Category: Wearables

  • Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Adds Motion Sensor

    Amazfit Helio Strap Pro Adds Motion Sensor

    Key Takeaway

    – Two-component system: wrist/upper arm HR monitor + waist motion tracker for torso stability data
    – No subscription fees and affordable price point
    – Tracks advanced metrics: muscle strain, stability, and workout quality (not just heart rate)
    – Supports 60+ sport modes, 5 ATM water resistance, long battery life (11 days HR, 40 days waist)

    The Amazfit Helio Strap, priced at $95, was designed to offer precise sensors at an affordable price and, most importantly, without any subscription requirements. The new Amazfit Helio Strap Pro builds on that concept, but it’s not just a wristband, it’s an entire workout system. To this end, Amazfit combines the so-called Helio Core Motion HR, which is worn on the wrist or, for more precise data, on the upper arm, with the so-called Helio Core Motion Waist.

    Two-Component Tracking System

    The motion sensor, worn around the waist, tracks the movements and stability of the torso during a workout. The collected data can also be combined with data from a compatible smartwatch, such as the Amazfit Balance 3 or Balance Ultra. This allows the system to track not only superficial metrics like heart rate, but also muscle strain, stability, and the quality of the workouts completed.

    Designed for Athletes

    With this two-component setup, the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro is clearly aimed at athletes and fitness enthusiasts. The Amazfit Helio Strap Pro supports more than 60 sport modes and is water-resistant up to 5 ATM, so it can be worn even while swimming. Amazfit claims a battery life of 11 days for the Helio Core Motion HR and up to 40 days for the Core Motion Waist.

    Sales of the Amazfit Helio Strap Pro are set to begin in “a few weeks”; pricing details have not yet been announced. In addition to the wristband and a charger, the package also includes the Helio Core Motion Waist belt and a clip.


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    • Casio GBX-H5600 Watch Launch: MIP LCD & Heart Rate Monitor

      Casio GBX-H5600 Watch Launch: MIP LCD & Heart Rate Monitor

      Key Takeaway

      – First G-LIDE watch with built-in heart rate monitor and fitness tracking
      – Combines tide/moon data from G-LIDE with Polar-powered training analysis
      – Available in black and blue, priced at $330 each
      – Lightweight (47g) bio-based carbon case with solar and USB charging
      – Tracks running, gym workouts, sleep, blood oxygen, and syncs via Bluetooth

      Casio’s G-Shock GBX-H5600, which is the first G-LIDE watch with a built-in heart rate monitor, is now available in the US. They are arriving alongside the new MTPB135D series watches. The GBXH5600-1 (black) and GBXH5600-2 (blue) are both listed on the US G-Shock site at $330 each.

      Heart Rate and Fitness Tracking Features

      The GBX-H5600 gets optical heart rate monitoring and fitness tracking of the DW-H5600, alongside the advanced tide and moon functions that are the cornerstone of the G-LIDE line — two parts of Casio’s lineup that have run in parallel until now. Both models feature a translucent bezel that also comes with G-LIDE models, and a solid band — black on the GBXH5600-1 and blue on the GBXH5600-2.

      Advanced Training Analysis from Polar

      On the fitness side, the watch carries an optical heart rate sensor and accelerometer with training analysis powered by Polar Electro’s algorithms. It tracks running, walking, gym workouts, and interval training, and logs cardio load status, blood oxygen levels, sleep recovery across six stages, step count, calories burned, and breathing exercises. Activity data syncs to the Casio Watches app via Bluetooth, which also unlocks tide data from around 3,300 surf spots globally.

      Case Composition and Weight Specifications

      The case is built from bio-based carbon and resin. There’s a carbon fiber-reinforced case back that makes the GBX-H5600 about 12 grams lighter than a DW-H5600 at just 47 g. It measures 51.1 × 44.5 × 17.3 mm and features a high-contrast MIP LCD. Water resistance is rated at 200 meters. Power comes from a combination of solar-assisted charging and wired USB — solar handles timekeeping, while the heart rate and fitness functions may need wired top-ups.

      Availability and Pricing Summary

      Both models are available now at gshock.casio.com. Alternatively, you can check out the Casio GBX-100S-1 on Amazon. Casio (1) (2)


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    • Casio launches slim square watches in US with 4 colors

      Casio launches slim square watches in US with 4 colors

      Key Takeaway

      – Four new MTP-B185 series watches announced at $100–$120
      – Slim 7.3 mm case, stainless steel, 50m water resistance
      – Clean three-hand design with date display, no sub-dials
      – Gold-tone MTPB185G-9AV is the standout dressier option
      – Available now on Casio.com, competing with more feature-rich alternatives

      New Casio Watches Revealed

      Casio has listed four new MTP-B185 series watches on its US website, all tagged as June 2026 releases. Three are from the MTP-B185D line — the MTPB185D-2A1V (navy dial), MTPB185D-2A2V (light blue dial), and MTPB185D-7AV (silver dial) — each priced at $100. The fourth, the MTPB185G-9AV, upgrades to a full gold-tone treatment and is priced at $120.

      Shared Specifications Across Models

      All four share the same case — stainless steel measuring 40 × 32.5 × 7.3 mm, weighing 80 g, with a mineral glass crystal. The bracelet is a stainless steel adjustable clasp type, fitting wrists between 150 and 205 mm. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. The dial features a date display, and all models carry a three-hand setup with a clean, index-only layout and no sub-dials.

      Distinctive Gold-Tone Variant

      The fourth model, MTPB185G-9AV, distinguishes itself with a gold ion-plated case and bracelet over the same stainless steel foundation. All that gives it a much dressier look compared to the silver-tone D-series variants. Its like having two different watches in one collection though they share the same bones.

      • MTPB185D-2A1V: Navy dial, $100
      • MTPB185D-2A2V: Light blue dial, $100
      • MTPB185D-7AV: Silver dial, $100
      • MTPB185G-9AV: Gold-tone, $120

      Design and Market Position

      The MTP-B185 lineup sits comfortably in Casio’s vintage-adjacent Standard range, with the square case and integrated bracelet drawing obvious comparisons to 1970s dress watch aesthetics. The slim 7.3 mm profile and uncluttered dials should make them versatile enough for both casual and dressed-up wear. However, at $100-$120, you can opt for more premium options with a better range of features.

      Availability

      All four models are available now on casio.com.


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    • Casio Launches New Slim Square Watches in US, 4 Colors

      Casio Launches New Slim Square Watches in US, 4 Colors

      Key Takeaway

      – Four new Casio MTP-B185 watches released, priced $100–$120.
      – Three MTP-B185D variants (navy, light blue, silver) and one gold-toned MTPB185G-9AV.
      – All models share a 40mm stainless steel case, mineral glass, 50m water resistance, and date display.
      – Inspired by 1970s dress watches with a slim 7.3mm profile and clean, index-only dial.
      – Available now on casio.com, but $100–$120 price point competes with more feature-rich alternatives.

      New Casio MTP-B185 Series Hits US Market

      Casio have listed four new MTP-B185 series watches on its US website, all tagged as June 2026 releases. Three are from the MTP-B185D line — the MTPB185D-2A1V (navy dial), MTPB185D-2A2V (light blue dial), and MTPB185D-7AV (silver dial) — each priced at $100. The fourth, the MTPB185G-9AV, upgrades to a full gold-tone treatment and is priced at $120.

      Shared Specifications and Details

      All four share the same case — stainless steel measuring 40 × 32.5 × 7.3 mm, weighing 80 g, with a mineral glass crystal. The bracelet is a stainless steel adjustable clasp type, fitting wrists between 150 and 205 mm. Water resistance is rated at 50 meters. The dial features a date display, and all models carry a three-hand setup with a clean, index-only layout and no sub-dials.

      Distinct Gold-Tone Variant

      The fourth model, MTPB185G-9AV, distinguishes itself with a gold ion-plated case and bracelet over the same stainless steel foundation. All that gives it a much dressier look compared to the silver-tone D-series variants.

      Design and Market Positioning

      The MTP-B185 lineup sits comfortably in Casio’s vintage-adjacent Standard range, with the square case and integrated bracelet drawing obvious comparisons to 1970s dress watch aesthetics. The slim 7.3 mm profile and uncluttered dials should make them versatile enough for both casual and dressed-up wear. However, at $100-$120, you can opt for more premium options with a better range of features.

      • All four models are available now on casio.com.


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    • Amazfit Flagship Trail Watch Gets Hyrox & Smarter Energy Tracking

      Amazfit Flagship Trail Watch Gets Hyrox & Smarter Energy Tracking

      Key Takeaway

      – Hyrox race tools: Virtual Pace, simulation workouts, and structured training library synced to the watch.
      – HybridCharge Energy Intelligence: Unified readiness score combining training load, recovery, and daily stress.
      – Refined recovery time guidance with specific rest recommendations for high-, medium-, and low-intensity sessions.
      – Navigation upgrades: route preview image, improved map scale options (2 km to 75 m), and better terrain rendering.
      – Status indicators now appear briefly on the watch face before moving to the Control Center.

      Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra Gets a Fresh Update

      Amazfit has rolled out a software update for the Cheetah 2 Ultra (curr. $599.99 on Amazon) trail running watch, adding Hyrox race tools, a revamped energy intelligence system, and multiple navigation-related improvements.

      What’s New with Hyrox Tools

      The primary addition is the expanded Hyrox support. The Zepp app now includes an official Hyrox Workout Library with structured training templates that sync directly to the watch. Athletes also get two new race-focused tools: Hyrox Virtual Pace for real-time pacing against target times, and simulation workouts covering Full Course, Half Course, and other Hyrox-specific formats. The Virtual Pace feature is accessible under Workout > More > Hyrox Virtual Pace, while the training library lives under Home > Hyrox Workouts Library.

      Energy Monitoring and Fitness Tracking Upgrades

      Fitness tracking-wise, Amazfit has upgraded its energy monitoring with HybridCharge Energy Intelligence. It combines the existing BioCharge system with LifeLoad and Training Load into a single framework. The goal is a more complete picture of readiness by factoring in training, recovery, and daily stress across a wider range of activities. Amazfit adds that recovery time guidance has also been refined to specify recommended rest before high-, medium-, or low-intensity sessions.

      Navigation Tweaks for Better Routes

      Navigation gets a few practical tweaks. A route preview image now appears on the workout preparation screen before heading out. Map scale accuracy has been improved with new options at 2 km, 750 m, 200 m, and 75 m. Terrain map rendering has also been optimized when map data hasn’t been downloaded.

      Final Touches on the Display

      Rounding out the update, status indicators now briefly show up on the watch face before moving to the Control Center.


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    • Citizen New Nighthawk Chronograph Monochrome Tachymeter

      Citizen New Nighthawk Chronograph Monochrome Tachymeter

      Key Takeaway

      – Monochromatic gray and silver-tone stealth design
      – Eco-Drive B612 movement (no battery replacement needed)
      – Cockpit-inspired chronograph with three subdials
      – 42mm stainless steel case, sapphire crystal, 100m water resistance
      – Currently CA$775 in Canada, other markets pending

      Hot on the heals of the limited-edition Attesa with recrystallized titanium, Citizen is dropping another stealthy monochrome watch in the form of the Citizen Nighthawk CA0890-54H. So far, the watch has only appeared on Citizen Canada’s website, though it will most likely make its way to other markets, including the US, UK, and Japan, in the near future.

      Design Details and Dial Features

      The new Citizen Nighthawk CA0890-54H chronograph features a monochromatic gray dial housed in a silver-tone stainless steel case. It also comes equiped with a prominent gray 60-minute rotating bezel and a tachymeter scale printed on the outer rim of the dial, allowing you to calculate a vehicle’s average speed based on time traveled over a known distance.

      Subdials and Cockpit Inspiration

      In line with the Nighthawk’s cockpit-inspired aesthetics, the watch packs three subdials; the one at 12 o’clock shows elapsed chronograph minutes, the one at 9 o’clock displays the 24-hour clock, and the 6 o’clock register is for the running seconds. A handy date display sits neatly at 3 o’clock while large applied Arabic numerals and luminous hands, together with the monochrome color scheme, lend the watch an instrument-like appearance.

      Case, Bracelet, and Durability

      The watch measures 42mm across, paired with a stainless steel bracelet that fastens via a fold-over clasp with push-button release. The dial is protected by a sapphire crystal, while the watch itself is rated for 100 meters of water resistance, making it suitable for swimming and recreational water activities.

      Movement and Power Source

      Under the hood, the Nighthawk CA0890-54H is powered by Citizen’s in-house Eco-Drive B612 movement, which keeps the watch ticking using energy derived from both natural and artificial light sources, and eliminates the need for battery replacements.

      The Citizen Nighthawk CA0890-54H is priced at CA$775 and is currently available in Canada. Availability and pricing for other regions have yet to be announced.

      • Features: Monochromatic gray dial, silver-tone stainless steel case, gray 60-minute rotating bezel, tachymeter scale
      • Dimensions: 42mm case diameter
      • Bracelet: Stainless steel with fold-over clasp and push-button release
      • Crystal: Sapphire crystal
      • Water Resistance: 100 meters
      • Movement: Citizen Eco-Drive B612, light-powered
      • Price: CA$775 (Canada only)
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    • Samsung Galaxy XR Launches in UK with Multiple Deals

      Samsung Galaxy XR Launches in UK with Multiple Deals

      Key Takeaway

      – Galaxy XR headset launches in the UK for £1,699, with pre-orders open now and shipping from July 8.
      – Launch promotions include 30% off accessories (case or controllers) until Sept 30, and £100 off via PayPal code PAYPALXR until July 7.
      – Specs: Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, dual Micro-OLED displays (3,552 x 3,840 per eye), 16GB RAM, 256GB storage, with a separate tethered battery offering ~2 hours of use.

      Samsung launched the Galaxy XR headset in October last year, but it has been exclusive to South Korea and the US until now. The device is finally coming to the UK, and Samsung has already started taking pre-orders. If you want to pick one, it will cost you £1,699, with shipping expected to start on July 8. For this release, Samsung is only offering a single Silver Shadow color option. The official Galaxy XR Travel Case and Galaxy XR Controllers are also available, priced at £249 each.

      Promotions and Discounts Available

      Samsung is running several launch promotions on its UK online store to help reduce the cost. Buying either the travel case or the controllers alongside the headset knocks 30% off the price of that accessory, an offer that runs until September 30. Additionally, you can save £100 on your Galaxy XR purchase if you pay through PayPal using the code PAYPALXR until July 7, or get 10% off the headset if you purchase it alongside any Galaxy smartphone. Buying the headset will also net you 10% off on a Galaxy Watch or Galaxy Buds.

      Core Specifications and Hardware

      Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2, the headset runs the new Android XR operating system. It has dual Micro-OLED displays, delivering 3,552 x 3,840 resolution to each eye, along with a suite of cameras for full-color passthrough, hand tracking, and eye tracking. You also get 16GB RAM and 256GB storage. In order to lighten the load on your head, the battery is instead packed inside a separate tethered pack which will provide about two hours of general use per charge.

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    • New Affordable Smartwatch Launches with Offline Maps & Dual GPS

      New Affordable Smartwatch Launches with Offline Maps & Dual GPS

      Key Takeaway

      – Dual-band GPS and offline map support at a $69.99 price point
      – 1.43-inch AMOLED display with military-grade durability and 5 ATM water resistance
      – Outdoor toolkit includes ABC suite (altimeter, barometer, compass) and 170+ sports modes
      – 600 mAh battery with Bluetooth 5.3 and basic health tracking via VC30F HRS chip
      – Targets budget Garmin alternatives, not Wear OS, with launch promo of free matching strap

      Smartwatch That Packs Dual-Band GPS and Offline Maps Under $100

      Most smartwatches with dual-band GPS and offline map support start north of $200. The Rollme Hero D5 is trying to bring both features to the $69.99 tier, or at least claiming to do it. It’s a bold move to undercut the competition by such a massive margin, but you got to wonder if the quality matches the price or if corners were cut somewhere. People who love hiking on a budget might find this interesting.

      Display and Build Quality

      The Hero D5 is built around a 1.43-inch AMOLED display at 466×466 resolution, protected by Panda Glass, with a zinc alloy and two-color molding plastic case. It’s not titanium, but the combination of 5 ATM water resistance and a military-grade durability claim — the latter a marketing term without listed MIL-STD-810 specs — means it’s designed to handle outdoor conditions. Three physical buttons handle navigation, which is nice for gloved hands.

      GPS and Navigation Smarts

      The GPS system uses dual-band L1+L5 positioning across six satellite systems, which should improve accuracy in urban canyons and dense terrain compared to single-band alternatives. Paired with offline map support, it means navigation doesn’t require a cellular connection, which is acutally a pretty practical advantage for trail and wilderness use. The built-in ABC suite covers altimeter, barometer, and compass, and that rounds out the outdoor toolkit nicely for adventures.

      Health Sensors and Processor

      Health tracking runs on the VC30F HRS chip, covering heart rate, SpO2, sleep quality, and daily activity. The main processor is an ATS3085S, a budget-tier chipset that handles the workload for a smartwatch. The 600 mAh battery is generously sized, charging via wired magnetic connector, and Bluetooth 5.3 handles smartphone connectivity. The battery life should be decent for multi-day trips in theory.

      Sports Modes and Pricing

      With 170+ sports modes and a built-in speaker, the Hero D5 is trying to compete with budget alternatives from brands like Garmin (such as the Venu) rather than Wear OS devices. It launches in Black, Gray, and Gold at $69.99 via the Rollme store, currently with a free matching strap as a launch promotion. At this price point its hard to argue with the value proposition if the features hold up.


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    • Garmin Leak Reveals Enduro 4 and Connect+ Features

      Key Takeaway

      – Reference to the Enduro 4 smartwatch found in Garmin Connect APK teardown
      – Unclear if Enduro 4 will match Fenix 8 Pro with LTE/satellite or Fenix 8 Solar
      – AMOLED and solar charging may still not be combined
      – Hints of call categorisation and emergency feature tweaks
      – New capabilities may be tied to Garmin Connect+ subscription

      First Paragraph With No Heading

      The Garmin Connect app is the partner app for Garmin smartwatches and other stuff, handeling data syncronization with Garmin’s cloud and letting you do firmware updates—especialy for gadgets that don’t have direct Wi-Fi. An APK teardown of version 5.26 shows clear hints of a upcoming smartwatch plus new capabilities, though you should treat these findings with some caution. The specifics, first reported by Gadgets & Wearables, are not yet been officially confirmed by the company.

      Discovering the Enduro 4

      Probably the most notable discovery here is a reference to the Enduro 4. The Enduro series is essentally a battery-focused version of the Fenix lineup, usualy having solar charging for longer usage time. It remains not clear weather the Enduro 4 will be more like the Fenix 8 Pro, maybe adding LTE and satelite comunication, or if it goes with the already tested Fenix 8 Solar version. This difference matters a lot, because current Fenix 8 Pro models are useing AMOLED displays, and Garmin has not yet combined AMOLED panels with solar charging technology.

      Phone and Emergency Tweaks

      Additional findings in the APK point to expanded phone functionality, including possible call categorisation. There are also indications of small tweaks to emergency features such as automatic incident detection, and also new capabilities that are tied to the Garmin Connect+ subscription service. These changes are still in development and might look different when released. The code also suggests other small performance improvements that will affect how the app syncs data to the cloud, though this is still under wraps from the company.

      • Enduro 4 name found in APK code
      • Possible LTE and satellite features
      • Call categorisation is being worked on
      • Emergency detection features are being updated

      New Subscription Features

      There are also new capabilities tied to the Garmin Connect+ subscription, which might be a premium service for additional analytics. Gadgets & Wearables, Image Source: Inge Schwabe, Notebookcheck. The pricing for the Enduro 4 is not yet known, and the exact specifications remain uncertain until an official announcement happens. The APK teardown is not a confirmation of any final products, and users should wait for official word from Garmin before makeing any decisions.

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    • iPhone 20 Pro & Ultra 2: Apple’s Biggest Product Launch Ever

      iPhone 20 Pro & Ultra 2: Apple’s Biggest Product Launch Ever

      Key Takeaway

      – Apple’s 2027 iPhone lineup (iPhone 20 Pro/Pro Max) will feature a nearly bezel-less design with curved glass and a new 2nm A21 Pro chip.
      – New AirPods (code B798) will have cameras in the stems, acting as visual sensors for Siri’s AI Visual Intelligence rather than taking photos.
      – A foldable iPhone (potentially called iPhone Ultra) is planned for September 2027.
      – Apple is planning the largest product push in company history for 2027.
      – 2028’s iPhone 21 Pro will move to a 1.4nm A22 Pro chip, possibly with Intel as a second production partner.

      Gurman’s Latest Scoop on Apple’s Future

      Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman landed another scoop today, June 16, offering a well-sourced look at Apple’s future. Based on sources who naturally want to remain anonymous, the analyst reveals new details about the long-rumored AirPods with integrated cameras and also names several other Apple products that are expected to launch in 2027. Next year will be especially important for Apple, as it marks the 20th anniversary of the iPhone, which is expected to bring an entirely new iPhone design, among other things.

      iPhone 20 Pro and Pro Max Design Details

      In the paywalled article, Gurman does not mention any names, but on X he is more direct. The successor to the iPhone 18 Pro will likely be called the iPhone 20 Pro and carries the model number V73, while the iPhone 20 Pro Max has the reference V74. Both are expected to feature the new design, which the analyst describes as nearly bezel-less with curved glass on the sides. A new foldable also appears to be planned for September 2027, meaning the first Apple foldable, potentially called iPhone Ultra, could get a successor just one year later under the codename V78.

      2nm Chip and 1.4nm Process Roadmap

      All three 2027 iPhones are based on a new 2nm chip internally called Naxos, which will likely be officially named Apple A21 Pro. Just one year later, Apple is expected to move to even smaller structures. The iPhone 21 Pro in 2028 is said to be based on an Apple A22 Pro chip that is already planned at TSMC using a 1.4nm process, according to Gurman. Intel could also be used as a second production partner.

      AI-Powered AirPods with Cameras

      Alongside the iPhone 20 generation, new AirPods are also expected to launch, although they are said to be significantly smarter than the Apple earbuds currently available. As Apple’s first AI wearables, they are expected to feature cameras in the stems, though these are not intended for taking photos or videos. Instead, they are meant to serve as visual sensors for Siri AI, for example to answer questions about the surrounding environment or nearby objects. Siri could suggest a recipe based on available food items, among other things.

      Visual Intelligence and Smart Glasses Plans

      The new AirPods carry the code number B798 and are expected to help Apple with Visual Intelligence, which was already announced for iOS 27 during the WWDC 2026 keynote. Apple’s smart glasses with the codename N50 could also launch as early as late 2027, while a smart pendant is apparently being considered as a third AI wearable. According to the analyst’s sources, Apple is planning the largest product push in the company’s history for 2027.

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