Category: Wearables

  • Amazfit T-Rex 3 Update: New Features Now Available

    Amazfit T-Rex 3 Update: New Features Now Available

    Zepp Health has put out a new update for the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch, as shared by a user on Reddit. This smartwatch was first introduced in September and comes with several improvements over the last model, including a bigger screen and better battery performance. Now, the software version 3.2.6.4, which is 14.19 MB in size, adds a number of enhancements to this latest device.

    New Features and Improvements

    According to the release notes, a new feature called Unlock Upon Wrist Raise has been added, making it easier for users to activate the display during workouts. For those using the Track run activity, the pre-workout screen will now display your selected lane, and you can modify it as you see fit. Enhancements for the T-Rex 3 also include a new functionality for Hyrox races, enabling users to reverse the transition between exercises for up to 10 seconds after it has started. Additionally, the screen will only lock automatically after it is turned off, helping to avoid unintended auto-locks when the display is still active but not being interacted with, like during exercise.

    Update Availability

    Owners of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 smartwatch (currently priced at $279.99 on Amazon) can access the update version 3.2.6.4 via the Zepp App by navigating to Profile > Amazfit T-Rex 3 > System Update. It’s not clear whether this new software is accessible to all users right now or if it’s being rolled out gradually over the upcoming weeks.

    U/ShibaBlue via Reddit

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  • New Xiaomi Watch H1 E: Blood Pressure Wearable Available Now

    New Xiaomi Watch H1 E: Blood Pressure Wearable Available Now

    The Xiaomi Watch H1 E Wrist Blood Pressure Recorder is now easier to find in China. This gadget was introduced earlier in October at some retail locations, but only recently became available on the company’s online platforms.

    Similarities and Differences

    The H1 E shares many features with the previous H1 model from last year. A key distinction is the absence of the ECG function in the newer H1 E, which was present in the original version. Additionally, while the H1 has FDA medical approval, the H1 E is recognized by a similar authority in Beijing. One advantage of the H1 E is its ability to automatically take readings while you sleep, whereas during the day, users receive reminders to perform manual checks. Both watches utilize the oscillometric technique for blood pressure readings, using an integrated micro air pump that claims accuracy within 3 mmHg.

    Features and Capabilities

    Other functionalities of the H1 E include Bluetooth calling and the ability to monitor various health metrics like heart rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. It also supports exercise tracking with more than 100 different sports modes. The device boasts a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and can last up to 9 days with regular use. Even with the lack of ECG, the H1 E is priced at CNY 1,899 (about $267), which is just CNY 100 (around $14) less than the original H1’s retail price. It’s uncertain if or when this smartwatch will be available in other regions, such as Europe. In the meantime, consumers in countries like Germany might consider alternatives like the Huawei Watch D2, which currently retails for €405.99.

    Conclusion

    Xiaomi continues to expand its lineup with new wearables, but the H1 E presents a solid option for those looking for health tracking features without the ECG. The combination of modern design and practical functionalities makes it a competitive choice in the smartwatch market. Time will tell when it becomes available in other areas outside China, but for now, those interested can explore local competitors.

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  • Apple Analyst Reviews Vision VR Headset, Smart Glasses, and AirPods

    Apple Analyst Reviews Vision VR Headset, Smart Glasses, and AirPods

    While the market for virtual reality (VR) headsets hasn’t become widely popular, Meta is working to make it easier for people to get into it by offering lower prices. They have just launched the Quest 3S, which is currently priced at $299 on Amazon, and it will begin shipping tomorrow.

    Shift in Focus

    In addition, Quest has shifted its focus from the Quest Pro, which was much cheaper compared to the Apple Vision Pro, which is still priced at $3,499. A recent report from Mark Gurman indicates that Apple is planning to introduce new VR headsets, starting with a more budget-friendly option that might use a chipset derived from the Apple A series.

    Pricing Strategies

    Moreover, Apple aims to eliminate the hardware needed for EyeSight in the Vision Pro, which could lead to a price drop of over 40% between different models. However, this still means that the next Apple Vision headset could be priced around $2,000. To put it differently, Apple’s ‘more affordable’ VR headset could still be over six times more expensive than Meta’s less costly alternative.

    Future Releases

    Gurman also anticipates that Apple will unveil the Vision Pro 2 in 2026, which will have enhanced performance, and follow it up with the release of its first smart glasses a year later. Reportedly, Apple is also thinking about launching new AirPods that come with built-in cameras, which Gurman suggests is a way to make up for the huge investment in the visual intelligence technology used in the Vision Pro. Ultimately, since 2027 is still quite a while away, these plans could change, and some products might even get put on hold for different initiatives.

    Mark Gurman & Bloomberg, Roméo A & Unsplash – Image credits

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  • Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro Renders Leaked: First Look

    Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Pro Renders Leaked: First Look

    Just a few months after the debut of the Smart Band 9, Xiaomi appears to be getting ready for another version – the Smart Band 9 Pro. Even though it hasn’t been a full year since the last Pro version, the Band 8 Pro, unofficial images indicate that the Band 9 Pro is coming soon.

    Design Tweaks

    Not much looks different at first glance. When you compare it with its direct predecessor, the Band 8 Pro, the design changes seem to be quite small.

    The most prominent design alteration is the display. The images show a slightly curved screen, which is a shift from the flat display of the Band 8 Pro. The strap also looks a bit improved, now featuring a clasp positioned near the end, resembling the design of the Apple Watch. The single button, likely used for navigation, keeps its well-known pill shape.

    Aesthetic Changes

    The biggest visual change might be the side frame. The glossy metal finish of the Band 8 Pro is replaced by a more matte look on the Band 9 Pro. The images also suggest a bigger display with slimmer bezels, but it’s hard to say for sure without exact measurements.

    According to the leaked renders, the Band 9 Pro will probably be available in at least three colors: silver, black, and gold. While there might be more options later, these are the only confirmed colors for now.

    Expected Features

    Although official specifications are yet to be announced, we can look to the Band 8 Pro as a possible reference. It had a 1.74-inch AMOLED display with a clear 336 x 480 resolution, a refresh rate of 60Hz, and a maximum brightness of 600 nits for visibility in sunlight.

    The Band 8 Pro also had various health and fitness tracking features, including continuous heart rate and blood oxygen monitoring, stress tracking, sleep analysis, and water resistance rated at 5 ATM. With over 150 sports modes and advanced algorithms, it was designed to meet a wide array of workout preferences.

    Looking forward, the Band 9 Pro might include similar features with possible enhancements. It’s reasonable to expect functions such as automatic brightness adjustment, GPS capabilities, multiple watch faces (including an Always-On Display option), and smooth integration with the Mi Fitness App to likely continue.

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  • Pixel Watch Wear OS 5 Issues Lead to Delayed Rollout by Google

    Pixel Watch Wear OS 5 Issues Lead to Delayed Rollout by Google

    Google started the Wear OS 5 update for the Google Pixel Watch and Pixel Watch 2 on September 24, 2024. Soon after, users began voicing their frustrations on Reddit and other platforms, stating that the update made their watch nearly useless due to it freezing on a black screen.

    Factory Reset Required

    Those affected have to perform a factory reset on their Pixel Watch, which unfortunately results in the loss of all data saved on the device. This means users will need to reinstall apps and reconfigure their watch faces. In a recent support article, Google acknowledged the issue and mentioned that they are actively seeking a fix. To limit the number of users impacted by this problem, the deployment of Wear OS 5 was halted on September 26.

    Future Update Plans

    The plan is to resume the rollout of Wear OS 5 for the Pixel Watch later this year, but Google has not provided a specific date yet. It remains uncertain if this delay will also affect updates for those who have already upgraded to Wear OS 5, including the October security patch. Wear OS 5 brings several new features that were previously seen in the Pixel Watch 3, such as a grid view for choosing apps, an audio recorder app, a privacy dashboard, enhanced running tracking, and improved battery endurance.

    Google’s efforts to address these issues are ongoing, and users are advised to keep an eye on updates for any further information.

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  • Garmin Launches 19.xx Beta Update for Smartwatches with Better Maps

    Garmin Launches 19.xx Beta Update for Smartwatches with Better Maps

    Garmin has introduced the beta version 19.21 for several of its smartwatches, including the Fenix 7, Fenix 7 Pro, Epix 2, Epix 2 Pro, Enduro 2, Quatix 7, and MARQ Gen 2. This update marks the beginning of the 19.xx beta testing phase, following the stable software version 18.16.

    Update Highlights

    The changelog for beta version 19.21 mentions four key updates. To start with, Garmin claims it has enhanced the map controls for the wearables, but specifics are not provided. Additionally, there are fixes related to pool swim activities that previously recorded a distance of zero, and an issue concerning the loss of elevation data during multisport activities that commenced with swimming. Furthermore, a problem that may have led to a delay in the flashlight activation for certain Connect IQ watch faces has been addressed.

    Installation Instructions

    According to a Garmin team member’s post on the company’s forum, users of the eligible Fenix 7 (currently priced at $4499.99 on Amazon) and other related smartwatch models will not receive beta version 19.21 automatically. Instead, they must navigate to Main Menu > System > Software Update > Check for updates to manually download it. Similar to previous beta releases, this software will turn off the watch’s ECG feature. If you are interested in participating in the Garmin beta program, you can sign up through the Connect app.

    Conclusion

    Garmin is continually working on enhancements for its smartwatch lineup, ensuring that users have access to the latest features and fixes. By engaging in the beta program, users can get a sneak peek at upcoming updates while contributing to the software’s development process.

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  • Casio Cyberattack Causes Service Disruptions and G-Shock Delays

    Casio Cyberattack Causes Service Disruptions and G-Shock Delays

    Casio Computer Co., Ltd., a notable electronics firm from Japan, faced a major cyberattack on October 5th. The incident involved an unknown party gaining illegal access to their network, leading to system failures and interruptions in services.

    Apologies and Investigations

    On October 8th, Casio released a statement expressing their apologies for the troubles this incident has caused to customers and stakeholders. The company is conducting an investigation with the aid of external experts to determine the severity of the breach and if any personal or sensitive data was compromised. Casio has notified the relevant authorities about the cyberattack and is implementing measures to secure its systems against future unauthorized access.

    Delays in Product Launches

    The cyberattack has not only disrupted services but also postponed the launch of new G-Shock watch models, specifically the GMC-B2100AD-2A and GMC-B2100D-1A, which were originally scheduled for release on October 18th in Japan. The company has yet to announce a new date for these releases, indicating that more information will be shared once the situation is under control.

    Possible Impact on Anniversay Collection

    Moreover, this attack might affect the upcoming launch of the second Casio Watch 50th Anniversary limited series, which includes the G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A. While the company hasn’t confirmed any changes, the timing for this release could potentially be altered.

    As of now, no entity has claimed responsibility for the cyberattack, and the reasons behind the breach remain uncertain.

    In other updates, Casio is set to introduce two new G-Shock Full Metal models in October: the GM-B2100SD-1A and GMC-B2100ZE-1A. The GM-B2100SD-1A boasts a hybrid analog-digital display, Bluetooth features, solar charging, and enhanced readability with a darker grey backdrop. It is priced at JP¥84,700 (about $572) in Japan. The GMC-B2100ZE-1A, celebrating Casio’s 50th anniversary, features a black ion-plated bezel with golden accents, plus Bluetooth and solar charging capabilities.

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  • New AMOLED Smartwatch Launches with Stylish Titanium Bezel

    New AMOLED Smartwatch Launches with Stylish Titanium Bezel

    A few months ago, Suunto hinted at updating its Race S smartwatch. Now, they have released this new version globally, but it seems like it’s only available through their own retail platform for now. Meanwhile, the older Race Titanium can still be found through other sellers (curr. $439.20 on Amazon).

    Key Features of the New Model

    The Race S Titanium has the same core hardware as the regular Race S. However, the introduction of a titanium bezel has allowed this new version to be a bit lighter than the stainless steel model. Suunto claims that the Race S Titanium weighs 53 g, while the Race S Stainless Steel weighs 60 g. This means the new model is nearly 12% lighter than its predecessor.

    Design and Specifications

    To summarize, the Race S Titanium comes with a 1.32-inch AMOLED display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass, all housed within a 45 mm frame. It also offers 32 GB of storage, a multi-band GNSS module, and can last up to nine days on a single charge when used in smartwatch mode. At the moment, the Race S Titanium is offered in Titanium Canary and Titanium Graphite colors for £395 in the UK, $449 in the US, and €449 in the Eurozone. Just a heads up, while Suunto has begun selling the new Race S in the UK and the US, it won’t be fully available in the Eurozone until October 15.

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  • Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A Launching Soon: Stay Tuned!

    Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A Launching Soon: Stay Tuned!

    A new product listing for the Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A watch has surfaced online at Hatyai-Nalika in Thailand. This timepiece is part of a broader collection of wearables that honor Casio’s 50th Anniversary.

    Design Features

    The G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A showcases a black ion-plated stainless steel bezel. Most of the band matches in color and material, but there’s one link that features gold ion plating, which complements the gold highlights on the watch face. Beyond its looks, this analog-digital hybrid watch is anticipated to be quite similar to other newly launched models in the GMC-B2100 line, such as the GMC-B2100D and the GMC-B2100AD. With Bluetooth connectivity, users can benefit from automatic time updates, reminders, a phone finding feature, and various settings adjustments via the Casio Watches app. Additionally, thanks to solar charging, the watch can operate for up to seven months on a single charge under regular usage.

    Release Information

    The Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A is slated to make its debut this October in Japan, although the precise launch date remains unclear. There are also whispers that the watch may be sold in the US for approximately $930 through authorized retailers, but a specific date for its availability in this region has not been confirmed yet.

    Casio G-Shock GMC-B2100ZE-1A Launching Soon: Stay Tuned!
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  • Amazfit Zepp App Update Now Available for Smartwatch Users

    Amazfit Zepp App Update Now Available for Smartwatch Users

    A new version of the Zepp app for Amazfit smartwatches is being released. In September, users of the Amazfit Balance wearable had the chance to beta test software version 9.0.0. Now, the company has confirmed that this update will soon be available to all users.

    App Redesign

    The updated Zepp app features a fresh layout, which the company claims is easier to navigate and emphasizes health insights. Many users have shared their positive feedback, noting the cleaner and more modern appearance. Nonetheless, a handful of users have pointed out that some features, like heart rate graphs, are now located in less accessible places, leading to suggestions that the app might be more difficult to interpret.

    Enhanced Features

    Zepp has also made the process of connecting wearables simpler. A new activity tracking function can recommend the intensity level for your next workout, helping to avoid overdoing it. Additionally, a meal logging option lets you monitor your diet; you can upload photos and the app can automatically identify the food you’ve consumed.

    Availability

    Currently, Zepp app version 9.0.0 is available for iOS users in regions such as the US, UK, and the Netherlands. It’s not clear when the Android version will be broadly released. A recent Facebook update indicates that the gradual rollout is expected to wrap up in October.

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