Category: Wearables

May 15, 2025
Garmin Forerunner 970: New Smartwatch Launches at $749
Key Takeaways
1. The Forerunner 970 replaces the Forerunner 965 and is priced at $749.99 in the U.S. and €749.99 in Europe.
2. It features a brighter 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, protected by a Sapphire Crystal lens and housed in a titanium bezel.
3. New capabilities include Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate sensor, ECG, skin temperature monitoring, and Evening reporting features.
4. The smartwatch supports voice commands, Bluetooth calling, and offers up to 15 days of battery life in smartwatch mode.
5. Pre-orders for the Forerunner 970 will start on May 21, and it comes in three different finishes.
Earlier today, some initial details about the Forerunner 970 surfaced online after Garmin accidentally showcased the smartwatch on a support page. To our surprise, the Forerunner 970 is now officially announced, along with the Forerunner 570, which we have discussed in another article.
Pricing and Positioning
In brief, the Forerunner 970 takes the place of the Forerunner 965 in Garmin’s product range. However, it comes at a much higher price of $749.99 in the United States and €749.99 in Europe. Consequently, the Forerunner series is now just $50 less than the Fenix series, which begins at $799.99 for the Fenix E (currently available for $599.99 on Amazon).
Enhanced Features
For that extra cost, Garmin has incorporated a brighter AMOLED display compared to the one found in the Forerunner 965. This display measures 1.4 inches in size, delivering a resolution of 454 x 454 pixels, and is housed in a 47 mm casing that weighs 56 grams. Additionally, Garmin has safeguarded this large screen with a Sapphire Crystal lens and a titanium bezel.
New Capabilities
Among the exciting new features are Garmin’s Elevate V5 heart rate sensor, ECG, and skin temperature monitoring. Unlike the Forerunner 965, the Forerunner 970 also presents Evening reporting features, as well as voice commands and Bluetooth calling capabilities, thanks to its built-in microphones and speakers.
Garmin mentions that the Forerunner 970 can last up to 15 days in smartwatch mode or 12 hours with all GNSS systems turned on and music playing. This smartwatch also provides turn-by-turn navigation support and has 32 GB of internal storage for offline maps. The Forerunner 970 is set to be available for pre-order starting May 21 in three different finishes. More details can be found on Garmin’s official website.
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Tags: Forerunner 970, Garmin, Smartwatch
May 15, 2025
New Casio AE1000W Watches with World Map Now in Stock
Key Takeaways
1. The Casio AE1000W-5AV and AE1000W-8AV are priced at $29.95, similar to previous models.
2. The AE1000W-5AV features a black resin case with a beige band, while the AE1000W-8AV has a gray strap with light blue accents.
3. The design of the AE1000W watches is inspired by airplane cockpit instruments.
4. The watches include multiple displays for settings, a world map for time zones, and an LC Analog display for home city time.
5. Key features include a stopwatch, countdown timer, amber LED backlight, water resistance up to 100 meters, and a battery life of 10 years.
The Casio AE1000W-5AV and AE1000W-8AV timepieces have made their debut in the US market. These watches were first featured on the company’s global website back in May, so consumers are already aware of their specifications.
Pricing Information
You can purchase the Casio AE1000W-5AV and AE1000W-8AV for $29.95. This pricing is identical to that of previous models like the AE-1000W-1A3V, which is currently listed for $24.95 on Amazon. It’s uncertain if these watches will be made available in Europe, where older models retail for £40.00/€39.90.
Design Details
The AE1000W-5AV showcases a black resin case paired with a beige resin band, featuring both beige and yellow highlights on its dial. In contrast, the AE1000W-8AV maintains the same black resin casing but comes with a gray strap and light blue and gray detailing. According to Casio, the design of the AE1000W’s face is inspired by the instruments found in an airplane cockpit.
Features and Functionalities
The AE1000W watch incorporates four smaller displays. The top left display, the smallest of them all, indicates settings such as mute, alarms, and hourly signals. Below that, there is a world map showing the current timezone on the larger display underneath; users have the flexibility to switch between four saved time zones, choosing from a total of 31. On the right side, an LC Analog display shows the time for your home city, while the largest display at the bottom showcases the time, day of the week, and date. Among the features are a 1/100-second stopwatch, a countdown timer, and an amber LED backlight. Additionally, the watch boasts a water resistance of up to 100 meters and an estimated battery life of 10 years.
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Tags: AE1000W-5AV, AE1000W-8AV, Casio AE1000W
May 15, 2025
Rollme R11 Smart Ring: Affordable ECG Alternative to Oura & Ultrahuman
Key Takeaways
1. Affordable Fitness Tracking: The Rollme R11 is a budget-friendly smart ring priced at $139.99, targeting users looking for compact fitness tracking.
2. Comprehensive Health Monitoring: It features ECG capabilities, heart rate monitoring, SpO₂ tracking, skin temperature measurement, and sleep analysis.
3. Durable and Water-Resistant Design: Weighing only 3.5 grams, the R11 is made from a medical-grade alloy, has a sleek finish, and is rated 5ATM for water resistance.
4. Decent Battery Life: The ring can last 4 to 6 days on a single charge, with a standby time of up to 30 days, and charges via a magnetic base.
5. No Subscription Fees: Unlike some competitors, the R11 does not require ongoing payments for access to its app features, making it a cost-effective choice.
Rollme has launched the R11, a fresh smart ring aimed at users who want a compact fitness tracker that doesn’t break the bank. This new model follows the company’s earlier versions like the R5 and R2, and it comes packed with features such as ECG (electrocardiogram) capabilities, ongoing heart rate monitoring, and comprehensive sleep analysis over multiple days.
Specifications and Build Quality
The R11 is quite light, weighing in at just 3.5 grams. Rollme states that it’s made from a medical-grade alloy with a sleek black vacuum-plated finish. The exterior is designed to withstand scratches and minor damage, and the ring boasts a 5ATM water resistance rating. This means it should hold up well against basic water exposure, making it suitable even for swimming.
Tracking Features
As for the tracking capabilities, the R11 can record ECG, monitor SpO₂ (blood oxygen), track skin temperature, heart rate, and offer estimated blood pressure readings. It also includes features for daily step counting and calorie tracking, along with a few activity modes, though the variety and detail of these modes seem a bit limited at launch.
Sleep tracking is thorough, providing insights into both the duration and quality of sleep, along with tracking sleep stages overnight. However, the company hasn’t provided information on whether the R11 can monitor HRV (heart rate variability), respiratory rate, or other advanced recovery metrics.
Battery Life and Connectivity
The ring is powered by a compact battery that, as per Rollme, can last from 4 to 6 days based on usage, with a standby time of up to 30 days. Charging is done through a magnetic base, and a portable charging case is included. The R11 connects via Bluetooth 5.3 to sync data with the Rollme mobile app, which is available for Android (6.0+) and iOS (11+).
The R11 is offered in four sizes: US 8, 9, 10, and 11, and currently, there’s only one color option available (black). Unlike some premium brands that charge subscription fees for data access, it looks like the R11 doesn’t require any ongoing payments for its app features.
Pricing and Market Position
At its launch, the Rollme R11 is priced at $139.99 and can be purchased through the company’s official website. It enters the growing market of smart rings under the $150 price point, and with its ECG feature, it has a slight advantage over many other models in the same range. However, the company has not disclosed whether the ECG data is clinically validated, and the accuracy in real-world scenarios is still to be tested.
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Tags: Fitness Tracker, Rollme R11, Smart ring
May 15, 2025
Garmin Prepares for Stable Update Release for Flagship Smartwatches
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is set to release new smartwatches, including LTE versions of Fenix E, Fenix 8, and Forerunner 970, along with a new Forerunner 570 model.
2. Garmin is actively updating its current smartwatch lineup, with recent stable releases for the latest Forerunner models after beta testing.
3. Beta Version 15.29 indicates the end of the beta phase for several models, following a series of feature-rich updates.
4. The latest beta version addresses a crash issue for certain models, providing improved stability for users.
5. Key features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG remain inactive, suggesting that another beta version may be released before finalizing the software.
It appears Garmin is making strides to introduce a number of new smartwatches. To summarize, there’s been signs of the company gearing up LTE versions of their Fenix E, Fenix 8 and several premium models, along with the Forerunner 970 and even a new edition of Fenix 8. Interestingly, it seems a smartwatch known as the Forerunner 570 will be launching soon as well.
Ongoing Updates for Current Models
In the meantime, Garmin has been hard at work providing multiple updates for their current smartwatch lineup. Just yesterday, they rolled out a stable version for the latest Forerunner models after around two months of beta testing. It seems that the beta phase for the current Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8 (currently priced at $1,299.99 on Amazon) is also nearing its conclusion.
Development Insights
Although Garmin hasn’t confirmed it outright, the details in Beta Version 15.29 imply this is the case. Recently, the company has been introducing a plethora of new features and fixes with each beta version, reaching a peak with Beta Version 15.27 at the start of the week. In contrast, Beta Version 15.29 presents only a minor bug fix, often indicating that the beta development stage is winding down.
Important Bug Fixes
That said, Beta Version 15.29 is reported to address a potential crash issue when navigating, which should be a relief for beta testers using the Enduro 3, Fenix E, Fenix 8, or Tactix 8. However, the fact that features like Aviation, Dive, and ECG are still inactive suggests that Garmin plans to release at least one more beta version before moving the v15.xx development to its stable software line. For further information, you can check Garmin’s forum post.
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Tags: Fenix 8, Forerunner 570, Garmin
May 15, 2025
Garmin Forerunner 570 Leaks: Price, Specs, and Images Revealed
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin is expected to launch new mid-tier smartwatches, including the Forerunner 970 and an affordable Forerunner 270.
2. The Forerunner 570 is anticipated to be released before the other models, with specifications and store listings already available.
3. The Forerunner 570 will feature a five-button design and come in two sizes: 42 mm and 47 mm.
4. Both sizes of the Forerunner 570 are expected to have AMOLED screens, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, and aluminum bezels, with the larger model offering up to 11 days of battery life.
5. The estimated price for the Forerunner 570 is €549 (about $615), with a potential launch in summer 2024 or spring 2025.
Lately, there’s been a lot of talk suggesting that Garmin is gearing up to unveil a new range of mid-tier smartwatches. At first, it was thought that the Forerunner 975 would be the next in line. But later hints pointed towards the Forerunner 970, which is expected to debut alongside a more affordable Forerunner 270.
New Developments
With all these whispers about the new Forerunner smartwatches, Garmin has also hinted at upcoming LTE versions of the Fenix E, Fenix 8, and other premium models, along with a new version of the Fenix 8. Interestingly, it seems that a different smartwatch called the Forerunner 570 might be released ahead of these other models.
Details on the Forerunner Series
So far, not much has come to light regarding the Forerunner 270, 970, or 975. In contrast, there’s already a picture, specifications, and store listings for the Forerunner 570 that have surfaced online. To start with the visuals, the Forerunner 570 continues the five-button design of recent models like the Forerunner 265 (curr. $339 – renewed on Amazon).
Features and Pricing
There will be two sizes for the Forerunner 570: 42 mm and 47 mm, which is slightly different from the Forerunner 265 that had sizes of 42 mm and 46 mm. Both models are expected to come with AMOLED screens, cases made of fiber-reinforced polymer, and aluminum bezels. The larger version is anticipated to have a longer battery life of 11 days in smartwatch mode and an additional hour of GPS multi-band battery life for up to 14 hours.
The two models are also likely to include Garmin’s Elevate V4 sensor array. According to Italian retailer Capo Nord, the Forerunner 570 will cost €549 (about $615) for either size option. The retailer mentions that all versions should hit the market this summer, although FitnessTrackerTest suggests a possible launch in spring 2025.
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Tags: Forerunner 570, Garmin, smartwatches
May 15, 2025
Garmin Forerunner 970 Specs, Price, and Release Date Leak
Key Takeaways
1. The Forerunner 570 has been spotted online, revealing its retail version and pricing for two sizes.
2. The Forerunner 970 has appeared on a Garmin Taiwan support page and is also listed by an Italian store.
3. The expected launch price for the Forerunner 970 is €749 (approximately $689), making it more expensive than the Forerunner 965.
4. Both the Forerunner 570 and 970 may be launched simultaneously, according to FitnessTrackerTest.
5. Key features of the Forerunner 970 include sapphire crystal glass, an enhanced AMOLED display, a speaker for voice commands, and potentially an Elevate V5 sensor.
Earlier today, the first signs of the new Forerunner 570 were spotted online, following a flurry of Garmin smartwatch leaks. In short, details about the previously undiscovered Forerunner have come to light, including a photo of what seems to be a retail version and its pricing for two different sizes.
New Developments on Forerunner 970
The Forerunner 970 has made another appearance after being listed on a Garmin Taiwan support page late last month. While this page just confirmed that the Forerunner 970 exists, an Italian store has taken it a step further. Capo Nord has posted the Forerunner 970 on its website ahead of its official release, and we have included evidence of this below.
Pricing and Features
Capo Nord claims that Garmin plans to launch the Forerunner 970 this summer at a price of €749, which translates to about $689 at the current exchange rates, not including Italy’s 22% VAT. This means that the Forerunner 970 might be much pricier than the Forerunner 965, which was released over two years ago for €579 in the Eurozone (approximately $499 on Amazon). Interestingly, FitnessTrackerTest suggests that both the Forerunner 570 and Forerunner 970 might hit the market at the same time. Additionally, Capo Nord notes that the new model will feature sapphire crystal glass to protect its enhanced AMOLED display, a speaker for voice commands, and potentially an Elevate V5 sensor as well.
Conclusion
In summation, the excitement surrounding Garmin’s upcoming watches has reached a peak, with the Forerunner 570 and 970 promising to bring new features to the table. Keep an eye out for more updates as we draw closer to the launch.
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Tags: Forerunner 570, Forerunner 970, Garmin
May 15, 2025
Casio Unveils New Color-Changing G-Shock Watch Design
Key Takeaways
1. Casio launched the G-Shock Playful Hearts Series BGA-10 watch in the UK, designed for women.
2. The watch features a unique heart design with four hearts of different sizes that change color daily.
3. The BGA-10 has a resin case, dimensions of 46.6 x 42.1 x 11.4 mm, and is water-resistant up to 10 ATM.
4. The watch maintains time accuracy within 20 seconds per month and has a battery life of three years.
5. The BGA-10-7A is priced at £79.90 in the UK, with no current plans for other color options or regions.
Casio has introduced a fresh G-Shock Playful Hearts Series BGA-10 watch in the UK. This Baby-G model was also recently made available in Japan as a shock-resistant timepiece aimed at women.
Heart Design Features
The BGA-10 features four hearts of different sizes on its watch face, each heart’s color changing daily. This unique effect is achieved through a rotating mechanism located beneath the surface (check below). The second hand symbolizes Cupid’s arrow, and when the bezel is taken off, a tiny heart design can be seen on one side of the watch. In the UK, the white BGA-10-7A has been launched; meanwhile, in Japan, the model comes in additional colors such as green (BGA-10-3A), pink (BGA-10-4A), and purple (BGA-10-6A).
Specifications and Features
This model features a resin case with dimensions of 46.6 x 42.1 x 11.4 mm (about 1.8 x 1.7 x 0.4 inches). It is claimed that the time stays accurate to within 20 seconds per month, and the current day of the month is shown on the right side of the watch face. Furthermore, the BGA-10 boasts water resistance up to 10 ATM, and the battery life is projected to last for three years.
Pricing and Availability
The Casio G-Shock BGA-10-7A is currently priced at £79.90 in the UK. It is still uncertain if or when the other three color options will be available in this market. Casio has not yet shared any plans to introduce this model to other regions, including the US or the EU.
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Tags: BGA-10, Casio, G-SHOCK
May 15, 2025
Garmin Smartwatches Update: Rucking Activity & Sleep Enhancements
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin released a stable software update (version 9.20) for Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches, marking the end of the first beta testing phase.
2. New features include a Rucking activity with a Pack Weight setting, support for Garmin Connect+ subscription, and a Passcode security feature with wrist detection.
3. Instinct 3 Tactical models gained upgrades like interval support in Timers, Stage Timer application, and a ‘Delete all Targets’ feature for Applied Ballistics.
4. Instinct 3 AMOLED smartwatches now have new animations for the Morning Report and Daily Suggested Workouts available in the Workouts app.
5. The update is currently available to 20% of users and can be installed via the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express.
Garmin has announced a fresh and stable software update for its Instinct 3 AMOLED, Instinct 3 Solar, and Instinct E smartwatches. This update, labeled version 9.20, signifies the end of the first beta testing phase, version 9.xx, which started around mid-April.
New Features and Improvements
With the rollout of software version 9.20, both the AMOLED and Solar models of the Instinct 3 smartwatch introduce a new Rucking activity along with the Pack Weight setting. All three versions now also provide support for the newly launched Garmin Connect+ paid subscription and come equipped with the Passcode security feature that includes wrist detection. Other enhancements are more locations added for the Weather glance and the capability to recognize changes in your breathing patterns during sleep.
Tactical Model Upgrades
The Instinct 3 Tactical models receive an upgrade that adds support for intervals in Timers and the Stage Timer application, as well as a new feature to ‘Delete all Targets’ for Applied Ballistics. Moreover, the Instinct 3 AMOLED smartwatches introduce new animations for the Morning Report greeting page. Users can now also find Daily Suggested Workouts in the Workouts app; however, this feature is specifically noted in the change log for the Instinct E and Instinct 3 Solar (45mm Black curr. $399.99 at Amazon) models.
Update Availability
The full change logs for the Instinct 3 system software version 9.20 can be accessed below. A recent blog post indicated that this update is now available to 20% of users. Users can install the software through the Garmin Connect app or Garmin Express.
Garmin (1, 2, 3)
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Tags: Garmin Instinct 3, Rucking Activity, Software Update 9.20
May 15, 2025
Garmin Forerunner Smartwatch Update: New Features & Fixes
Key Takeaways
1. Garmin has not officially confirmed the launch of new Forerunner smartwatches, but rumors suggest the Forerunner 970 may be coming soon.
2. A new version of the Fenix 8 is reportedly in development, along with LTE upgrades for current models.
3. Garmin released a stable software update (System Software 23.20) for current Forerunner smartwatches after nearly two months of beta testing.
4. The System Software 23.20 update includes 24 new features, bug fixes, and improvements for models like Forerunner 165, 265, and 965, as well as older models 255 and 955.
5. Approximately 20% of eligible smartwatches have received the update, and users can manually check for updates via the smartwatch menu.
Garmin has not made any official statements regarding the launch of new Forerunner smartwatches. However, there are growing rumors that the company could be ready to launch the Forerunner 970 worldwide. Additionally, Garmin might have hinted that a new version of the Fenix 8 is also in development, along with LTE upgrades for current models.
New Software Update Details
In the meantime, the company has quietly begun to release a new stable software update for the current Forerunner smartwatches, replacing the previous month’s v22.xx versions. This update, known as System Software 23.20, is the result of nearly two months of beta testing and includes numerous changes for the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 265, and Forerunner 965, as well as the older Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 955 (priced at $373 on Amazon).
Features and Availability
According to our calculations, System Software 23.20 introduces 24 new features, bug fixes, and improvements for the mentioned smartwatches. We’ve made an effort to spotlight some specific changes for each device below. At the moment, Garmin believes that approximately 20% of the eligible smartwatches have received the System Software 23.20 update. If your smartwatch hasn’t received the update yet, you can try to manually start the download by navigating to Menu, then System, followed by Software Update, and pressing ‘Check for Updates’. For more information, check out the changelog and Garmin’s forum links below.
Changes by Model
– All Forerunner smartwatches
– Changes for the Forerunner 165
– Changes for the Forerunner 265 and Forerunner 965
– Specific changes for the Forerunner 965
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Tags: Forerunner 970, Garmin, System Software 23.20
May 14, 2025
Apple Developing Brain Implants for Disability Device Control
Key Takeaways
1. Apple is collaborating with start-up Synchron to develop brain-computer interface (BCI) technology using thought signals.
2. The Stentrode implant, created by Synchron, can detect neuronal activities and control devices like the iPhone via 16 electrodes.
3. Users, like Mark Jackson with ALS, can operate devices using the Stentrode implant, but navigation speed is currently limited compared to traditional methods.
4. Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, emphasizes the need for a standardized approach for BCI devices, which Apple plans to introduce by the end of 2025.
5. A dedicated standard from Apple could significantly enhance BCI accessibility and impact how individuals with disabilities interact with technology.
According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), Apple is working together with a start-up called Synchron to explore new ways for controlling devices using thought signals, which are basically neural impulses. Synchron has created the Stentrode implant, a brain-computer interface (BCI) that is inserted like a stent into a vein located above the motor cortex in the brain. This device has 16 electrodes that can detect delicate neuronal activities related to movement and turn these signals into commands to control devices like the iPhone. Since 2019, ten individuals have received the Stentrode implant.
User Experience
One individual using the Stentrode implant is Mark Jackson, who suffers from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). He shared that he can operate an Apple Vision Pro headset with assistance from his implant and special software designed by Apple. The signals from the implant are managed through existing alternative device control options in Apple’s operating systems. However, Jackson notes that the current method of navigation is not as fast as traditional ways because direct cursor control through thought is still not possible.
Future Plans
According to Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, a standardized approach specifically designed for BCI devices from companies like Apple would greatly enhance the potential of these technologies. Reportedly, Apple intends to roll out such a standard for developers by the end of 2025, making it easier to incorporate brain implant inputs into software.
Broader Impact
The creation of a dedicated standard by Apple could be a major advancement in making BCIs more accessible and influencing the future of how humans interact with computers. Morgan Stanley estimates that approximately 150,000 individuals in the United States with severe upper extremity disabilities could be potential early users of BCI devices.
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Tags: Apple, brain-computer interface, Synchron Stentrode