiaomi Kids Smartwatch 7C

The Xiaomi Smartwatch 7C, identified by the model number MTSB28XUN, has been found in our database. While this is the extent of the information available at the moment, our latest findings confirm that the watch will be released soon. Specific details about the specs are still under wraps. However, Xiaomi’s products targeting children are generally designed to be highly functional for both kids and their parents.

Xiaomi Kids Smartwatch 7C MTSB28XUN

The forthcoming Xiaomi Kids Smartwatch 7C is expected to support 4G connectivity, a critical feature for any child’s smartwatch. This functionality enables children who don’t have mobile phones to make audio calls to their parents using just the smartwatch. For parents concerned about their children spending excessive time on phones, this watch offers a way to maintain essential communication. Although it may not address every use case, it is commendable to see Xiaomi developing a device tailored for children.

Source: Gizmochina

Tags: 4G Connectivity, Xiaomi
July 29, 2024

$649 Galaxy Watch Ultra’s Paint Peels Off After Days of Use
Samsung’s recently released Galaxy Buds 3 Pro was withdrawn from the market due to significant quality problems. Now, the company’s latest high-end watch, the Galaxy Watch Ultra, is encountering a paint peeling issue. This information comes from a Reddit user named bimmerb0ii.

The user received his pre-ordered Galaxy Watch Ultra (grey model) on the 19th of this month and reportedly wore it even while sleeping. Only after a few days when he took it off for charging did he notice that the paint was already peeling off at the back of the watch above the bottom left screw. You can see it in the image above. He also mentioned that he avoided the gym and had been ‘babying’ the product since he got it. So it’s unclear why the paint started peeling off within such a short period.

Only the Titanium Gray Model Seems to Have the Issue

This issue, however, seems to be limited to the grey color option. The white and silver options apparently only have paint on the bezel and partly on the sides.

Fortunately, bimmerb0ii had a chat with Samsung Text Support. The company asked the user to visit an authorized service center. According to the user, the authorized service center he visited didn’t have any replacement parts for the Galaxy Watch Ultra (at least at that time). So they advised the user to call Samsung for a replacement.

Replacement Process

Upon calling 1800SAMSUNG, he had to wait around 30 minutes due to the high volume of calls. Then the agent reportedly offered him $22 to keep the watch. Upon preferring a replacement, the whole process only got more complicated. You can see the steps he noted below.
- Return the defective Watch Ultra for a refund. (Take note he got this at a discount since he preordered this together with the Galaxy Z Fold 6). A prepaid shipping label was emailed to him. The refund will take around two weeks to be credited back to his account.
- Purchase a new Galaxy Watch Ultra using the link the agent sent him. At this point, he had already paid for another order of the Watch Ultra at full price. Not the preorder price since the promo is finished.
- Wait for Samsung to issue his refund for the defective Watch Ultra.
- Once refunded, he will need to contact the company again to get another refund (they will price match his original pre-order price).
Tags: Galaxy Watch Ultra
July 29, 2024

HUAWEI Band 8 Launches in India: 14-Day Battery & Health Monitoring

HUAWEI has recently launched the HUAWEI Band 8 in India, a year after its initial release in China. This new model succeeds the Band 6, which came out in India in 2021, with no Band 7 in between.

Huawei Band 8 Specifications

The Band 8 features a 1.47-inch AMOLED 2.5D touch screen with a resolution of 194×368 pixels and a pixel density of 282 PPI. Users can customize the watch dials to coordinate with their outfits, and the device is water-resistant up to 50 meters (5 ATM).

Notable features include heart rate tracking, 24-hour heart rate monitoring, and blood oxygen (SpO2) monitoring. The Band 8 utilizes HUAWEI TruSeen 5.0 for heart rate monitoring, HUAWEI TruSleep 3.0 for sleep tracking, and HUAWEI TruRelax for stress tracking. It also provides menstrual cycle tracking.

The Band 8 supports 100 workout modes, featuring 11 professional modes such as running, cycling, and rope skipping, as well as various fitness, ball games, and dance modes.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The Band 8 connects via Bluetooth 5.0 and is compatible with Android 6.0 and above and iOS 9.0 and above. Additional features include music control, remote camera control, quick message replies, and incoming call alerts.

The device promises up to 14 days of battery life and charges 30% faster than previous models, requiring only 45 minutes for a full charge.

Pricing & Availability

Available in Midnight Black and Sakura Pink, the HUAWEI Band 8 is priced at Rs. 4,699 on Flipkart.

Tags: Fitness Tracker
July 29, 2024

Noise Ultra 3 Luminary Smartwatch Launches, Available August 1

Noise, a well-known local brand in the wearable market, is set to introduce another smartwatch. After the recent launch of the Triumph model, the company is now rolling out the Ultra 3 Luminary on August 1st, tagged at Rs. 2,999. This new smartwatch will be available in various colors and strap designs.

Unique Feature: Lumilert

A standout feature of the Ultra 3 Luminary is "Lumilert." This function allows users to customize colored alerts for different applications. For instance, you can set distinct colors for messages from various contacts.

Specifications and Health Tracking

Furthermore, the Ultra 3 Luminary boasts a bright 1.96-inch AMOLED display, call capabilities, and essential health monitoring functions such as heart rate and sleep tracking. According to Noise, the smartwatch offers a battery life of up to one week.

Tags: Smartwatch Launch
July 29, 2024

Vivo to Debut First Mixed Reality Headset in 2025

Vivo recently hosted an event in China, focusing on the future of mobile imaging. Details of their vision can be found in a separate story.

In addition to imaging, Vivo confirmed its plans to enter the mixed reality (MR) market. The company announced that it will release an MR wearable headset in 2025.

Confirmation of MR Plans

Earlier this year, Vivo’s executive vice president, Hu Baishan, hinted at the company's interest in MR technology during the Boao Forum for Asia. At that time, Baishan described MR as the next significant advancement in mobile technology. Now, Vivo has officially confirmed these plans.

Vivo is not entirely new to Extended Reality (XR). The company launched its first AR smart glasses in 2019, although these required pairing with a 5G smartphone to function.

Standalone MR Device?

There is hope that the new MR device will provide a more immersive, standalone experience similar to Apple’s Vision Pro, but no specific details have been confirmed yet.

Vivo’s innovation comes during a period of strong market performance. According to Canalys, Vivo is the top smartphone brand in China, with a 19% market share. The high-end Vivo X series has also seen sustained growth, reinforcing the company’s position in the premium consumer device market.

Competition and Market Position

Competitors such as Huawei and Oppo are rumored to be working on similar MR products, though no official announcements have been made.

The Imaging Festival was also an opportunity for Vivo to highlight its technological advancements. The company revealed that its next flagship smartphones, likely the Vivo X200 series, will incorporate an in-house Blueprint image sensor, Blueprint Algorithm Matrix, and Blueprint Imaging chip.

Vivo’s move into the mixed reality (MR) space marks a notable development in the wearable device market. The company’s success in the smartphone industry will likely influence its approach to this new technology.

Tags: vivo
July 25, 2024

Huawei Watch GT 5 & GT 5 Pro Get IMDA Certification Before Launch

Huawei’s upcoming smartwatches, the Watch GT 5 and Watch GT 5 Pro, are inching closer to release. Both models have secured certifications in multiple regions, indicating an imminent launch.

Identified by model numbers VLI-B19 and VLI-B29 respectively, the watches have been spotted in China, Indonesia, and now Singapore. These certifications confirm basic features like activity tracking, Bluetooth connectivity, and notification display.

Huawei Watch GT 4

A previous report has revealed that the Watch GT 5 will boast IP68 water resistance and support 18W charging. While specific details remain scarce, the consistent appearance in regulatory databases suggests a global rollout is in the pipeline. Meanwhile, here are the specifications of its predecessor.

Huawei Watch GT 4 specs:

The Watch GT 4 features a 1.32-inch AMOLED display with a 466 x 466 resolution and 352 PPI, supporting an always-on display and 5ATM water resistance. The smartwatch includes Bluetooth 5.2 connectivity. The 41mm model offers up to 7 days of battery life on a single charge, while the 46mm model can last up to 14 days.

It includes dual-band GNSS for precise location tracking and supports over 100 sports modes. Users can track sleep, physical activity, and the female menstrual cycle.

Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport

In other news, Xiaomi has recently unveiled the Watch S4 Sport during Lei Jun’s 2024 speech event. It features professional lactate threshold testing, supported by Suunto’s sports algorithms, to monitor and improve aerobic endurance. The smartwatch includes route navigation with tracking returns and deviation reminders, and it comes with a round dial available in black and orange with a rotating crown.

Priced at 2,000 Yuan ($275 or €250), the Watch S4 Sport boasts a titanium body, sapphire glass, and a choice of fluoroelastomer, silicone, braided, or titanium Milanese straps.

Tags: Huawei Watch GT 4, Huawei Watch GT 5, Xiaomi Watch S4 Sport
July 25, 2024

Google Pixel Watch 3 Confirmed with UWB Tech on IMDA & FCC Databases

Google’s upcoming Pixel Watch 3 is gathering attention with new updates. Following a European price leak last week, it has now surfaced on Singapore’s IMDA certification site and the FCC certification database.

The IMDA certification indicates that the forthcoming Pixel Watch 3 will feature Ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. UWB tech in smartwatches is known for enhancing navigation and connectivity.

Various Models in Development

Several models are being developed, each with different connectivity options. The cellular version, identified by the model number GBDU9, will support UWB, Wi-Fi 6, and Bluetooth. Additionally, three other models—GG3HH, GRY0E, and GGE4J—have been identified in FCC filings. Both GBDU9 and GRY0E will offer LTE connectivity, while GG3HH and GGE4J will be limited to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Leaks also suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will come in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. European pricing details have also been leaked, showing that the smartwatch will start at EUR 399 and reach up to EUR 549.

Motorola Edge 50 Launch Details

In other news, Motorola’s Edge 50 is set to debut in India on August 1st. This device features a 6.67-inch curved OLED screen, a Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 Accelerated Edition processor, and a 5,000mAh battery with 68W wired and 15W wireless charging. Running on Android 14, it promises three years of OS updates and four years of security patches. The camera setup includes a 50MP primary camera, a 13MP ultra-wide lens, a 10MP telephoto lens, and a 32MP front camera. Additionally, the device boasts MIL-810H durability and IP68 water and dust resistance.

Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3 XL, UWB Technology