Tag: heart rate tracking

  • Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Amazfit Helio Strap Update: 3 Key Improvements

    Key Takeaway

    – New training modes (basketball, swimming in pool) and ability to save favorite workouts in the app
    – Offline heart rate data syncing via smartwatch during swimming, with Helio Strap data having priority
    – Improved sleep tracking algorithm for more precise data
    – Extended pickleball mode adds data for forehand and backhand strokes
    – Positioned as an affordable, subscription-free alternative to Whoop 5.0 with reliable workout data

    Latest update brings fresh capabilities

    The Amazfit Helio Strap which costs $94 on Amazon got a big feature update last December and now Amazfit are announcing yet another patch that will bring a bunch of improvements. The release notes highlight some of the new things from that earlier patch and once again talk about new training modes like basketball and swimming in the pool, plus the abillity to save your favorite workouts in a list inside the phone app. This makes it easier to keep track of what you do often.

    Connection upgrades for better data

    However, there is also some new improvments included. After you do the update, it becomes possible to connect the Amazfit Helio Strap to a compatible Amazfit smartwatch. This lets the strap’s heart rate data be saved offline on the watch while your swimming, even if there is no Bluetooth connection to your phone. Amazfit says the Helio Strap’s heart rate info is more accurate than what a smartwatch gives, so it gets priority when recording any workout session.

    Better sleep tracking and new sport modes

    Amazfit also touts an improved sleep tracking algorithm, which should give you more precise data, along with an extended pickleball mode that collects extra stats such as the number of forehand and backhand strokes you make. For more details about the Amazfit Helio Strap you can check the official product page. In the press release for this software update, Amazfit points out again that the Helio Strap is a affordable, subscription-free alternative to the Whoop 5.0, and according to an analysis by The Quantified Scientist, it delivers extremely reliable workout data.

     

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  • Leaked G-Shock Hybrid: The Perfect Summer Fitness Tracker

    Leaked G-Shock Hybrid: The Perfect Summer Fitness Tracker

    Key Takeaways

    1. Casio is developing a new G-Shock line, the GBX-H5600, featuring advanced heart rate tracking.
    2. The watch design is square, inspired by the G-Shock GBX-100, and prominently displays “Heart Rate” on the dial.
    3. Two variants are leaked: GBX-H5600-1 (black) and GBX-H5600-2 (blue), both featuring translucent dials and water-sport suitability.
    4. Expected features include optical heart rate monitoring, step counting, sleep analysis, multi-sport modes, and Bluetooth connectivity.
    5. The GBX-H5600 may launch in Spring or Summer 2026, with official announcements likely soon.

    It’s well known that Casio is developing a new G-Shock line that includes advanced heart rate tracking features. The first information about the GBX-H5600 came to light in October, when it was certified by a Chinese regulatory agency, CMIIT. Later, in January, another leak suggested that Casio might target a release in the spring or summer for this new fitness-oriented watch. Recently, leaked images of the G-Shock GBX-H5600-1 and GBX-H5600-2 have emerged, providing us with a first glimpse of a design that mixes surf-inspired G-Lide looks with comprehensive G-Squad fitness tracking.

    Design Insights

    The images, shared by Casioblog, showcase a distinctly square watch that takes heavy inspiration from the Casio G-Shock GBX-100, featuring its MIP display, signature font, and tide graph design. One notable feature is the clear labeling at the top of the dial that reads “Heart Rate.” This indicates that the GBX-H5600 likely incorporates the fitness technology from the Casio G-Shock DW-H5600 (currently priced at $268 on Amazon).

    Variants and Features

    The leaked images reveal two versions: the black GBX-H5600-1 and the blue GBX-H5600-2, both of which come with translucent dials and cases. The G-LIDE logo can be seen on the strap, hinting at its potential for water sports.

    Considering the blend of the GBX-100 and DW-H5600, we can anticipate that these new watches will include features such as an optical heart rate monitor, step counting, calorie tracking, pace and distance measures, sleep analysis, tide graphs, and moon phase display. They will also likely support multiple sport modes like running, cycling, swimming, and strength workouts. Additionally, Bluetooth capabilities should allow for smartphone notifications and enable the watch to utilize your phone’s GPS for more precise distance tracking. There are expectations for solar charging, and there’s also hope that wired USB charging will be included too.

    Future Expectations

    If these leaks are accurate, the GBX-H5600 would significantly expand Casio’s range of square watches with heart rate capabilities. With certifications already secured and previous leaks pointing to a Spring or Summer 2026 launch, it seems that an official announcement could be imminent.

    Casioblog

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