Category: Wearables

  • Galaxy Ring with LED Blinker for Easy Finding

    Galaxy Ring with LED Blinker for Easy Finding

    Samsung is gearing up to unveil the much-anticipated Galaxy Ring at the upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event on July 10, alongside the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Z Flip 6. Despite the official launch being a few days away, leaks, rumors, and certification platform appearances have already provided a wealth of information about the Galaxy Ring's development. The latest revelation is a feature that will enable the ring's LED to blink using the Samsung Find app.

    Samsung Find App Integration

    The Samsung Find app currently assists users in locating various Galaxy devices, such as smartphones, tablets, watches, earbuds, and more. In a recent update, Assemble Debug discovered strings of code in the app that hint at the development of a “lost mode” feature for the Galaxy Ring.

    <string name="lost_mode_guide_description_ring">Lost mode helps protect your ring while it's missing.</string>
    <string name="message_default_ring">I lost my ring. Please help me find it.</string>
    <string name="ring_dialog_error_ring">Couldn't connect to Ring to start blinking.</string>
    <string name="ring_dialog_ready_ring">Tap start to make the light on your ring blink.</string>
    <string name="ring_dialog_ringing_ring">Ring light is blinking.</string>
    <string name="pairing_lock_description_ring">This ring will be locked to your Samsung account. No one else will be able to use it.</string>
    

    Enhanced Security Features

    In addition to locating the ring, the new feature will allow users to lock their Samsung Account to safeguard personal data. The Samsung Find app will also alert users if their phone fails to connect with the ring to activate the blinking feature. This extra layer of security ensures that even if the ring is misplaced, unauthorized access to personal information can be prevented.

    The Galaxy Ring is reportedly designed for continuous wear, but the Lost mode feature will be invaluable for those occasional instances when the ring is misplaced. However, it’s worth noting that this feature is still in development, and Samsung may decide not to include it in the final product.

    Comparison with Oura Ring

    Unlike the Galaxy Ring, the existing Oura ring lacks a similar feature to assist users in finding the device. The Oura ring only switches to a Restricted Mode if someone attempts to pair it with a new device, allowing the user to erase all data through the Oura app on the linked device.

  • Xiaomi Watch S Series with 10W Charging Gets 3C Certification

    Xiaomi Watch S Series with 10W Charging Gets 3C Certification

    There are signs that the Xiaomi S3 series of smartwatches could soon see a new addition. A recent 3C certification for a new Xiaomi smartwatch suggests that a product launch is on the horizon.

    Certification and Specifications

    The 3C certification is one of the steps before a product’s official release. Although the 3C listing did not specify the device’s name, it is believed to be a model in the Watch S3 series. Details from the certification page show that the new Xiaomi smartwatch has the model number M2312W1 and supports 10W charging.

    Features of the Xiaomi Watch S3

    The Xiaomi Watch S3 has already been released, featuring a 1.43-inch AMOLED large screen with a 10Hz refresh rate, 326 PPI, and a maximum brightness of 600 nits. It includes 256 automatic brightness levels and boasts the industry’s first variable design. The bezel’s color and style are interchangeable, allowing for a variety of style combinations. The watch is equipped with the Unisoc W117 chip, which includes a built-in LPDDR2, 1.0GHz A7 CPU core, and supports full eSIM/eSIM independent communication. This means users can access the network without needing to connect to a smartphone.

    Operating System and Ecosystem Integration

    Running on the Surge OS, the Xiaomi Watch S3 seamlessly integrates with the Xiaomi smart ecosystem. A standout feature of the smartwatch is its ability to unlock the Xiaomi SU7 Electric Vehicle. This suggests that Xiaomi might be aiming to broaden its connected device ecosystem to include new vehicles. As of now, there are no official details about the launch date and pricing for the new Xiaomi Watch model.


    Xiaomi Watch S Series with 10W Charging Gets 3C Certification
  • Samsung Galaxy Ring on FCC: Three Battery Sizes Revealed

    Samsung Galaxy Ring on FCC: Three Battery Sizes Revealed

    The Samsung Galaxy Ring is anticipated to debut at the company’s second major Unpacked event this year. The smart ring was first hinted at in January during MWC 2024, but many details about it remained undisclosed. Recently, an FCC filing has shed light on some significant features of the wearable.

    The FCC documents affirm Samsung’s previous statement about offering the Galaxy Ring in nine different sizes, ranging from size 5 to size 13. Notably, the battery capacity will differ depending on the ring size.

    Battery Specifications

    According to the filing, the smaller rings (sizes 5 to 7) will carry a 17 mAh battery, while sizes 8 to 11 will feature a slightly larger 18.5 mAh battery. The largest rings, sizes 12 and 13, will be equipped with a more substantial 22.5 mAh battery.

    Samsung had earlier claimed a battery life of 5 to 9 days on a single charge. It is expected that larger rings will reach the higher end of this range due to their increased battery capacity.

    Model Numbers and Connectivity

    The FCC filing also disclosed the model numbers for each ring size:

    • SM-Q505: Size 5
    • SM-Q506: Size 6
    • SM-Q507: Size 7
    • SM-Q508: Size 8
    • SM-Q509: Size 9
    • SM-Q500: Size 10
    • SM-Q501: Size 11
    • SM-Q502: Size 12
    • SM-Q503: Size 13

    The ring will utilize Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) for phone connectivity. While the filing shows the wearable in Black, Samsung had teased gold and silver versions at MWC 2024, indicating these could be additional color options.

    Charging Cradle

    The FCC filing also includes a schematic for the Galaxy Ring’s charging cradle. However, it remains uncertain whether different ring sizes will require distinct cradles.


  • Google Unveils Fitbit Ace LTE: A Kid-Friendly Smartwatch

    Google Unveils Fitbit Ace LTE: A Kid-Friendly Smartwatch

    Fitbit, a Google subsidiary, has unveiled the Fitbit Ace LTE, a smartwatch designed specifically for children. Priced at $229.95, this device targets kids aged 7 and above by promoting physical activity through engaging games and ensuring safety with real-time location tracking.

    Google Fitbit Ace LTE Specifications

    The Fitbit Ace LTE features a 41.04 x 44.89 mm OLED display with a resolution of 333 PPI, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The watch body is a mix of stainless steel and recycled plastic, offering both durability and eco-friendliness. Weighing about 28.03 grams, it is built to be child-friendly with a raised plastic bumper for additional screen protection.

    Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor, the Ace LTE runs on Wear OS but does not support the Google Play Store or third-party apps. It includes 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, and its 328mAh battery supports fast charging—reaching 60% in 30 minutes and a full charge in approximately 70 minutes.

    Connectivity and Safety Features

    The smartwatch offers standalone LTE connectivity through a partnership with Google Fi/T-Mobile. Additional connectivity features include Wi-Fi (802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz), Bluetooth 5.0, NFC, and GPS/GNSS. It’s water-resistant up to 50 meters, making it suitable for various environments.

    Parents can track their child’s location via the Fitbit app, which stores location data for 24 hours to ensure privacy. The device supports messaging and calling with up to 20 approved contacts and excludes third-party apps and advertisements to provide a secure user experience for children.

    Fun and Fitness for Kids

    The Fitbit Ace LTE aims to make physical activity enjoyable for kids, featuring a range of interactive 3D games that utilize the watch’s sensors, including the accelerometer. These games are designed to incorporate movement into gameplay.

    In addition to the games, the Ace LTE tracks various physical activities, from bed-jumping to hide-and-seek. These activities are visualized with a unique “Noodle” activity ring on the home screen, which celebrates progress as children achieve their daily goals, adding a fun element to fitness tracking.

    Pricing and Availability

    For features like cellular connectivity, access to the Fitbit Arcade, and regular software updates, the Fitbit Ace LTE requires a subscription to the Fitbit Ace Pass. This pass costs $9.99 per month or $119.99 annually, the latter of which includes a free collectible band.

    The Fitbit Ace LTE is available for pre-order at $229.95 on the Google Store and Amazon, with general availability beginning June 5th. The watch comes in two color options: Spicy and Mild, each with a themed band.


  • OnePlus Watch Gains 3C & CMIIT Certifications, Launch Imminent

    OnePlus Watch Gains 3C & CMIIT Certifications, Launch Imminent

    It appears that OnePlus is developing a new smartwatch, recently identified on China’s 3C and CMIIT certification websites under the model number OPWW234.

    The specific name for this smartwatch hasn’t been disclosed. However, the 3C database reveals that it will be sold without a power adapter and will feature 10W fast charging. According to the CMIIT certification, it will support connectivity options including WCDMA, TD-LTE, LTE FDD, WLAN, and Bluetooth.

    Building on Previous Success

    This forthcoming smartwatch is likely to follow in the footsteps of the OnePlus Watch 2, which was introduced in February. The OnePlus Watch 2 gained significant attention due to its integration with Google’s WearOS 4 operating system. Therefore, it’s highly probable that the new smartwatch will also run on a WearOS-based system. More details are anticipated to surface soon. Meanwhile, here are the specifications for the OnePlus Watch 2.

    OnePlus Watch 2 Specifications

    The OnePlus Watch 2 features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display protected by sapphire-reinforced glass and offers a peak brightness of 600 nits. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 SoC and BES 2700 MCU chips, it has a 500mAh battery that can last up to 48 hours under heavy use. In smart mode, the battery life extends to around 100 hours and it fully charges in 60 minutes thanks to 7.5W VOOC charging. The smartwatch runs on Google Wear OS 4 and includes 2GB of RAM along with 32GB of internal storage for efficient performance.


  • Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities

    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Upgrades Battery; Galaxy Ring Has Size-Based Capacities

    The Galaxy Z Flip 6 and the Galaxy Ring have made appearances on the FCC listing, providing some essential details. Additionally, the forthcoming flip phone has shown up on the PSI Testing and Certification LTD database, revealing battery specifics.

    Galaxy Z Flip 6 Details

    The phone, identified by model number SM-F741U, is listed on the FCC database, confirming the use of dual-cell batteries with model numbers EB-BF741ABY and EB-BF742ABY. The PSI listing verifies the battery capacities: 1097mAh and 2790mAh. This gives a total battery capacity of 3887mAh, which Samsung may advertise as a 4000mAh typical battery capacity.

    For comparison, the Galaxy Z Flip 5 had a 3591mAh battery pack (971mAh + 2620mAh), marketed as a 3700mAh battery.

    The FCC listing also reveals that the phone will support NFC and WiFi 6E. Furthermore, the UL Demko certification confirms that the Z Flip 6 will support 25W wired fast charging.

    Specifications

    The phone will be powered by a Galaxy-branded Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chipset (with slightly varied clock speeds) and will come with 8GB RAM.

    Listing for the Galaxy Ring

    According to the FCC listing, the Galaxy Ring (model number SM-Q503) will be available in sizes ranging from 5-12. Sizes 5-7 will have a 17mAh battery, sizes 8-11 will feature an 18.5mAh battery, and the largest size will equip a 22.5mAh battery. It will support Bluetooth 5.4 and Bluetooth LE for efficient connectivity with your phone. The listing also includes real-life images of the ring from various angles, which you can see below.


  • Google Pixel Watch 2 Now $50 Off – Limited Time Deal

    Google Pixel Watch 2 Now $50 Off – Limited Time Deal

    A few days after the Google Pixel Watch received a discount, the Google Pixel Watch 2 has followed suit. The Pixel Watch 2 is now available for $299, a $50 reduction from its usual price of $349. This smartwatch boasts several impressive features.

    Exceptional Features

    This is the lowest price for the Pixel Watch 2 since its release, though it briefly dropped to $292 last year. The smartwatch is packed with advanced features such as stress-tracking (cEDA Sensor), ECG analysis, and heart rate monitoring. Additionally, it supports NFC for contactless payments and keeps track of daily activities, sleep, and health metrics.

    Attractive Specifications

    The Pixel Watch 2 comes with a 1.2-inch display and is available in a 41mm size. It offers enhanced battery life compared to its predecessor, lasting up to 24 hours on a single charge. The smartwatch also comes with several preinstalled Google apps. Currently, the Pixel Watch 2 WiFi variant is priced at $299 on Amazon. The LTE version, however, is priced higher. This smartwatch is IP68 water and dust-resistant, capable of withstanding depths of up to 1.5 meters for 20 minutes.

    Pixel Watch 2 WiFi is offered in various color options and band materials.

  • Xiaomi Mitu Children’s Watch S1: GPS, Health Monitoring, Dual Cameras

    Xiaomi Mitu Children’s Watch S1: GPS, Health Monitoring, Dual Cameras

    Xiaomi has introduced a new smartwatch for kids, the Mitu Children’s Watch S1, which will be available for purchase starting May 31st at 10:00 AM (Chinese time) for 1199 yuan (approximately $166). Let’s delve into its main features.

    Key Specifications of Xiaomi Mitu Children’s Watch S1:

    The Mitu Children’s Watch S1 boasts a 1.78-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 448 x 368, ensuring clear visual output. It comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal memory. The watch includes dual cameras—a 5MP front camera and an 8MP rear camera—facilitating video calls with dual camera switching, so parents can see both their child and the surroundings.

    Advanced Positioning and Safety Features

    The smartwatch supports five major satellite positioning systems: GPS, Beidou, GLONASS, GALILEO, and QZSS. It offers 90 days of high-precision trajectory query, indoor and mall positioning, AI positioning, and location tracking. This feature allows parents to track their child’s movements for up to 90 days.

    The watch is equipped with an SOS emergency function, sending alerts to parents if their child enters or exits predefined zones such as home, school, or potentially dangerous areas. It can also detect deviations from usual routes and prolonged stops during a journey.

    Health Monitoring and Educational Content

    The Watch S1 comes with health monitoring tools that can track brain fatigue, eye fatigue, stress, emotions, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels throughout the day. Additionally, it offers over 100 courses in 9 categories, including skipping rope, running, and long jump. The watch is also waterproof up to 20 meters.

    Educational apps are pre-installed on the watch, covering a variety of subjects such as stories, music, languages, math, logic thinking, and puzzle games. Multiple watch faces are available, allowing kids to customize their watch.

    Connectivity and Privacy

    For connectivity, the Mitu Children’s Watch S1 supports WeChat, QQ, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Radio and Television, enabling children to make calls, send messages, and connect with friends. Parents can control their child’s interactions through the Mitu App.

    The watch emphasizes data privacy, with multiple layers of encryption to protect children’s information. Parents can also set password unlocks and manage third-party app permissions. A quick 6-minute charge can power the watch for a full day. The watch features a detachable body, making it easier for children to take photos and videos.


  • Huawei Watch 5 Series to Feature HarmonyOS NEXT

    Huawei Watch 5 Series to Feature HarmonyOS NEXT

    A recent leak from Weibo indicates that Huawei is gearing up to release new wearables, the Watch 5 Series, potentially launching later this year alongside the Mate 70 smartphone.

    According to tipster Fixed Focus, the Watch 5 Series will sport a different design compared to its predecessor. Software improvements are also anticipated.

    New System and Software

    The tipster mentions that the wearable will feature a "new system," likely hinting at HarmonyOS NEXT. Huawei is currently developing this new version, with a launch expected on June 21.

    Specific details regarding the features and functionalities of the new OS remain unclear. The tipster didn’t divulge much additional information about the Huawei Watch 5 Series.

    Previous Model Highlights

    For context, the Watch 4 Series gained attention as the world’s first non-invasive high blood sugar monitoring smartwatch. It boasted a 1.5-inch LTPO sapphire display encased in titanium, with various customizable watch faces.

    Despite its size, the Watch 4 Series was noted for its lightweight design. It supported over 100 workout modes and monitored health metrics such as heart rate, blood oxygen (SpO2), stress, skin temperature, and arterial stiffness.

    Battery life differed based on the model. The Standard version provided 3 days of usage, while the Pro model extended that to 4.5 days. An “ultra-long battery life” mode could prolong endurance to 21 days. Connectivity features included eSIM support for calls and LTE 4G for data, along with fall detection for added safety.

    Awaiting Official Details

    While this new leak offers an early look at the potential features of the Watch 5 Series, official details remain scarce. We will need to await further announcements from Huawei to confirm the launch date, specifications, and pricing.


    Huawei Watch 5 Series to Feature HarmonyOS NEXT
  • Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra: Over 2x Longer Battery Life Than Watch 6 Classic

    Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra: Over 2x Longer Battery Life Than Watch 6 Classic

    Samsung is set to unveil the Galaxy Watch 7 series in June, and it will come in three different versions. The top-tier model might be named the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, although there are rumors it could be called the Galaxy Watch X. This model is expected to be a direct competitor to the Apple Watch Ultra.

    Galaxy Watch X / Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra Rumored Specifications

    The Galaxy Watch X or the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra is rumored to withstand pressure equivalent to 100 meters underwater, similar to both the Apple Watch Ultra and Apple Watch Ultra 2. However, it’s important to distinguish that the actual depth the Apple Watch Ultra can handle is 40 meters, and this might also be true for the Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra.

    Reports suggest that the Watch 7 Ultra will boast a longer battery life compared to other models in the Watch 7 series. You can expect up to 100 hours of battery backup, thanks to a 578mAh battery. For comparison, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic and the Watch5 Pro offer significantly less battery life at 40 hours and 80 hours, with 425mAh and 590mAh batteries respectively. The Apple Watch Ultra 2, on the other hand, provides 36 hours of battery life with a 564mAh capacity.

    Enhanced Battery and Efficiency

    Even though the Watch 7 Ultra might feature a slightly larger battery, the substantial improvement in battery life is speculated to be due to more power-efficient operation. The device will be powered by the 3nm Exynos W1000 chip, which is reported to be 20% more capable and power-efficient than the 5nm Exynos W930.

    The W1000 chip is anticipated to be Samsung’s first 3nm chip for the mass market. Alongside the new watches, the company is also expected to introduce the next-generation Galaxy foldables and the much-awaited Galaxy Ring.