Category: Wearables

  • Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New Galaxy Watch Ultra with Health Features

    Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New Galaxy Watch Ultra with Health Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Introduction of antioxidant index measurement for health monitoring, included in both Galaxy Watch Ultra and Watch8 series.
    2. Storage upgrade from 32 GB in the 2024 model to 64 GB in the 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra.
    3. Retains the Exynos W1000 chip and 2 GB of RAM with largely unchanged specifications from last year.
    4. Equipped with a 590 mAh battery, offering up to 100 hours of use in power-saving mode and a 10 ATM water resistance rating.
    5. Features a 1.5-inch display with 3,000 nits peak brightness, Quick Button, and dual-frequency GPS, priced at €699 in Europe.

    Along with the Galaxy Watch 8 series, Samsung has launched an updated version of the Galaxy Watch Ultra. The specifications are quite alike to the 2024 model, but there are some notable differences. One such difference is the introduction of a new health monitoring feature: antioxidant index measurement.

    New Health Monitoring Feature

    This feature is also included in the smartwatches from the Watch8 series. According to Samsung, it can measure carotenoids, which may help users evaluate the healthiness of their diet. In addition to this new health tracking capability, the internal storage of the 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra has been enhanced.

    Storage Upgrade

    While the 2024 model (currently priced at $299.99 on Amazon) has 32 GB of storage, the 2025 version boosts that to 64 GB. The latest Watch Ultra continues to be powered by the Exynos W1000 chip, and it retains 2 GB of RAM. As for the other specifications, they are largely unchanged from last year’s model.

    Battery Life and Durability

    The 2025 Galaxy Watch Ultra comes equipped with a 590 mAh battery, which is claimed to provide up to 100 hours of use in power-saving mode. As a rugged device, it boasts a 10 ATM water resistance rating, and Samsung claims that the titanium chassis can withstand daily wear and tear.

    Another key feature of the updated Galaxy Watch Ultra includes a 1.5-inch display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, a Quick Button, and dual-frequency GPS. The new smartwatch is priced at €699 in Europe, and it is offered in Blue Titanium, Grey Titanium, White Titanium, and Black Titanium.

    Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New Galaxy Watch Ultra with Health Features
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  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Launch: Signature Bezel & Quick Button

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Launch: Signature Bezel & Quick Button

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Design and Rotating Bezel: The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic features a distinctive design and includes a rotating bezel for easy navigation without touching the screen.

    2. Quick Button for Accessibility: An additional Quick Button allows users to quickly access features and apps, enhancing user experience.

    3. Increased Storage: The Classic version offers 64 GB of storage compared to 32 GB in the standard model, while maintaining the same RAM and processor.

    4. New Health Tracking Capabilities: It introduces a health tracking feature that measures antioxidant index levels, helping users assess their diet and lifestyle.

    5. Improved Battery and Durability: The smartwatch has a larger 445 mAh battery, IP68 and 5 ATM ratings for water and dust resistance, and comes in two colors with competitive pricing.

    The Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic was unveiled at the recent Unpacked event. This version showcases a unique design in comparison to the regular smartwatch, with a significant highlight being its rotating bezel. This feature serves as an input method, enabling users to navigate the user interface without the need to touch the screen.

    New Input Options

    In addition to the rotating bezel, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is equipped with an extra button called the Quick Button. This button serves as another input option, allowing users to swiftly access various features or open apps. However, these are not the only changes that set this smartwatch apart from its standard counterpart.

    Enhanced Storage and Display

    The standard Galaxy Watch 8 comes with 32 GB of storage, while the Classic version offers a notable increase to 64 GB. Despite this difference, it retains the same 2 GB of RAM and the Exynos W1000 SoC. The smartwatch is sold in a single size of 46 mm, featuring a 1.3-inch display with impressive peak brightness of 3,000 nits and a pixel density of 327 ppi.

    Health Tracking Features

    Like the base model, the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic introduces a new health tracking capability: measuring antioxidant index levels. According to Samsung, this smartwatch can assess carotenoid levels, which may assist users in evaluating the healthiness of their diet and overall lifestyle.

    Battery Life and Durability

    Other prominent features of the Galaxy Watch 8 Classic include a larger 445 mAh battery compared to the standard version, with IP68 and 5 ATM ratings for dust and water resistance, and compatibility with Google Gemini. The smartwatch comes in two color choices: Black and White, with a price tag of €529 in the EU, while the LTE variant is priced at €579.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Launch: Signature Bezel & Quick Button
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  • Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Launch: Bright Display & Health Features

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Launch: Bright Display & Health Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Display Improvements: The Galaxy Watch 8 has a brighter display with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, an upgrade from the 2,000 nits of the Watch 7.

    2. Performance Enhancements: It uses an improved version of the Exynos W1000 SoC, along with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, providing quicker and smoother operation.

    3. Design and Durability: The smartwatch features a thinner aluminum frame, Sapphire Glass, and high water and dust resistance ratings of 5 ATM, IP68, and MIL-STD-810H.

    4. Health Tracking Features: It can measure skin carotenoid levels to help monitor health and includes a Health App for improving health and sleep patterns.

    5. Battery and Connectivity: The Galaxy Watch 8 has a battery life of up to 435 mAh with Fast Wireless Charging, and offers LTE connectivity as an option.

    At the most recent Unpacked event, Samsung introduced the latest Galaxy Watch 8. This smartwatch comes in two different sizes: 40 mm featuring a 1.3-inch display and 44 mm with a 1.5-inch screen. There’s also an option for LTE connectivity. In Europe, the prices for the non-LTE models are €379 and €409, while adding cellular support costs an additional €30.

    Upgrades Over Previous Models

    The new Samsung smartwatch has several notable enhancements compared to its predecessor. One major improvement is the display, which is now brighter with a peak brightness of 3,000 nits. This is significantly better than the Watch 7’s maximum brightness of 2,000 nits, making it easier to see in bright conditions.

    Performance Enhancements

    Internally, the Galaxy Watch 8 still uses the Exynos W1000 SoC, but Samsung claims this version is better. It’s designed for quicker and smoother performance. The SoC works together with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage, and the device operates on the updated One UI 8 Watch, which is based on Wear OS.

    Design and Durability

    In terms of design, the Galaxy Watch 8 has a tougher aluminum frame that is said to be 11% thinner than the previous model (the 40 mm non-LTE is currently available for $159.99 on Amazon). It also features “Sapphire Glass” on the top and has impressive water and dust resistance ratings of 5 ATM, IP68, and MIL-STD-810H.

    One standout feature of this Samsung smartwatch is its ability to track antioxidant levels. The company states that it can measure skin carotenoid levels, which may help users decrease their risk of certain diseases and maintain a healthy diet.

    Health and Additional Features

    Samsung also highlights more health-oriented features available in the Health App designed to assist users in improving their overall health and sleep patterns. Other key features of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 include a dual-band GNSS module, an impressive battery of up to 435 mAh with Fast Wireless Charging, and support for Google Gemini. The smartwatch can be purchased in Silver and Graphite colors.

    Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Launch: Bright Display & Health Features
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  • Zenni Optical Launches ID Guard: Lens Coating Blocks Facial Scans

    Zenni Optical Launches ID Guard: Lens Coating Blocks Facial Scans

    Key Takeaways

    1. Zenni Optical has introduced ID Guard, a pink-tinted coating for eyeglass lenses that blocks near-infrared light to protect against unauthorized facial scans.
    2. The ID Guard coating is currently available for basic 1.50 index lenses at a price of $14.95, with plans to expand to more lens varieties.
    3. Facial recognition technology, like Apple’s Face ID, can be vulnerable to facial cloning, where criminals use 3D-printed masks to bypass security.
    4. The ID Guard coating effectively blocks infrared light in the range of 700 nm to 1050 nm, providing an added layer of security against hackers attempting to replicate faces.
    5. Users should remove their glasses when unlocking devices with facial recognition, as the coating may hinder the functionality of such technology.

    Eyeglass maker Zenni Optical has rolled out a new feature called ID Guard, which is a pink-tinted coating for eyeglass lenses designed to stop unauthorized facial scans that could compromise personal safety by blocking near-infrared light. Customers can opt for this coating with their Clear, Blokz, and EyeQLenz lenses, with more lens varieties anticipated in the near future. The ID Guard coating is currently available for basic 1.50 index lenses at a price of $14.95.

    Face ID Vulnerabilities

    Some Apple iPhones allow users to unlock their devices using Face ID, which utilizes infrared light to project a pattern of dots onto the user’s face. A camera detects this pattern and unlocks the iPhone when it matches the previously saved data.

    Risks of Facial Cloning

    Criminals can take advantage of this technology by creating a fake version of someone’s face when that person unknowingly stares at a concealed infrared projector and camera. Bkav has shown that they can 3D print masks from scanned facial data that can bypass the Face ID security on certain iPhones. Despite Apple adding liveliness detection to ensure phones only unlock with natural movements, resourceful researchers have still managed to overcome this security measure.

    Zenni Optical aims to combat the risk of facial cloning with the ID Guard coating, which prevents infrared light from reaching the area of the face behind the lenses. This coating effectively blocks infrared light in the range of 700 nm to 1050 nm, exceeding the 700 nm to 900 nm spectrum used by Apple Face ID. The company claims that this technology can hinder hackers from replicating target faces, but users must remember to take off their glasses when they wish to unlock their devices.

    Additional Security Concerns

    For those concerned about personal privacy, it’s important to understand that MEMS microphones in smartphones can emit radio frequency waves, which may enable hackers to remotely listen in on conversations. This can be prevented by using Faraday bags, such as one available on Amazon.

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  • New Casio Edifice S108DE Revealed: Brushed Steel Case and Dial

    New Casio Edifice S108DE Revealed: Brushed Steel Case and Dial

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio Edifice EFR-S108DE features a minimalist design with a full stainless steel body and sapphire glass.
    2. The watch displays only time and date, avoiding additional functions like chronographs or subdials.
    3. It offers a unique dial texture in three color options: light blue, silver, and dark green, with a gritty, metallic appearance.
    4. The watch has reliable specifications, including 100-meter water resistance, a three-year battery life, and a flat sapphire crystal.
    5. Priced at around $150, the EFR-S108DE is positioned as an affordable yet stylish option in the steel watch market.

    Casio has unveiled its newest Edifice model, which isn’t packed with features. The EFR-S108DE, which was teased back in June, emphasizes a minimalist design approach. It boasts a full stainless steel body, sapphire glass, and a dial that feels more artisanal than mass-produced.

    A Closer Look at the Design

    With high-quality images now available, the S108DE presents itself more convincingly. The watch keeps it simple: it shows time, date, and presence—no chronograph functions or additional subdials. The dial features a raw texture, offered in light blue, silver, and dark green, serving as its main design element. It has a gritty, metallic appearance that reflects light without being too flashy.

    Slim and Stylish

    The watch is housed in a sleek case that comes with an integrated bracelet. Most surfaces are brushed, but there’s just enough shine on the chamfered edges to create some reflections. The specifications are straightforward yet reliable. It has 100-meter water resistance, a battery life of three years, and a flat sapphire crystal—something not typically found at this price range. The design leans more towards conservative rather than generic. It steers clear of gimmicks, centering instead on finishing, texture, and balance.

    Pricing and Availability

    Expected to retail for about $150, the EFR-S108DE seems ideal for those seeking a contemporary steel watch without the usual Edifice complexity. From these images, it could easily be mistaken for a much pricier timepiece if one overlooked the branding.

    Although Casio has not provided a specific release date, it appears that a launch is imminent, given the variety of color options unveiled and promotional content already in circulation.

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    New Casio Edifice S108DE Revealed: Brushed Steel Case and DialNew Casio Edifice S108DE Revealed: Brushed Steel Case and DialNew Casio Edifice S108DE Revealed: Brushed Steel Case and Dial
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  • Fossil x Fantastic Four Limited Edition Replica Watch Available Now

    Fossil x Fantastic Four Limited Edition Replica Watch Available Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Marvel x Fossil Limited-Edition Fantastic Four Watch is an ‘authentic replica’ of the Reed tech wrist-computer from the film Fantastic Four: First Steps.
    2. The watch model LE1210SET features both analog and digital displays for dual time zones.
    3. It has a 32 mm silver stainless steel case, black leather strap, and is water resistant up to 3ATM.
    4. Only 804 pieces are available, each with a certificate of authenticity and special packaging.
    5. The watch is priced at $295/£299/€339.

    The Marvel x Fossil Limited-Edition Fantastic Four Watch is now released all over the world. It is called an ‘authentic replica’ of the Reed tech wrist-computer that appears in the upcoming Marvel Studios film, Fantastic Four: First Steps.

    Watch Features

    This watch from the Fantastic Four collaboration, which goes by model number LE1210SET, features both analog and digital displays, allowing for dual time zones. The watch has a negative digital display at the top, while below it, the analog dial is driven by a quartz movement with three matte black hands.

    Design and Specifications

    The Fossil x Fantastic Four watch features a silver stainless steel case that is 32 mm (about 1.3 inches) wide, paired with a black leather strap. The case back and strap proudly display the Fantastic Four logo. As per the product details, this timepiece is water resistant up to 3ATM and is powered by a V371MF battery.

    You can now purchase the Marvel x Fossil Limited-Edition Fantastic Four Watch for $295/£299/€339. Only 804 pieces of this collectible limited edition are available, and each comes with a certificate of authenticity. It also includes special packaging, with the unit number shown on the case back.

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  • 3D-Printed Pen Detects Parkinson’s Disease with 96% Accuracy

    3D-Printed Pen Detects Parkinson’s Disease with 96% Accuracy

    Key Takeaways

    1. Approximately 1.1 million people in the U.S. are affected by Parkinson’s disease, making it the second most common neurodegenerative disorder.
    2. Symptoms of Parkinson’s disease usually appear in advanced stages, creating challenges for early diagnosis.
    3. Researchers at UCLA developed a smart self-powered pen that can detect early signs of Parkinson’s by analyzing handwriting.
    4. The pen uses a unique design with a magnetoelastic tip and ferrofluid ink to capture handwriting signals and diagnose the disease.
    5. Early detection through this affordable and accessible pen could improve diagnosis accuracy, with a preliminary study showing 96.22% accuracy.

    In the United States, around 1.1 million people are affected by Parkinson’s disease, making it the second most frequent neurodegenerative disorder. A major issue with this condition is that its most noticeable symptoms typically appear only during advanced stages. Current methods for early diagnosis are expensive and not easily available.

    Innovative Solution

    Researchers from UCLA, under the direction of Jun Chen, have created a smart self-powered pen that can identify Parkinson’s disease in its initial stages by examining handwriting. This advanced pen is equipped with a magnetoelastic silicon tip, ferrofluid ink, a coil, and a comfortable grip.

    When the flexible tip of the pen either moves through the air or touches a surface, its magnetic characteristics shift, which in turn influences the movement of the ferrofluid inside. A coil surrounding the section filled with ferrofluid captures and sends these changes as signals. These signals are then processed using a trained model, allowing the pen to be utilized for diagnosing Parkinson’s disease.

    Importance of Early Detection

    Recognizing subtle motor symptoms that are hard to see is vital for early intervention in Parkinson’s disease. Our diagnostic pen offers an inexpensive, trustworthy, and easily accessible option that is sensitive enough to detect minor movements, making it suitable for large populations, even in areas with limited resources. — Jun Chen.

    In a preliminary study with 16 participants, including 3 diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, the model achieved an accuracy rate of 96.22%. Should this innovative method successfully pass clinical trials, diagnosing Parkinson’s disease might become less costly and more widely available.

    The Parkinson’s Foundation and Nature, in collaboration with UCLA’s Samueli School of Engineering, are involved in this groundbreaking research.

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  • Casio Edifice EFS-S650D: New Watches Available in the UK Now

    Casio Edifice EFS-S650D: New Watches Available in the UK Now

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Casio Edifice EFS-S650D-2A (blue) and EFS-S650D-3A (green) models are now available for £209 each in the UK.
    2. Each watch features a stainless steel case, polished ceramic bezel, and sapphire crystal, with dimensions of 46.7 x 40.9 x 11.7 mm and a weight of 140 g.
    3. The timepieces include a 1-second stopwatch, date display, and three additional dials, with a 24-hour format on the top dial.
    4. They are solar-powered, offer five months of battery life on a full charge, and are water-resistant up to 100 m, with a monthly accuracy of ±20 seconds.
    5. Currently, only 20 units of each model are available, and it’s unclear if the black version (EFS-S650D-1A) will be released in the UK or other regions.

    The Casio Edifice EFS-S650D-2A and EFS-S650D-3A solar-powered chronographs are now on sale in the UK. These stylish timepieces were first noticed in June 2025 and made their debut on the Casio UK website at the beginning of July.

    Pricing and Availability

    You can purchase the Casio Edifice EFS-S650D-2A (blue) and EFS-S650D-3A (green) models from the official online store in the UK, each priced at £209. Customers can expect immediate shipping, with free delivery available within a time frame of two to four business days. Currently, it is mentioned that only 20 units of each watch are available at this moment.

    Specifications and Features

    The Casio EFS-S650D watches feature a stainless steel case and strap, complemented by a polished ceramic bezel, which is said to have been inspired by luxurious sports cars. The dial is shielded by sapphire crystal, and the watches measure 46.7 x 40.9 x 11.7 mm (~1.8 x 1.6 x 0.5 inches) with a weight of 140 g (~0.3 lbs). These analog timepieces come with three hands, a date display, and three additional dials. Two of these dials are associated with the 1-second stopwatch function, while the top dial displays time in a 24-hour format.

    Additional Features

    Additional features include a battery level indicator, a low battery notification, and solar charging capabilities; these Edifice watches are designed to last about five months on a full charge. They are said to maintain accuracy within 20 seconds each month and are water-resistant up to 100 m. It is currently unknown if the black version, the EFS-S650D-1A, will be available in the UK later. The potential release of these watches in other regions, such as the US and the Netherlands, remains uncertain.

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  • OnePlus Unveils Affordable Watch 3 with Enhanced Features

    OnePlus Unveils Affordable Watch 3 with Enhanced Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Model Introduction: OnePlus has launched the 43 mm Watch 3, a smaller and more affordable version compared to the 46 mm model.

    2. Design Changes: The Watch 3 features a lighter build at 37.8 grams and a smaller 1.32-inch display, compared to the 1.5-inch screen of the larger version.

    3. Same Performance Specs: Both the 43 mm and 46 mm models use the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 SoC, with 32 GB storage and 2 GB RAM.

    4. Reduced Battery Life: The 43 mm Watch 3 offers a maximum of 7 days of battery life with power-saving mode, while the 46 mm can last up to 16 days.

    5. Pricing and Availability: The Watch 3 is priced at $299.99, with no promotional discounts, but a trade-in program is available.

    OnePlus has introduced a range of new accessories, including the 43 mm Watch 3. This model is smaller and a bit more budget-friendly compared to the standard 46 mm version. In terms of specifications, they are the same as the Oppo Watch X2 mini, but even though the OnePlus device may be a rebranded version, it will be readily accessible globally.

    Design and Features

    In relation to the 46 mm model, the latest Watch 3 boasts a more slender dial and a lighter build, tipping the scales at 37.8 grams (which is approximately 0.833 lbs). Because of its compact design, the display on this new OnePlus smartwatch is also reduced in size. To be exact, it has a 1.32-inch display, while the larger version sports a 1.5-inch screen.

    Performance and Specs

    However, both watch models operate on the same system-on-chip (SoC). The 43 mm OnePlus Watch 3 is equipped with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1, paired with the BES2800 MCU chipset. This Qualcomm smartwatch SoC also includes 32 GB of storage and 2 GB of RAM.

    Battery Life and Tracking Capabilities

    The battery life has, unfortunately, decreased. OnePlus claims that the 43 mm Watch 3 can endure up to 7 days with the power-saving mode activated. In contrast, the 46 mm version can last for as long as 16 days on a single charge.

    When it comes to tracking fitness, the 43 mm Watch 3 supports more than 100 sports modes and can automatically detect six types of activities. Its health tracking features are comparable to other top-tier smartwatches, but OnePlus has mentioned that the 60-second health check-in is missing from this model due to the absence of a temperature sensor.

    Pricing and Availability

    Regarding pricing, the OnePlus Watch 3 43 mm is listed on the official website for $299.99, while the 46 mm variant is priced at $349.99. Unlike the Buds 4, there is no promotional discount code offered for the new smartwatch, however, the company does have a trade-in program available.

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    OnePlus Unveils Affordable Watch 3 with Enhanced Features

     

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  • Casio G-Steel Lineup Revealed: Sleek New Renders Unveiled

    Casio G-Steel Lineup Revealed: Sleek New Renders Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Designs: The G-Shock GST-B1000D series includes three new models with a sleeker bezel design in Gray, Blue, and Green.

    2. Specifications: The GST-B1000 measures 46.9 x 44.2 x 11.6mm and weighs 118g, featuring a resin case with reinforced steel components and a stainless steel strap.

    3. Features: The watch includes Tough Solar charging, Bluetooth connectivity for time syncing, and two inset dials for tracking time and battery status.

    4. Pricing: The anticipated price range in Europe is between €350 and €450, making it a premium option in the G-Steel lineup.

    5. Release Information: While there’s no official release date, it may launch as soon as August, as it has been spotted at a European retailer.

    Casio’s long-awaited update to the G-Steel line may be nearing its release. Initially seen in a regulatory document back in April, the G-Shock GST-B1000D series has now fully surfaced, providing us with a comprehensive glimpse of its design and important specifications.

    New Designs Unveiled

    Images leaked by tipster @geesgshock on Instagram showcase three fresh analog G-Steel timepieces: the GST-B1000D-1A in Gray, the B1000D-2A in Blue, and the B1000D-3A in Green. As displayed in the shared images, all three models exhibit a redesigned bezel that replaces the bulky outer markings previously featured on older G-Steel watches. Instead, they present a sleeker, more subtle metal frame that retains a premium feel while appearing less cluttered.

    Specifications and Features

    The GST-B1000 is said to measure 46.9 x 44.2 x 11.6mm and weighs 118g. For comparison, the current GST-B100D-1A measures 58.1 x 53.8 x 14.1mm and weighs 185g. The new version includes a case made from resin and reinforced steel components, complemented by a pure stainless steel strap. The renders indicate that Casio has successfully achieved the right proportions, and the refined appearance suggests it is likely targeted at working professionals. While there is no digital display, it features two inset dials for tracking time and solar battery status. In terms of functionality, the watch is expected to provide Tough Solar charging and Bluetooth connectivity for time synchronization and extra customizations via the Casio app.

    Anticipated Pricing and Launch

    As per @geesgshock, the expected price range in Europe is between €350 and €450, positioning the GST-B1000D as a premium choice within the G-Steel lineup. There is no official announcement regarding the release date yet, but Great G-Shock World mentions that the watch has already been seen at a European retailer, suggesting it could launch as soon as August.

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    Casio G-Steel Lineup Revealed: Sleek New Renders UnveiledCasio G-Steel Lineup Revealed: Sleek New Renders UnveiledCasio G-Steel Lineup Revealed: Sleek New Renders Unveiled
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