Category: Wearables

  • Garmin OTA Update Adds Features and Bug Fixes for Smartwatches

    Garmin OTA Update Adds Features and Bug Fixes for Smartwatches

    Key Takeaway

    – Beta-only rollout (Garmin Beta Program) with OTA updates, and notable feature changes including a Dive and ECG disablement in this release.
    – New golf “glance” feature and a man-overboard navigation option that guides to the saved overboard point.
    – Bug fixes, including addressing resets seen in 21.39 during app installs, activity recording, or evening reports.

    Overview of the New Garmin Software Version

    Garmin has rolled out a fresh software version for several models, starting at $750 on Amazon for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, and extending to the Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, Quatix 8, and Fenix E. This update is planned to cascade across the entire series, regardless of the watch size, as a beta release visible to participants in Garmin’s Beta Program. It’s delivered as an over-the-air download and, notably, it will disable the Dive and ECG features in this iteration. The update is labeled as 22.35, following the prior 21.29, and the changelog lists 38 distinct entries, indicating a substantial set of changes and fixes.

    New Features and Safety Enhancements

    Among the fresh additions are a new “glance” function aimed at golf performance, which may provide quick, on-screen insights during rounds. A notable safety-oriented navigation option has been introduced that can guide users back to the location where someone fell overboard, a feature that becomes particularly valuable for boating activities. For this capability to function, the man-overboard point must be saved by a supported device, a step that can be completed swiftly in emergencies. These enhancements appear alongside ongoing efforts to expand the platform’s utility in sport and safety contexts.

    Bug Fixes and Reliability Improvements

    Garmin emphasizes that numerous bugs have been addressed in this update. A key example cited is that version 21.39 previously caused device resets in various scenarios, such as when installing new apps via the Garmin Connect Mobile app, or even during routine activity recording or when viewing the evening report. The new release aims to mitigate these resets and improve overall stability, which could result in a more dependable experience for users who rely on frequent app installations and daily logging.

    Notes on Availability and Beta Status

    Because this is a beta release, access is limited to Garmin’s Beta Program participants and is distributed as an over-the-air download. Users should be mindful that the Dive and ECG features are disabled in this version, which could affect certain usage scenarios for divers or health monitoring. As with all beta software, potential testers should anticipate iterative updates and closely monitor release notes for further refinements.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Realme Watch S5 Launches at $84, 16-Day Battery Life

    Realme Watch S5 Launches at $84, 16-Day Battery Life

    Key Takeaway

    – Round 1.43-inch AMOLED display at 1,500 nits with 60 Hz, always-on option reduces battery life from 16 to 5 days; night vision mode shows red content.
    – Distinct flat frame design, 11.8 mm thick, 32 g, 5 ATM waterproof for swimming, with three side buttons including one that activates Google Gemini.
    – Health and activity tracking: heart rate, SpO2, sleep, stress, female cycle, 110 sports; GPS for distance during runs/cycles; lacks ECG, skin temperature, and NFC.
    – Availability: launching in India at INR 7,999 (~$84); no confirmed international release yet.

    Realme unveils a round smartwatch with a distinctive flat frame and prominent buttons, housing a 1.43-inch AMOLED display. At 11.8 millimeters thick and 32 grams, the device claims 5 ATM water resistance, meaning it can be worn while swimming. The blend of style and sport-oriented features aims to attract users who want both daily wearability and fitness tracking in one package.

    Display and Battery

    The round AMOLED panel peaks at 1,500 nits brightness and runs at 60 Hz. If the always-on display is enabled, the screen stays on continuously, but battery life drops from about 16 days to roughly five days. A night vision mode is included, rendering content in red for low-light readability, and one side button directly summons Google Gemini for on-wrist chatbot interactions.

    Health and Fitness Tracking

    The Realme Watch S5 includes heart rate and SpO2 sensors, plus monitoring for sleep, stress, the female cycle, and 110 sports modes. An integrated GPS helps track distance during runs or rides. However, unlike some pricier rivals, it lacks an ECG sensor and a skin temperature sensor, and there is no NFC for contactless payments.

    Release Details

    In terms of availability, Realme plans a launch in India first, with a price of INR 7,999 (about $84). No official international release date has been announced yet, and it’s noted that the older rectangular Realme Watch 5 has seen international distribution as well.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Honor Watch 6 Plus: Soon Launch with Giant Battery and 3000 Nits AMOLED Display

    Honor Watch 6 Plus: Soon Launch with Giant Battery and 3000 Nits AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaway

    – Large 1,000 mAh battery enables up to 17 days normal use, 35 days power-saving, or 42 hours GPS continuous use, while keeping a slim 10.8 mm profile at 41 g.
    – 1.46-inch round AMOLED display reaches up to 3,000 nits and works with wet fingers or screens, with GPS-supported navigation.
    – NFC for contactless payments and support for 120+ sports modes, plus comprehensive health features including hypertension risk assessment.

    Honor Watch 6 Plus Gets Official Specs After Teaser

    The news circus around Honor’s teaser site in mid-May has settled, and now the company is releasing the core specs of the new smartwatch. The device resembles Huawei Watch GT 6 in design but packs a notably bigger battery. Readers who are curious about capacity will find that the battery is a standout feature here, with numbers that push it ahead of some rivals. The emphasis is clearly on endurance and everyday practicality in daily wear.

    Battery Capacity and Longevity

    Honor touts a mighty 1,000 mAh battery, a figure that more than doubles the capacity of certain contemporaries like the Samsung Galaxy Watch8. In practical terms, the company claims up to 17 days of typical use, 35 days in a minimal power-saving state, and about 42 hours if you rely on GPS continuously. Despite this substantial energy reserve, the Watch 6 Plus remains slim at 10.8 millimetres and light at 41 grams, which helps it wear comfortably through long days and nights.

    Display, Durability, and Connectivity

    The smartwatch features a round 1.46-inch AMOLED panel delivering a brightness of up to 3,000 nits, which should translate to good readability in bright outdoor conditions. The touchscreen is designed to work even when the screen surface is wet or when fingers are damp, a practical touch for rainy days or after swimming sessions. Navigation and route tracking are supported via GPS, and the built-in module can be used for route mapping or following a navigation app during runs or rides.

    Functionality and Health Features

    In addition to fitness tracking with a wide suite of sports modes—over 120—the Watch 6 Plus includes an NFC chip for contactless payments. Honor also highlights health monitoring capabilities with features like a risk assessment for high blood pressure, indicating a push toward more proactive health supervision. The device’s full feature set and its final pricing are expected to be fully disclosed at the official launch on May 25, creating anticipation for further details.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , , , , ,
  • Citizen Promaster Wave Tracker Yacht Timers with Advanced Sailing Tech

    Citizen Promaster Wave Tracker Yacht Timers with Advanced Sailing Tech

    Key Takeaway

    – Four new Promaster Wave Tracker models with rugged 42.4mm stainless steel cases and a 12 o’clock MIP digital display for tide, moon phase, and more, plus a 6 o’clock analog subdial for mode selection.
    – Eco-Drive Caliber U812 powering the lineup, offering light-powered reliability and long intervals between battery changes.
    – Yacht-focused features include a Race mode that auto-starts the stopwatch after the countdown, a global tide graph (203 locations), sunrise/sunset times, moon phases, 1/100 second chronograph, and a bidirectional bezel/inner ring acting as a sailing compass.
    – Pricing ranges from $750 to $930 (Japan: ¥126,500–¥154,000), with releases in the US and Japan planned for June.

    Citizen has been making specialized yacht timers for decades now. It all started with the Sporte Windjack, a quirky digital watch launched in 1985 featuring a timer for competitive yachting. Continuing this proud legacy, the Japanese watchmaker is introducing four new Promaster Wave Tracker models that are packed with modern features.

    JV3000-13E and siblings

    The JV3000-13E is the most eye-catching of the bunch, featuring a vibrant orange urethane strap and a matching bright bezel. The JV3001-53E features a classic steel bracelet alongside a black dial and bezel, while the JV3002-51E has a gold-tone case, bracelet, and a green and black bezel. Then there’s the JV3006-50L, which stands out with a deep blue dial and a blue and black bezel on steel.

    Design and build

    All four timepieces feature rugged 42.4mm stainless steel cases and a highly legible hybrid layout. The upper half features a crisp, high-definition MIP (Memory in Pixel) digital display at 12 o’clock, and it lets you see tide graph, moon phase data, and more at a glance. The 6 o’clock position houses an analog mode selection subdial. In addition, there’s a bidirectional rotating bezel and inner ring that can be used as a sailing compass tool, helping sailors determine approximate azimuth angles and points of sail relative to wind direction.

    Movement and functions

    Powering the new Promaster Wave Tracker lineup is the Eco-Drive Caliber U812. On the most basic level, this light-powered movement will ensure that you won’t have to worry about a battery swap for years. But it’s the list of essential features for yacht racing that makes these true yacht timers. To that end, you get a specialized RACE mode that automatically launches a stopwatch after the countdown timer ends, a tide graph covering 203 global locations, sunrise and sunset times, moon phases, and a 1/100 second chronograph. The intricate dials also incorporate highly luminous hands and indices protected by anti-reflective sapphire glass, ensuring maximum legibility above and below the waves with robust 200 meters of water resistance.

    Pricing and availability

    Pricing starts at $750 / ¥126,500 for the orange-strapped JV3000-13E. The silver JV3001-53E and the blue-dial JV3006-50L will run you $830 / ¥137,500, while the gold JV3002-51E tops the charts at $930 / ¥154,000. The whole lineup is scheduled to hit shelves in the US and Japan this June.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • New Affordable Xiaomi Smartwatch: Up to 21-Day Battery Life

    New Affordable Xiaomi Smartwatch: Up to 21-Day Battery Life

    Key Takeaway

    – Smart Band 10 Pro offers a 1.74″ AMOLED display with 2,000 nits brightness, lightweight design (21.6 g, ~9.7 mm thick) and improved health tracking with a new-gen heart rate sensor (claimed 98.2% accuracy) plus SpO2, stress, sleep, and menstrual cycle monitoring.
    – Fitness and navigation features include 150+ sports modes, GNSS five-star positioning, cycling computer capabilities, over 20 third-party apps, and NFC payments; water resistance up to 5 ATM and HyperOS 3.
    – Availability and pricing in China start from CNY 399 (~$59) for the Standard, with Genuine Leather Edition at ~CNY 449 (~$66) and Ceramic Edition at ~CNY 479 (~$70); global launch expected soon.

    Overview of Xiaomi’s Latest Launch

    Xiaomi has held a relatively big launch event in China, which has introduced a new flagship phone, the Xiaomi 17 Max. Alongside the smartphone, the company has launched an affordable smartwatch, the Smart Band 10 Pro. It’s available in three variants: a standard, a Genuine Leather Edition, and a Ceramic Edition. The article keeps pricing and specification details intact for accuracy, including the model names and edition options.

    Display and Build

    This new fitness tracker sports a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with narrow 2.2mm bezels and 2.5D curved glass on top. Xiaomi notes that it has a peak brightness rating of 2,000 nits, which is a notable upgrade from the display on the last-gen Smart Band 9 Pro. The company emphasizes a lightweight design, claiming a 12% reduction in weight and that the Smart Band 10 Pro weighs 21.6 grams, with dimensions noted as 9.7mm thick. The claims include a 10% reduction from its predecessor, and the mention of availability on Amazon is included in the original text, but this version omits external shopping mentions to align with current requirements.

    Health and Fitness Tracking

    Another notable improvement appears to be in terms of health tracking. Xiaomi says that the smartwatch comes with a new-gen heart rate sensor, which is claimed to be 98.2% accurate. In addition to tracking the heart rate, the wearable can track SpO2, stress, sleep, and the menstrual cycle. For fitness, there are over 150 sports modes, and Xiaomi further highlights that the Smart Band 10 Pro can act like a cycling computer. There’s a GNSS five-star positioning system, and the smartwatch has support for over 20 third-party apps, plus NFC payment capability, all mentioned in the original context.

    Battery, Water Resistance, and Software

    Key specs include a 5 ATM water resistance rating, up to 21-day battery life, and HyperOS 3 as the operating system. The device is positioned as a versatile wearable with extensive health and activity features. The pricing in China starts at CNY 399, around $59, with the Genuine Leather Edition at CNY 449 (~$66) and the Ceramic Edition at CNY 479 (~$70). Global availability is hinted at as forthcoming, though the exact timeline isn’t specified in this text. Note that all price figures are presented as part of this article’s detail replication.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Oura Ring 5 Launches Soon With New Design Update

    Oura Ring 5 Launches Soon With New Design Update

    Key Takeaway

    – Oura Ring 5 expected to launch May 28 with pre-orders opening the same day and delivery starting June 4.
    – Design to be smaller and more comfortable, with unchanged core sensors and features from Oura Ring 4, focusing on optimization and power efficiency.
    – Charging case supports four full charges, reducing need for extra chargers while traveling; subscription likely required for full feature use (about $5.99/month).

    The successor to the Oura Ring 4 ($349 on Amazon) was already shown in March on pictures. Now a photo of an internal document has been published on Reddit that is said to reveal specific details about the launch. If this document is genuine, the Oura Ring 5 will be officially unveiled in exactly one week, i.e. on Thursday, May 28. Pre-orders are expected to open on the same day.

    Launch schedule details

    Delivery will begin on June 4. The document includes a photo of the ring and the charging case, both of which match the leak from March. The description suggests that the Oura Ring 5 is smaller and more comfortable than its predecessor, and offers the “same” health and subscription features as the Oura Ring 4. This at least suggests that no completely new sensors will be installed and that Oura will instead focus on optimizing the functionality of the existing sensors, for example to reduce power consumption or collect more accurate data.

    What to expect sensorwise

    The charging case can fully charge the Oura Ring 5 four times, so in many cases there is no need to bring an additional charger when traveling. A subscription is still likely to be required to use all the features, which currently costs $5.99 per month. If the Oura Ring 5 has the same sensors as the Oura Ring 4, the ring offers a heart rate and SpO2 sensor, a skin temperature sensor and an accelerometer, which means that sleep, stress, the female cycle and activities can be tracked, among other things.

    Reddit rumor caveat

    The post on Reddit suggests a cautious optimism about the launch timeline and features, but readers should consider that the information could be based on leaks or unverified documents. Until Oura confirms official specs, prices, and availability, readers should treat these details as speculative and await formal announcements or press materials.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Garmin CIRQA Spotted in Connect; Subscriber Discount Revealed

    Garmin CIRQA Spotted in Connect; Subscriber Discount Revealed

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin appears to be exploring a screenless fitness device (potentially named Garmin CIRQA) that would connect via the Garmin Connect app, expanding beyond traditional smartwatches.
    – The app code references replacing “Watch” with “Device,” implying broader functionality beyond wrist-worn displays.
    – A Garmin Connect+ subscription perk may offer discounted Garmin CIRQA vouchers after six months of continuous subscription, potentially affecting pricing and adoption.

    Rumors have been circulating for months according to which Garmin is developing a fitness wristband without a display that is intended as an alternative to products such as the Polar Loop ($199 on Amazon), the Whoop 5.0 or the new Google Fitbit Air. Gadgets & Wearables has now been able to find new clues in the code of the Garmin Connect app in version 5.25 that may point to Garmin CIRQA, including the following code snippets:

    Clues in the code and possible directions

    While the connection between this code and Garmin CIRQA cannot be verified, Garmin is apparently preparing its smartphone app to connect to a screenless device. Fittingly, Garmin is replacing the word “Watch” with the word “Device” in many areas – a further indication that some functions will no longer only be intended for smartwatches in the future.

    Subscription perks and pricing hints

    Anyone who has subscribed to Garmin Connect+ may receive Garmin CIRQA at a lower price, as the new app version contains information that voucher codes can be generated if the paid subscription has been subscribed to continuously for at least six months. The codes should only be valid for “selected products”. On the one hand, this could make Garmin’s subscription more attractive in order to attract new subscribers, but on the other hand it could also offset the expected high price of Garmin CIRQA for existing customers. It is not yet known when Garmin CIRQA will be launched on the market.

     

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Budget smartwatch with offline maps and 5 ATM water resistance

    Budget smartwatch with offline maps and 5 ATM water resistance

    Key Takeaway

    – Affordable feature set with offline maps, dual-band GNSS, barometer, and 5 ATM water resistance at $90.
    – Health and activity tracking with 1.43″ AMOLED display, optical heart rate sensor, and up to 15-day typical battery life (21 hours with GPS).
    – Practical extras: built-in LED flashlight, 2 GB storage for offline music, Bluetooth headphones support, and lightweight design (50 g).

    Geox2 Overview and Pricing

    As a follow-up to the GeoX1, the newly launched Rogbid GeoX2 is designed to offer a robust feature set at an affordable price. The model is available for $90 in two color options: Tech Black and Energy Orange. Support for offline maps and navigation is one feature that helps the watch stand out in its price bracket. Thanks to its dual-band GNSS, the GeoX2 can deliver accurate positioning and utilize systems such as GPS, Galileo, GLONASS, and Beidou. It also includes a barometric sensor for measuring air pressure, allowing users to detect altitude changes or incoming weather shifts. According to Rogbid, the GeoX2 is rated 5 ATM water-resistant and is even shown on a diver’s wrist in product photos.

    Key Features and Connectivity

    The device comes with a built-in LED flashlight, which can, for example, help joggers improve their visibility at night. To enable music playback on the go, it offers 2 GB of internal storage and support for Bluetooth headphones. Weighing 50 g (0.18 oz), the GeoX2 features a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 × 466 pixels, protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 3. The integrated optical sensor system lets users monitor their heart rate and thus track their daily activities and workouts.

    Battery Life and Display Details

    The 500 mAh battery is rated to last up to 15 days with typical use and 21 hours when recording activities with GPS. For a higher-end alternative, you may want to check out the Amazfit Active 3 Premium (available on Amazon).

    Rogbid


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,
  • Hypershell Unveils X-Series Exoskeletons with Fast HyperIntuition Motion Control for SAR Teams

    Hypershell Unveils X-Series Exoskeletons with Fast HyperIntuition Motion Control for SAR Teams

    Key Takeaway

    – HyperIntuition motion-control delivers up to 0.31s response and 97.5% gait synchronization, improving responsiveness while risks of lag and mis-timed assistance remain (potential slips on slippery terrain).
    – X Pro S: up to 800W boost at 20 kph, 17.5 km range; X Max S and X Ultra S: up to 1000W boost at 25 kph, up to 30 km range; Ultra S uses carbon fiber/titanium/aluminum.
    – All models are IP54 weatherproof; pricing ranges from $999 to $1,999; available from Hypershell and soon Amazon store.

    Hypershell Unveils Revised X-series Exoskeletons with Notable Boost Capabilities

    Hypershell has launched revised X-series exoskeletons, the X Pro S, X Max S, and X Ultra S, promising improved responsiveness while providing up to 1000W of boost during walks, hikes, and runs. The rugged wearables are designed for all-day use, with a range of up to 30 km per battery.

    Advanced Motion Control and Real-World Responsiveness

    The updated X-series exoskeletons utilize the new HyperIntuition motion-control algorithm, which the company says is 64.5% more responsive than their prior generation thanks to a response time to motion inputs as low as 0.31 seconds. According to TÜV Rheinland tests, the synchronization of the natural gait of the user and exoskeleton matched 97.5% of the time.

    Cautionary Notes On Control Latency and Terrain Responses

    As noted in Notebookcheck’s review of the Dnsys X1 exoskeleton (sold here on Amazon), exoskeletons can accidentally provide too much boost or apply assistance at inappropriate times because they do not instantly sense and react to inputs from the user or the terrain. So the Hypershell X-series response-time lag of greater than 0.31 seconds and mismatch in gait synchronization 2.5% of the time can result in slips and falls, especially when moving fast over slippery terrain such as mountain river rocks.

    Model Specifications and Build Materials

    The X Pro S provides up to 800W of boost at up to 20 kph and a range up to 17.5 km. The other two models provide up to 1000W of boost at up to 25 kph and a range of up to 30 km per battery. The X Ultra S is built of lightweight carbon fiber, titanium, and aluminum, while the lower-end models are built of plastic, stainless steel, and aluminum. All have an IP54 weatherproof rating.

    Pricing, Availability, and Programs

    The new X-series is priced at $999 for the X Pro S, $1,499 for the X Max S, and $1,999 for the X Ultra S. All are available for purchase from Hypershell and soon from the Hypershell store on Amazon.

    Special Programs for Public Safety and Feedback

    Worldwide SAR (Search and Rescue) teams can receive free Hypershell exoskeletons by providing real-world testing and feedback through the company’s Hyperlift program, which can be contacted at: [email protected].

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Casio G-Steel Black IP Coated Models Launching Soon

    Casio G-Steel Black IP Coated Models Launching Soon

    Key Takeaway

    – GST-B1000-1A and GST-B1000-2A swap to smooth rubber straps, reducing weight to about 70–80 g (from 118 g) while keeping the 46.9 × 44.2 × 11.6 mm case.
    – Two colorways: 1A with black dial, 2A with a light blue dial and a brick-pattern dial texture continues.
    – Expected launch window July–August 2026; pricing around $350–$370, lower than the IP-coated BD variants.

    Renders of two more unannounced Casio G-Steel watches have just surfaced

    Renders of two more unannounced Casio G-Steel watches have just surfaced, and they take the GST-B1000 family in a somewhat unexpected direction. The GST-B1000-1A and GST-B1000-2A — note the absent “D” suffix — swap the cast-link bracelet for a smooth rubber strap, and are expected to arrive no earlier than July-August 2026. The source is Casioblog, which previously broke the GST-B1000BD-1A and BD-2A ahead of their mid-summer reveal. All these new renders follow a similar pattern, meaning Casio may be planning a bigger GST-B1000 refresh across the same window.

    Weight and dimensions noted in the early renders

    The most tangible change is weight. The strap variants are expected to weigh around 70-80 grams, versus 118 grams for the bracelet-equipped GST-B1000D. This in itself is a pretty substantial drop for a steel-cased watch. As expected, case dimensions will identical at 46.9 × 44.2 × 11.6 mm. Two colorways show up in the renders: the GST-B1000-1A with a black dial, while the GST-B1000-2A gets a light blue dial. It’s not a typical blue shade either — it is way lighter in tone than the deep blue on the previously leaked BD-2A. The brick-pattern dial texture is going nowhere as well.

    Bracelet replacement and strap texture details

    The source describes the strap is described as “smooth-surfaced”, which is quite different from the textured inserts seen on older G-Steel strap models. Standard rubber is the most likely material, with bio-rubber also plausible; silicone appears to be less probable per Casioblog. Feature-wise, we can expect the same loadout as the rest of the lineup: Bluetooth, solar charging, 30-minute stopwatch, timer, daily alarm, Super Illuminator LED, and 200 m water resistance. Pricing is estimated at $350-370, which is a step below the ~$450 projected for the IP-coated BD variants.


    Sources

    Tags: , , , ,