Category: Wearables

  • Garmin Mid-Range Smartwatches Get Major Update

    Garmin Mid-Range Smartwatches Get Major Update

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin released stable Software Version 28.05 for Forerunner 165, 255, 265, 955, and 965.
    – The update includes 7 to 10 changes depending on the model, with the 955 and 965 receiving the most.
    – All models benefit from activity and workout improvements.
    – The rollout has reached about 20% of eligible devices and will expand in coming days.

    New Update lands for Older Garmin Watches

    Garmin has finalised a new stable update for five of its older mid-range smartwatches. To recap, almost four months have passed since the company issued Software Version 27.09 to the Forerunner 165, Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965 (curr. $599 on Amazon). In the intervening period, Garmin delivered a solitary v28.xx beta update called Beta Version 28.03.

    Mostly Same Features Across Models

    Nonetheless, it has now pushed ahead with the release of Software Version 28.05 globally. According to Garmin, Software Version 28.05 comes with up to 10 changes. However, this is only true for the Forerunner 955 and Forerunner 965. By contrast, the Forerunner 255 and Forerunner 265 benefit from 8 changes, with the Forerunner 165 dropping further to 7 changes from Software Version 27.09. However, all are said to have recieved activity and workout improvements.

    Currently, Garmin reports that Software Version 28.05 should have reached around 20% of eligible smartwatches. This percentage should change in the coming days, though. The changelogs for Software Version 28.05 are as follows:

    All Forerunner x55 and x65 smartwatches:

    • Fixed an issue where the watch could crash during activity sync
    • Improved heart rate accuracy during high-intensity intervals
    • Resolved a bug where sleep data was not syncing to Garmin Connect
    • Added support for new cycling power meter profiles
    • General system stability improvements
    • Updated translations for multiple languages
    • Fixed a rare issue with the altimeter calibration

    Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific

    • Improved mapping tile loading speed
    • Added new climb pro data fields
    • Fixed an issue where satIQ mode could drain battery faster than expected

    Forerunner 255, Forerunner 265, Forerunner 955 & Forerunner 965 specific: All four models recieve a fix for race predictor algorithems that were showing incorrect times for some users. Along with this, the update patched a problem with the touchscreen not responding after swimming in salt water.

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    • Inllie Launches Jewelry-Inspired Smart Bracelet with Discount

      Inllie Launches Jewelry-Inspired Smart Bracelet with Discount

      Key Takeaway

      – Jewelry-inspired design with moissanite accents (gold or silver-plated)
      – Ultra-lightweight at 11 grams and 5.6mm thin
      – Comprehensive health monitoring (heart rate, blood oxygen, sleep, stress, etc.)
      – Women’s health features (menstrual, ovulation, pregnancy tracking)
      – Launch price of $69 (MSRP $109) for a limited time

      New Luna Light Bracelet From Inllie

      Inllie, an emerging smart bracelet manufacturer brand, has expanded its Luna collection by introducing an all-new Luna Light bracelet. Designed with women in mind, the Luna Light features a jewelry-inspired design. You can either choose gold-plated (red moissanite stones) or silver-plated (clear moissanite stones) finishes. Both options feature decorative moissanite accents, which is said to elevate the bracelet beyond traditional wearable technology.

      Build, Weight and Durability Specs

      On the build side, it features a zinc alloy case complemented by a transparent epoxy resin back. At only 11 grams (0.38 ounces) and 5.6 mm thin (0.22 inch), the Luna Light is among the lightest bracelets in the Inllie lineup, said the company in its press release. Plus, it is tested to GB/T 2423.8 drop standards and GB/T 2423.10 vibration standards.

      Health Tracking and Womens Features

      Furthermore, the bracelet provides comprehensive health monitoring, including heart rate tracking, blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, heart rate variability, sleep tracking, step counting, and multiple exercise modes. On top of this, the Luna Light also offers women’s health features as well, such as menstrual cycle tracking, safe period tracking, pregnancy tracking, and ovulation tracking. Users can monitor all health insights directly via the NX Wear companion app, which is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.

      Pricing and Availability Details

      The Luna Light has an MSRP of $109. As a part of a launch offer, the company is offering the bracelet for an introductory price of $69 for a limited time. Interested buyers can now purchase the bracelet directly from Inllie’s official website.

      • MSRP: $109
      • Launch price: $69 (limited time)
      • Buy from: Inllie official website


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      • Apple unveils watchOS 27, drops support for 4 older Watch models

        Key Takeaway

        – watchOS 27 requires Apple Watch Series 10, Ultra 2, or SE 3; Series 9 and older are excluded.
        – Siri AI based on Google Gemini can operate apps (e.g., route planning, adding photos).
        – AI predicts app selection for a smaller, smarter app list.
        – New features: revised Liquid Glass design, enhanced Workout Buddy, thumb-index finger tap gesture, Wallet QR codes, faster Music app.

        New Operating System Update Revealed at WWDC

        At WWDC today, Apple not only announced iOS 27 and macOS 27 Golden Gate, but also watchOS 27. While the smartwatch operating system was only mentioned in a few words at the press conference, Apple’s website shows what new features the Apple Watch will receive in the fall – and reveals a disappointment for users of slightly older Apple Watches.

        Disapointing Compatibility News for Owners

        While watchOS 26 could still be installed on all models back to the Apple Watch Series 6, watchOS 27 requires at least an Apple Watch Series 10, an Apple Watch Ultra 2 or an Apple Watch SE 3. Even the just two and a half year old Apple Watch Series 9 will be left behind and will probably not receive any further feature updates. Anyone using a current model such as the Apple Watch Series 11 will mainly receive new AI features with the update.

        Siri Gets a Major Upgrade With AI Integration

        Apple is bringing Siri AI and the Siri app to the Apple Watch. This app is very reminiscent of standard AI chatbots like ChatGPT, and this is no coincidence, as the app is based on Google Gemini. Siri can also operate apps and, for example, plan a route in Apple Maps or add a photo to an album.

        Minor Innovations and Design Tweaks

        Apart from that, watchOS 27 only brings minor innovations. The app selection can use AI to guess which app is likely to be selected and thus display a smaller selection. The “Liquid Glass” design has been slightly revised. The Workout Buddy gets more motivational sayings based on additional data. A new tap gesture with thumb and index finger can open a widget, the Wallet app can display QR codes of any tickets and membership cards, and the music app starts faster.


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      • Garmin CIRQA Certification Reveals Disappointing Whoop Rival Detail

        Garmin CIRQA Certification Reveals Disappointing Whoop Rival Detail

        Key Takeaway

        – Garmin CIRQA certified in Singapore exclusively with Bluetooth, no GPS, Ant+, Wi-Fi, or cellular.
        – Device is dependent on a smartphone for distance tracking during runs or cycles.
        – May be marketed as a companion band for Garmin smartwatch users to improve workout precision and automatic recognition.
        – Intended to compete with fitness bands like Polar Loop, Whoop 5.0, and Fitbit Luxe.
        – Known sensors include heart rate, SpO2, and motion sensors; full capabilities remain unconfirmed.

        So, after Garmin CIRQA was already seen in the Garmin Connect app code and at a shop back in May, a Garmin fitness tracker with the model number A0P3039 has now gotten certified by the IRIS system in Singapore. According to the5krunner, this here is the long-awaited fitness band from Garmin.

        Specifications and Bluetooth-Only Operation

        No GPS or Wi-Fi

        The certification reveals one new detail in particular, namely the fact that Garmin CIRQA transmits exclusively via Bluetooth. Because neither Ant+ nor GPS are listed under “Equipment Description”, as is the case with Garmin smartwatches, Garmin CIRQA apparently does without Wi-Fi, a cellular modem and a GPS module. This means that the wristband is inevitably dependent on a smartphone within Bluetooth range if, for example, the distance covered while running or cycling is to be recorded.

        This is not unusual for this product category – Polar Loop, Whoop 5.0 and Fitibt Air also don’t offer a GPS module, but Garmin is missing an opportunity to differentiate itself from the competition. According to earlier rumors, Garmin CIRQA could be marketed primarily to users of a Garmin smartwatch, as those who wear a smartwatch on one wrist and CIRQA on the other should benefit from more precise workout tracking and, above all, from significantly more reliable automatic workout recognition. It is not yet known whether Garmin CIRQA can record other data apart from a heart rate and SpO2 sensor and motion sensors.

        About the Certification Source

        Integrated Regulatory Information System (IRIS), via the5krunner.


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      • Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra & More Support New iPhone Feature

        Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra & More Support New iPhone Feature

        Key Takeaway

        – Amazfit will support Apple notification forwarding on Cheetah 2 Ultra, Balance 3, and Balance Ultra, allowing replies from the watch.
        – Zepp OS 6 rolls out in July to T-Rex Ultra 2, T-Rex 3 (Pro), Cheetah 2 Pro, and Active 3 Premium.
        – New OS features include improved UI, training suggestions, training calendar, and HybridCharge for load/recovery overview.
        – Upcoming improvements to weather app, map downloads, and Apple Health data sync are planned.

        Amazfit’s Latest Software Roadmap Drops

        Amazfit has published a new software update roadmap which shows which new features will be released by August. What is particularly exciting is that Amazfit will add support for Apple’s notification forwarding, at least for the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Ultra ($599 on Amazon) and for the new Amazfit Balance 3 and Balance Ultra.

        Apple Notification Forwarding Finally Arrives

        Since iOS 26.5, Apple has allowed iPhone users in the European Union to forward notifications to third-party smartwatches. If this feature is activated, push notifications can not only be displayed on the smartwatch as before, it is finally also possible to reply to an incoming message directly on the smartwatch – a feature that was previously reserved for the Apple Watch on iOS.

        Zepp OS 6 and Other Updates Coming

        The roadmap also shows that Zepp OS 6 will be distributed to the Amazfit T-Rex Ultra 2, T-Rex 3 (Pro), Cheetah 2 Pro and Active 3 Premium in July. The new smartwatch operating system includes an improved user interface, training suggestions, a training calendar and HybridCharge, a feature that displays workout and lifestyle loads as well as recovery phases in an overview. Amazfit also plans to improve the weather app, map downloads and the synchronization of data with Apple Health over the coming months. An overview of which features will be available on which Amazfit smartwatch can be found in the table below.


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      • Garmin Fenix Killer: Powerful & Affordable Alternative Gets New Features

        Key Takeaway

        – Offline maps and navigation now work entirely without a smartphone, generating real-world routes.
        – A new map download manager allows pausing, deleting, or updating specific map downloads.
        – Dive tracking is now automated system-wide without needing to start a specific activity.
        – Multi-day activities with repeated pausing/resuming offer improved battery life.

        We tested the Amazfit T-Rex 3 back in September 2024 and it was available for $279 at Amazon, the model continues recieving updates. Zepp Health is not only concentrating on bug fixes, but they also add new features. The update to software version 4.5.3.3, which came out in March, was particularly significant.

        Maps and Navigation Upgrades

        Prior to the update, the watch had offline maps and navigation, but not entirely without a smartphone. This feature has been available since March, letting users choose points directly on the watch on saved maps, and real-world routes are generated taking roads and paths into account. It’s worth noting that Zepp Health also lets existing customers benefit from fresh features.

        Download Manager and Route History

        The newly released software version 4.9.4.4 expands the navigation and map functions even more. There is now a map download manager, it allows users to pause, delete or update there downloads. This can be usefull, for example, for prioritizing an urgently needed map download or preparing downloads for the next leg of the journey in advance. If navigation gets used before an activity, then the route name and route history show up on the preparation page.

        Additionally, the route page during activities and also the map app now feature optimized scales. The changes dont end there, dives can now be automatically recorded system-wide without having to specifically start the appropriate activity. According to the changelog, multi-day activities that get paused and then resumed repeatedly result in lower power consumption and longer battery life overall.


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        • Galaxy Watch9 Leak: No Charging Speed Upgrade Over Watch8

          Galaxy Watch9 Leak: No Charging Speed Upgrade Over Watch8

          Key Takeaway

          – Samsung’s next Galaxy Watch launch is rumored for July 22, alongside new folding phones.
          – Two new models (likely Watch9 and Watch9 Ultra) have leaked via 3C certification with 10W charging.
          – The new Samsung Health app will feature a redesigned five-section UI and new analytical tools.
          – New health metrics include a Vitals bio-signal tracker, Heart Health Score, and Daily Cardio Load.

          Galaxy Watch Lineup Leak Points to July Event

          Samsung is said to be unveiling its next Galaxy Watches with new folding phones in a rumored event on July 22. The company hasn’t revealed the exact number of smartwatch models it’s going to launch, but the charging speeds of two devices have been leaked via 3C certification. The certification comes from China’s regulatory body, which lists model codes SM-L3550 and SM-L7150, respectively, with support for 10W charging. The model number SM-L3550 could be the Galaxy Watch9, and the SM-L7150 might launch as the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2.

          Charging Speeds Remain Unchanged

          Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer to see that the Galaxy Watch8 and Watch8 Ultra had identical charging speeds. The new models are also limited to 10W, which feels like a missed opportunity for faster top-ups. Battery life could be better, though, on the Watch9 and Watch9 Ultra, hopefully Samsung has optimised the power management software to compensate for the same old charging rate. Users have been asking for faster charging for years, so this stagnation is disappointing.

          Full hardware specs are still unconfirmed, but the new wearables will ship with the recently updated Samsung Health app. The new app divides the user interface into five sections: Sleep, Activity, Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Vitals. This reorganization makes it easier to navigate, especially for those who track multiple aspects of their health daily. Each section now contains more detailed insights than previous versions, giving users a clearer picture of their overall wellness.

          New Analytical Tools Added

          The update also adds a few new analytical tools. A new Vitals metric tracks overnight bio-signals like heart rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen to detect variations away from a user’s resting baseline. This feature is designed to alert users to potential health issues before they become serious, by monitoring subtle changes that might indicate illness or overtraining. The data is presented in an easy to understand graph within the app.

          Heart and Hearing Features

          The app now also includes a Heart Health Score based on body composition data, a Daily Cardio Load feature to measure your cardiovascular strain during workouts, and a Hearing Health feature to track ambient noise exposure. These additions bring the Galaxy Watch lineup closer to dedicated fitness trackers, offering metrics that were previously only available on premium devices. The Daily Cardio Load function is particularly useful for athletes managing training intensity, while Hearing Health helps protect users from long term noise damage.

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        • TAG Heuer Calibre E5 Gets F1 Tracking Ahead of Monaco

          TAG Heuer Calibre E5 Gets F1 Tracking Ahead of Monaco

          Key Takeaway

          – TAG Heuer launches a specialized Formula 1 Edition of its Connected Calibre E5 smartwatch with live Grand Prix telemetry.
          – The smartwatch uses a custom TAG Heuer OS, dropping Wear OS, and now offers official Made for iPhone (MFi) certification.
          – The Monaco Speed 12 mechanical watch eliminates traditional hands, using rotating titanium pistons to mimic a V12 engine’s firing order.
          – Both releases target premium consumers with data-heavy, automotive-inspired designs rooted in motorsport heritage.

          TAG Heuer’s Boldest Motorsport Move Yet

          TAG Heuer is doubling down on its motorsport heritage for the 2026 racing season. After ditching Google’s Wear OS late last year, the luxury watchmaker has launched a specialized Formula 1 Edition of its Connected Calibre E5 smartwatch alongside a radical, handless mechanical counterpart. Both releases leverage custom engineering to target premium consumers with data-heavy, automotive-inspired designs.

          Smartwatch Built for the Grand Prix Lifestyle

          Housed in a 45mm grade-2 titanium case with a black DLC coating, the new Formula 1 Edition is built entirely for live Grand Prix telemetry. The smartwatch replaces standard digital faces with 24 track-inspired designs that shift automatically based on the active race weekend, displaying circuit outlines, national flags, and live session countdowns. For racing enthusiasts, the device integrates custom audio alerts designed to mimic authentic pit-radio communications, while a dedicated widget updates live race results, driver points, and constructor standings directly from the circuit.

          Powerful Internals and Apple Ecosystem Support

          Under the hood, the wearable utilizes a Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear 5100+ chipset powering a 1.39-inch OLED display under a sapphire crystal dome. The internal sensor loadout features dual-band GPS, heart rate monitoring, and altimeters, delivering up to three days of battery life in low-power modes. Crucially, the switch to a custom TAG Heuer OS grants the watch official Made for iPhone (MFi) certification, ensuring seamless iOS pairing and Apple Health syncing.

          The Mechanical Masterpiece Without Hands

          For buyers favoring haute horlogerie over digital screens, TAG Heuer used the Monaco Grand Prix weekend to reveal the Monaco Speed 12. Retailing at $87,000 and limited to 50 units, this square-cased titan completely eliminates traditional hour hands. Instead, the openworked face features 12 rotating titanium pistons engraved with Arabic numerals. Driven by the automatic Calibre TH84-00 movement—developed alongside Louis Vuitton’s elite Geneva atelier, La Fabrique du Temps—the pistons physically flip 90 degrees to count down the hours, mimicking the exact firing order of a high-performance V12 engine.

          Pricing and Availability for Both Models

          The Connected Calibre E5 Formula 1 Edition is currently open for early orders starting at roughly $2550, making it an intriguing premium choice for smartphone users. Meanwhile, the ultra-limited Monaco Speed 12 mechanical masterpiece is slated to begin deliveries to exclusive collectors this December.

           

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        • New Casio G-Shock Rainbow Glass Watch US Release Date

          New Casio G-Shock Rainbow Glass Watch US Release Date

          Key Takeaway

          – Casio G-Shock x XG collaboration models (GMAS110XG-4A and GMS5600XG-1) launching in the US for $200 and $280 respectively
          – US release date unconfirmed, but Japan launches June 12th, suggesting a June release
          – Both watches feature XG’s logo; GMAS110XG-4A has pink resin and glitter hybrid dial; GMS5600XG-1 has rainbow vapor deposition glass and matte black case
          – Functions include world time, stopwatch, timer, alarms, and 200m water resistance

          New G-Shock x XG Collaborations Announced for the US Market

          Casio has announced that the new G-Shock x XG GMAS110XG-4A and GMS5600XG-1 watches will be released in the US. The two collaboration models were unveiled in Japan at the end of May 2026. Now, the Casio G-Shock GMAS110XG-4A is listed at the brand’s online store for $200. A product page for the GMS5600XG-1 at the Casio store indicates that this model will retail for $280.

          Release Date Still Unconfirmed by Brand

          However, the brand has yet to confirm the release date of these XG collaboration watches in the US. As a reminder, these products are set to launch in Japan on June 12th, which could indicate a June release for the US market. Prospective customers can sign up to get a launch notification email using the ‘Notify Me’ button on each US product page. The seven members of XG, a hip-hop and R&B group, have been G-Shock ambassadors since July 2025.

          Design Details and Band Influence

          The band’s logo features on the dial of both the GMAS110XG-4A and GMS5600XG-1, and each model’s design has been influenced by the group. The GMAS110XG-4A has a bright pink resin casing and strap, with a glittering round hybrid dial. The GMS5600XG-1 features a rainbow vapor deposition glass surrounding a dark background digital display, with a pared-back matte black resin case and strap. Casio’s digital-analog GMAS110 has two analog hands, a speed indicator dial and two inset digital displays.

          Functions and Specs for Both Models

          Functions include support for world time, a stopwatch, a timer and multiple alarms. The digital GMS5600 is a rectangular watch, with a black ion-plated stainless steel bezel. It has a similar feature set, with a less precise stopwatch, a timer and a single alarm. Plus, both models are water resistant to 200 m.

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        • Amazfit Smartwatch June Update: New Features Revealed

          Amazfit Smartwatch June Update: New Features Revealed

          Key Takeaway

          – Lactate threshold algorithms improved, with system-wide calibration data usage
          – Launcher 2.0 architecture provides clearer real-time workout parameter overview
          – More detailed vibration alerts to indicate training phases or heart rate zones
          – Enhanced battery efficiency for the integrated flashlight
          – New navigation features to search for points of interest (e.g., supermarkets) during activities

          Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro Gets a Handful of Upgrades

          The Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro is a relatively fresh smartwatch with a broad spectrum of features that is also avalible in Germany. You can find it on the market and its feature set is now expanding significant, Zepp Health has decided to adress these modifications again in a dedicated post on their own site and the Amazfit blog. These adjustments are not entirely novel, nevertheless, they are anticipated to deliver meaningful enhancements, particularly but not exclusively for athletic users.

          Algorithm Tweaks and Vibration Updates

          A single significant alteration wont be immediately obvious to the average user. Zepp Health has stated they have adjusted the algorithms which calculate the lactate threshold, it’s still just an approximation in the end. Data collected during the corresponding calibration is now supposed to have a system-wide effect across the watch. The launcher 2.0 architecture apparently brings more design upgrades, which hopefully will grant an even clearer overview of real-time metrics during training sessions for users.

          New Navigation and Flashlight Battery Life

          According to the company, vibration alerts can now be configured with far more detail, potentially the vibration pattern could indicate which training phase comes next as well as whether the current heart rate is too high. They claim there are more improvements regarding energy efficiency and battery use of the flashlight thats integrated into the Amazfit Cheetah 2 Pro, which is nice.

          Searching for Points of Interest

          Latest navigation options are avalible too, enabling you too search for POIs while your engaged in a activity. For instance you could look for a grocery store during a bicycle ride to refill your energy stores without breaking your flow. That should help athletes a lot.

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