Category: Wearables

  • LightInk E-ink Smartwatch: Solar, LoRa & GPS, 10 Months Battery

    LightInk E-ink Smartwatch: Solar, LoRa & GPS, 10 Months Battery

    Key Takeaway

    – LightInk is a visible, DIY solar-powered smartwatch that differs from commercial models by exposing the solar panel and requiring user assembly and custom components.
    – It aims for long battery life (up to ~10 months on a 100mAh cell) but sacrifices some features (no accelerometer) to save power.
    – Key tech: E Ink display readable in sunlight with backlight, LoRa support, GPS, speaker, and no companion app yet, placing it between a wristwatch and a smartwatch.

    Introductory glance at solar-powered wearables

    Solar-powered smartwatches are still niche products in the overall market, though that does not mean such watches do not exist. The best-known models are probably Garmin Fenix smartwatches such as the Garmin Fenix 8 that we reviewed back when it launched. On these smartwatches, the solar panel is more or less invisibly integrated into the display.

    What makes LightInk stand out

    The so-called LightInk takes a different approach. On this smartwatch, the solar panel is clearly visible and separated from the display. There is another major difference, as the LightInk is not a commercially available product but comes from the DIY scene and therefore cannot simply be bought. Instead, interested users have to assemble the watch themselves. A detailed guide is available. In most cases, users have to have a circuit board manufactured by a service provider, own or have paid access to a 3D printer, and be able to do some soldering.

    Performance and design tradeoffs

    The LightInk is designed to offer several months of battery life. More specifically, up to 10 months should be possible with the 100mAh battery. There is no accelerometer because it would simply consume too much power. However, LoRa is supported, it uses an E Ink display that remains readable in sunlight and also has a backlight for use in the dark, and there is a speaker as well. GPS is available, but there is no companion app yet, which means the LightInk sits somewhere on the boundary between a regular wristwatch and a smartwatch, at least in this respect.

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  • Citizen Eco-Drive Watch: New Soccer-Inspired Colorful Design

    Citizen Eco-Drive Watch: New Soccer-Inspired Colorful Design

    Key Takeaway

    – New Citizen x Disney Mickey Mouse Goalie AW1656-08W released in the US and Canada; 44 mm soccer-inspired design by Disney artists John and Shelley Loter.
    – Dial details: dark green sunburst dial with Mickey in a red/yellow soccer kit kicking a ball; date display inside a soccer net at 3 o’clock; three hands.
    – Construction and movement: polished silver-tone stainless steel case with black bezel/crown accents; perforated leather strap; J810 Eco-Drive movement powered by any light; 100 m water resistance.
    – Availability and pricing: US $375; delivery as early as May 20 (US) or June 1–15 via Amazon; Canada CA$495 at the Citizen store; Europe release TBD.

    A new Citizen x Disney watch has been released in the US and Canada. The Mickey Mouse Goalie timepiece, also known as model AW1656-08W, has a soccer-inspired design from Disney artists John and Shelley Loter. This collaboration blends practical timekeeping with playful character styling, appealing to collectors and fans alike, and it represents one of Citizen’s more ambitious Disney partnership in recent years.

    Overview

    Citizen’s Mickey Mouse Goalie watch has a dark green dial with a sunburst finish. It features a picture of the cartoon character in a red and yellow soccer kit kicking a ball in the air. The face features three hands, and a date display can be found inside a soccer net in the 3 o’clock position. The Citizen AW1656-08W’s dial is surrounded by a polished silver colored stainless steel casing, measuring 44 mm (~1.73 inches) in diameter. The bezel is accented in black and the crown is matched, and the watch comes with a sporty looking leather strap with perforations. The model is equipped with a J810 Eco-Drive movement, powered by any indoor or outdoor light source. Plus, it is water resistant to 100 m, meaning you could wear it while swimming or showering.

    Details

    You can now buy the Citizen Disney Mickey Mouse Goalie AW1656-08W watch at the Citizen online store in the US for $375. Delivery as early as May 20th is offered. The watch is listed at the brand’s store at the same price, with an estimated delivery window of June 1st to 15th. In Canada, it retails for CA495 at the Citizen store, and there is no confirmed European release yet.

    Availability & Notes

    Citizen continues to surprise with collaborations that blend sport vibes and character design, hoping to attract fans who cares about both accuracy and whimsy. Whether or when the timepiece could be released in Europe remains to be seen, but the AW1656-08W stands as a notable example of crossovers between athletic aesthetics and precise Eco-Drive technology.


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  • Garmin Beta Update Adds Five Changes to Smartwatches

    Garmin Beta Update Adds Five Changes to Smartwatches

    Key Takeaway

    – Beta 22.32 is available for Fenix 8 family, Fenix E, Quatix 8 and Enduro 3; ECG and Dive features are disabled in this beta.
    – Touchscreen volume control responsiveness has been improved.
    – Bug fix addressing multisport workout issues that could cause freezes or resets.
    – Fix for an unexpected wearable reset issue.
    – Nutrition Glance now lets you log both hour and minute of meal time; translations have been updated.

    Garmin has pushed a new beta update to some users of the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Fenix 8 Pro AMOLED, Fenix 8 Pro MicroLED, Fenix E, Quatix 8 and Enduro 3 smartwatches. The last release in this testing cycle was version 22.29, which included a wide range of bug fixes for these wearables. Early adopters report a smoother navigation and quicker responses on the touchscreen, though betas tend to behave differently depending on firmware combinations and sensor setups that people run in daily life.

    Snapshot of Changes

    The new Garmin beta version 22.32 update brings five changes for the Fenix 8 and related smartwatches. According to the change log (below), the responsiveness of volume adjustments using the touchscreen has been improved. There is a bug fix for issues linked to multisport workouts, which could cause the watches to freeze or reset. Garmin has also tackled a problem which could cause the wearable to reset unexpectedly. The update also includes tweaks aimed at smoother wake gestures and more stable screen redraws when switching between apps during workouts. Each tweak seems small, but collectively they should feel snappier overall.

    Nutrition Glance and Translations

    The release notes, shared in a recent post on the Garmin forum, mention a change linked to the Fenix 8’s Nutrition Glance. Users can now log both the hour and the minute of a meal time; previously, users could only specify the hour of the meal when logging their food. Plus, translations have been updated, though unfortunately, Garmin has not clarified which languages benefit from this update. The wording in the notes hints at broader international support, but the specifics remain unclear to many testers and enthusiasts.

    Beta Availability and Restrictions

    Garmin’s beta version 22.32 release is now available for all beta testers of the Fenix 8, Fenix E, Quatix 8 and Enduro 3 (curr. $749.99) smartwatches. It is worth noting that, as is typical for such testing updates, the ECG and Dive features are disabled. The update arrives through standard beta channels and is expected to precede a wider public rollout once stability checks are completed. Users reporting improved touchscreen volume control and fewer unexpected resets might soon see those signals reflected in daily wear.

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    • Gen Z Buys Casio’s Cheapest Watches, Saving the Company

      Gen Z Buys Casio’s Cheapest Watches, Saving the Company

      Key Takeaway

      – Casio posted a strong FY2026: net profit ¥18.2b (~$115m), more than double prior year; revenue up 5.5% to ¥276.3b; operating profit up 62% to ¥23.1b.
      – Growth is led by the Casio Watch line (retro A159, MTP-1302), driven by younger buyers and a successful Korea social strategy; G-Shock remains solid but not the main driver.
      – Watch segment delivered ¥185b (~$1.17b) with a 14.7% operating margin, but Q3 demand outpaced supply in Q4, causing stockouts on popular G-Shock models and partial production relief.
      – Outlook: revenue guidance of ¥295b (~$1.86b) for the current year and a target operating margin of 11.1% by 2029.

      Casio just dropped its fiscal year 2026 earnings, and the numbers are genuinely quite surprising. Net profit came in at ¥18.2 billion (roughly $115 million) — more than double the previous year’s figure. Revenue grew 5.5% to ¥276.3 billion (~$1.74 billion), and operating profit jumped 62% to ¥23.1 billion (~$146 million). For a company that was posting pretty dismal numbers just two years ago, this is a huge turnaround.

      Sales momentum and product mix

      The interesting part is what’s actually driving it. It’s not the G-Shock — though that’s doing just fine on its own and pulling its own weight alongside, considering it’s arguably Casio’s most popular line. Instead, it’s the “Casio Watch” line: thin, lightweight retro models that were never supposed to be cool again. Watches like the A159 and MTP-1302, which you’d find on your someone’s wrist in the 90s and don’t cost more than $50-$70, have become highly sought-after, especially among younger buyers who’re into the whole “vintage” aesthetic. Casio’s Korea social media strategy caught on particularly fast there and reportedly created demand that spread across the region.

      Demand dynamics and production constraints

      The watch business overall pulled in ¥185 billion (~$1.17 billion) at a 14.7% operating margin, which is healthy by any measure. However, there was one wrinkle — demand in Q3 was so strong that popular G-Shock models went out of stock in Q4, and emergency production increases could only partially cover it. To be fair, that’s a good problem to have, but it still deserves an explicit mention.

      Profitability and outlook

      Looking ahead, Casio is projecting ¥295 billion (~$1.86 billion) in revenue for the current year and is targeting an operating margin of 11.1% by 2029.

    • ROG Xreal R1 AR Glasses Release Date for Europe & North America

      ROG Xreal R1 AR Glasses Release Date for Europe & North America

      Key Takeaway

      – Asus/ Xreal unveil the ROG Xreal R1 AR glasses with pre-orders starting May 17 in Europe and North America; release this summer; price and whether the ROG Control Dock is bundled are not yet disclosed.
      – Key specs include Micro-OLED displays at 240Hz with 0.01ms response, up to a 171-inch virtual screen, and a 57° field of view, plus native 3DoF head tracking and Auto Transparency.
      – Compatible with ROG Ally handhelds, PC, and consoles; brightness, weight, and dimensions have not been revealed.
      – Competes with Lenovo Legion Glasses Gen 2 (120Hz, up to 126-inch screen, USB-C), which are priced at $249.99; the ROG Xreal R1 may cost more due to higher refresh rate and larger virtual screen.

      Back at CES earlier this year, Asus showed off a pair of AR glasses made in collaboration with Xreal. Called the ROG Xreal R1, the device will soon be available to pre-order ahead of its release this summer. The reveal painted a picture of a hybrid device meant to bridge gaming and augmented reality without demanding a gaming desktop to function. The move felt bold, pairing gaming pedigree with mobile AR in a compact form factor that could fit into living rooms and on the go. Enthusiasts and critics alike awaited more concrete details.

      CES reveal and collaboration

      According to a post on X by Xreal, the ROG Xreal R1 will be released in Europe and North America, and interested buyers will be able to pre-order the glasses starting on May 17. Sadly, there’s still no price yet. It is also not clear whether the glasses will come bundled with the ROG Control Dock shown in the image, or if it will be sold separately.

      Preorder details and price uncertainty

      On the spec sheet, the ROG Xreal R1 packs Micro-OLED displays rated at 240Hz with a 0.01ms response time. It can render up to a 171-inch virtual screen while offering a 57° field of view. There’s also native 3DoF support with head tracking and Auto Transparency, giving users a sense of passthrough brightness when needed.

      Specs and unannounced details

      The Asus ROG Xreal R1 glasses are compatible with handhelds such as the ROG Ally series, PC, and console. However, there are still a handful of features that have not yet been revealed such as the brightness, weight, and dimensions. Nevertheless, with the launch of the ROG Xreal R1, Asus can now take on Lenovo’s Legion Glasses Gen 2 which have a 120Hz refresh rate, can display up to a 126-inch screen, and are compatible with any device that has a USB-C video output such as the Legion Go handhelds. With the higher refresh rate and larger virtual screen size of the ROG Xreal R1, there’s a chance they will cost more than the Legion Glasses 2 which are available for $249.99. Xreal; Xreal on X

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    • Clear Vision on E-Bike: Discounted Sunglasses with Zeiss Optics

      Clear Vision on E-Bike: Discounted Sunglasses with Zeiss Optics

      Key Takeaway

      – Two interchangeable lens options (photochromic Grey-to-Clear and Zeiss optics) with UV400 protection and a two-piece frame that supports full- or half-rim use.

      – Lightweight and secure: 32 g (full) or 29 g (half-frames); adjustable nose pads and bendable ear hooks; durable, impact-resistant design certified to GB and CE standards.

      – Zeiss version offers superior optics with optional Polacontrast lenses for night use and grey polarized 12% VLT; photochromic lenses adapt 17.46–83.41% VLT.

      – NBC deal: discounted prices at checkout—Photochromic version $113.05 (down from $132.99) and Zeiss version $129.20 (down from $151.99); Zeiss package includes extra lenses, half-rim bridge, pouch, cleaning cloth, and hard storage box.

      Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting into an activity like e-biking, it’s important to remember that having good protective gear is as important as choosing the right bike, and that extends to eyewear. That’s where Outdoor Master’s Phoenix X sunglasses come in, offering extensive customisation and protection in a lightweight visor-style design. They sit comfortably on the face, reduce glare, and ready you for rugged trails and daily commutes alike.

      Gear that protects you on the move

      What’s more, by using the code NBC at checkout, you can get the the Phoenix X sunglasses at a discounted ($113.05, down from $132.99, for the Photochromic lens version and $129.20 for the Zeiss lens version, down from $151.99) on the Outdoor Master online store. The offer sits among other protective gear and accessories, and it is presented for a limited time in many regions, so timing matters. Buyers should verify stock before planning a purchase.

      Pricing details and availability

      Despite offering an impressive feature set and protection, the Phoenix X frames weigh in at only 32 g or 29 g when configured as a half-frames. The Phoenix X sunglasses are available in two flavours: with a clear-to-grey photochromic lens or with Zeiss optics. Both versions offer UV400 protection, blocking 100% of both UVA and UVB rays, and they have the same two-piece frame that allows you to use the glasses in full- or half-rim mode. Even during active use, balance and comfort stay solid.

      Dimensions and core specs

      Where the photochromic lenses adapt to lighting conditions, delivering anywhere between 17.46–83.41% visible light transmission, the Zeiss optics lenses come with optional Polacontrast lenses for night-time outings and grey polarized lenses with 12% VLT for sunny days on top of the installed Zeiss lens. The Zeiss optics boast superior optical clarity and accurate colours in a variety of lighting conditions, as well as optimal blue light transmission.

      Lenses performance and tech details

      Aside from the interchangeable lenses, the Phoenix X sunglasses also have adjustable nose pads and flexible, moldable ear hooks that can be bent to fold around your head and ears so that they don’t fall off while you’re engaging in rigorous outdoorsy activities. In the event that the Phoenix X do fall off your face, though, Outdoor Master has you covered as well with a durable, impact resistant design certified to both GB and CE standards. That impact resistance extends to the lenses, which is an important consideration to keep debris out of your eyes in the event of a fall or other similar event. Outdoor Master

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    • Ugreen Bluetooth tracker launches with unique design

      Ugreen Bluetooth tracker launches with unique design

      Key Takeaway

      – The FineTrack 2 Soccer Design uses Apple Find My network for item tracking and supports Lost Mode to share contact info with nearby Apple devices.
      – It emits a loud 110 dB alarm when nearby to help locate missing items.
      – Battery life up to seven years and IP68 dust/water resistance; compact 34 mm black casing with fluorescent stripes for visibility.
      – Available at Amazon US ($19.99), UK (£14.99 with discount), and EU (€19.99), released ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026.

      Ugreen has released a new FineTrack 2 Bluetooth tracker worldwide. Also known as the Ugreen FineTrack Soccer Design, or the Ugreen FineTrack Football Design, this round gadget has a repeating pentagon design like a soccer ball. The device is pitched as a compact item finder built for everyday carry, from keys to wallets and bags. Its form factor is light enough to slip into pockets or attach to key rings without adding bulks, while the soccer motif gives it a distinctive look that casual observers may recognize from the street. The announcement states it continues the FineTrack line with a playful shape.

      Design and Identity

      Designed to help users track items through the Apple Find My network, the FineTrack 2 lets you monitor a device’s location on an iPhone or iPad when it’s nearby. It can play a 110dB alarm to help nudge you toward the missing thing, which is surprisingly loud for a tiny gadget. Lost Mode is another feature, letting you share chosen contact information with nearby Apple devices so someone who finds your belongings can reach you quickly. The blend of Bluetooth, network geometry, and shared access makes it a practical option for everyday messiness.

      Connectivity and Features

      According to Ugreen, the FineTrack 2 Soccer Design can run for up to seven years on its battery, which is a notably long endurance for a small tracker. It holds an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance, so a bit of rain should not ruin it. The so called lightweight model sports a black casing with a diameter of 34 mm (~1.34 inches), and features fluorescent stripes to improve visibility in dim light. The design choices balance durability, legibility, and ease of use for people who often misplace things.

      Durability and Build

      Pricing details are published in several regions with a US price of $19.99, a UK price of £14.99 reflecting a £5 discount on the £19.99 RRP, and an EU price of €19.99 in countries like the Netherlands. It was released a few weeks ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, signaling a marketing push tied to the global event. Availability is described as worldwide, positioning the FineTrack 2 Soccer Design as a successor to the earlier model while preserving the same core Bluetooth Find My integration. The company invites interested buyers to check regional retailers for the latest stock.


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    • Citizen Debuts Mandalorian-Inspired Eco-Drive Watch

      Citizen Debuts Mandalorian-Inspired Eco-Drive Watch

      Key Takeaway

      – Launch and availability: Unveiled in March 2026; now sold in the US and UK at $450 (US) / £349 (UK).
      – Design highlights: Dark gray sunray dial with three subdials (Mando helmet and Mudhorn symbol on silver backgrounds) for 1/5th second stopwatch, Grogu-shaped 24-hour indicator, luminous markers, gold-green tachymeter bezel, dark brown rugged stitch leather strap.
      – Movement and durability: B612 Eco-Drive powered by any light; 100 m water resistance.
      – Thematic branding: Prominent Mandalorian nods and character imagery throughout the dial.

      Citizen has begun selling its Star Wars Mandalorian CA0857-09W watch in the US and the UK. This Star Wars-themed chronograph was unveiled in March 2026, and its design includes nods to many characters linked to The Mandalorian. The watch carries a dark gray dial with a sunray finish and hosts three subdials, hinting at a blend of sci fi flair and everyday utility. Two of these subdials sit on silver backgrounds, one bearing an image of Mando’s helmet while the other shows the Mudhorn symbol. The third subdial indicates the time in a 24-hour format and is shaped like Grogu. They are linked to the 1/5th second stopwatch function, while the entire layout feels both ready for action and surprisingly practical.

      Design Cues

      In addition, the CA0857-09W features luminous markers, three hands and a basic date display, all framed by a tachymeter bezel in a gold-green tone aluminum. The model comes with a dark brown leather strap featuring rugged stitching. Power comes from a B612 Eco-Drive movement, which can be charged using any light source, keeping the watch alive without batteries. Plus, it is water resistant to 100 m, making it suitable for swimming and everyday use alike. The overall dial layout is balanced, with a subtle blend of reflective surfaces and bold edges that nod to the Mandalorian vibe.

      Pricing & Availability

      In the United States, the Star Wars Mandalorian CA0857-09W watch is now available for $450 at the brand’s online store, while customers in the United Kingdom can buy the same model for £349 from the Citizen shop. The release marks an effort to blend fan appeal with Citizen reliability in a compact, corrosion resistant package that suits collectors and casual wearers alike. Availability and after sales support are expected to be steady as Citizen continues to push license-friendly, practical, and stylish timepieces in its catalog.


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    • Casio Edifice EQB-1300 Slim Watches Now Available in Europe

      Casio Edifice EQB-1300 Slim Watches Now Available in Europe

      Key Takeaway

      – Availability and pricing in Europe: EQB-1300D-2A (blue) and EQB-1300D-5A (brown) at €279; EQB-1300DC-3A (green, IP dark metallic gray) at €329; sold in NL, FR, ES; US release date not announced.
      – Design and build: 9.5 mm thick, 39.5 mm diameter; sapphire crystal; raised indexes; three hands; basic date; two subdials (24-hour time and day of week); H-link stainless steel bracelet.
      – Features and performance: 15 seconds per month accuracy; Bluetooth automatic time adjustment via Casio Watches app; Tough Solar; 100 m water resistance.

      The Casio Edifice EQB-1300D watches are now available in Europe. This new model was spotted in a certification database earlier in 2026, with the brand officially unveiling the new series several weeks later. In Europe, retailers and shops are listing the models with brisk interest from collectors and casual buyers alike as the watch enters the market. The official rollout hints at a wider regional strategy that might include more colorways and variants over the months ahead.

      Availability in Europe

      You can now buy the Casio Edifice EQB-1300D-2A (blue dial, silver case) and the EQB-1300D-5A (brown dial, silver case) for €279 in countries like the Netherlands, France and Spain. A third model, the EQB-1300DC-3A (green dial, ion-plated dark metallic gray casing), is more expensive at €329. Market listings also highlight regional availability and a warranty window, and watchers note the two-tone contrast between blue or brown dials against the light-reflective cases.

      Model lineup and pricing

      Casio’s Edifice EQB-1300 chronograph is slim, measuring 9.5 mm (~0.37 inches) in depth and 39.5 mm (~1.56 inches across). The watch’s dial features raised indexes, three hands, and a basic date display. Plus, two indicator dials show information like the time in a 24-hour format and the day of the week. The latter doubles as an indicator for the 1-second stopwatch function. Each dial is protected by a sapphire crystal and comes with an H-link stainless steel bracelet. The overall presentation looks balanced, and the texture on the bracelet links catches light as the wrist moves.

      Design and display

      The Edifice EQB-1300D watches offer 15 seconds of monthly accuracy, though Bluetooth connectivity brings automatic time adjustments via the Casio Watches smartphone app. The model is also water resistant to 100 m, and Tough Solar charging can extend the watch’s battery life. It is unclear when these watches could be released in the US. The watch remains a practical companion for daily timekeeping and light sports thanks to its solar charge and smart sync features.

      Timekeeping and features

      Casio continues to push the Edifice line forward by pairing a slim chassis with solar powered tech and a modern, sport oriented look that remains comfortable for all day wear. The EQB-1300D family demonstrates the brands ongoing focus on reliable timekeeping, practical features, and durable construction that appeals to urban commuters and enthusiasts alike, reinforcing Casio’s reputation in the European market. Casio

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    • Xiaomi upgrades luxury smartwatch with 21-day battery life

      Xiaomi upgrades luxury smartwatch with 21-day battery life

      Key Takeaway

      – Official confirmation of the Smart Band 10 Pro in China, unveiled with the Xiaomi 17 Max; pricing noted around $89 on Amazon.
      – 21-day battery life, unchanged from the Smart Band 9 Pro.
      – New dual-light PPD sensor with claimed 98.2% heart-rate accuracy.
      – Refined HRV-based sleep monitoring and Sleep Algorithm 2.0 improvements.
      – New cycling mode and enhanced vehicle integrations; China launch by end of May, global release expected later in 2026.

      Xiaomi finally confirmed the existence of the Smart Band 10 Pro earlier this week in China. Presented alongside the Xiaomi 17 Max, the Smart Band 10 Pro had quite a lot in common with the older Smart Band 9 Pro at first glance (curr. $89). Yet there are whispers of subtle tweaks that could change how people use it day to day, and the company was eager to share the news despite sparse detail.

      Battery life and sensor tweaks

      To that end, Xiaomi has confirmed that the Smart Band 10 Pro should deliver up to 21 days of battery life, too. While this is unchanged from the Smart Band 9 Pro, Xiaomi has added a new dual-light PPD sensor for its tenth-generation model. Allegedly, this change allows the Smart Band 10 Pro to monitor heart rates with 98.2% accuracy. Early users might find the daily readings more stable, and the long life battery could mean less recharging day by day.

      HRV, Sleep tracking and cycling

      Moreover, the new smartwatch boasts refined heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring when sleeping. Similarly, Xiaomi states that the Smart Band 10 Pro leverages its Sleep Algorithm 2.0 for sleep monitoring improvements, too. The new fitness tracker also features a new cycling exercise mode and superior Xiaomi vehicle integrations compared to older Smart Band wearables, offering a more rounded experience for athletes and commuters alike.

      Release timing and rollout

      A release date remains unknown for now. However, Xiaomi continues to claim that the Smart Band 10 Pro will arrive before the end of May in some capacity. Based on Xiaomi’s social media posts, this launch will likely only apply in China, though. A global release should occur later in 2026, though. Industry watchers caution that shipping windows may slip, yet official posts suggest a China-first rollout.

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