Tag: Smartwatch Features

October 25, 2024
Garmin Unveils Stylish New Smartwatch with Premium Features
Garmin has introduced an updated version of its MARQ Adventurer, now featuring the Damascus Steel Edition. This model comes with a significant price tag of $3,100, reflecting the premium for the distinctive material. Known for its strength, Damascus steel is utilized in both the watch case and the bezel. The smartwatch is equipped with a unique strap made of leather and fluorocarbon rubber, while its display is safeguarded by sapphire crystal. It boasts an impressive water resistance rating, capable of withstanding depths of up to 10 ATM.
Display and Functionality
The device showcases a 1.2-inch AMOLED touchscreen display, featuring a resolution of 390 x 390 pixels. Its range of functions rivals that of the Fenix series. Users can save not just their workout data but also music and maps in its internal storage. The smartwatch is also fitted with a GNSS module that supports GPS, Glonass, and Galileo, along with a compass, barometric altimeter, gyroscope, and thermometer. The thermometer is particularly useful as it helps to keep track of both body and surrounding temperature.
Advanced Tracking and Payment Features
With Garmin Connect, users can dive deep into their training analytics, offering detailed evaluations of their performance and adjustments to their workout plans based on their training loads. The watch is equipped with optical sensors that measure heart rate, blood oxygen levels, and stress. Additionally, users can make wireless payments directly through the device using Garmin Pay. To top it off, the functionality of the watch can be extended with various apps.
Garmin
Tags: Damascus Steel Edition, Garmin MARQ Adventurer, Smartwatch Features
September 27, 2024
Garmin Fenix 8 Beta Update: Nine New Features Released
Garmin has introduced its initial beta updates, versions 11.81 and 11.82, for the Fenix 8 AMOLED, Fenix 8 Solar, Enduro 3, and Fenix E smartwatches. The change log for the first release is quite detailed, featuring nine new functionalities.
New Features
Among the new features, users can now switch between third-party maps directly in the Map Layers Menu. Additionally, there’s a new data screen to help track the intensity of skiing or snowboarding activities. The update also introduces an Autolap by Position tool, voice command adjustments for display brightness, and Wi-Fi connectivity via Map Manager. Garmin has addressed a user-reported issue related to watch performance in cold water, potentially linked to a new water ejection feature. Furthermore, there are enhancements to the always-on watch face brightness and improvements in power consumption while on the Map page. This update also includes 21 bug fixes that resolve problems related to battery drain, workout cancellations, and the active timer count. The second update, however, contains only four changes, which include a fix for turn-by-turn alerts.
Update Process
For the Garmin Fenix 8 smartwatch (47mm model priced at $999.99 on Amazon) and similar smartwatches, software version 11.81 will not be automatically delivered to beta testers. Users must navigate to Menu > System > Software Update > Check For Updates to initiate the process. It’s important to remember that the ECG and Dive features are disabled while using beta software.
Garmin continues to enhance its smartwatch experience, ensuring users have the latest tools and fixes at their disposal.
Tags: Garmin Fenix 8, Smartwatch Features, software update 11.81
September 19, 2024
New Huawei Ultimate Green Edition Watch – Golf & Expedition Modes
Huawei has launched a new Green edition of the Huawei Watch Ultimate, which comes with improved Advanced Golf Features and a revamped Expedition Mode tailored for both adventurers and professionals.
New Color and Features
Originally released last year in Blue and Black, this smartwatch now adds a third color option along with a variety of enhanced features. In addition to this model, Huawei has also unveiled the Watch GT 5 series.
Huawei Watch Ultimate Specifications
The Huawei Watch Ultimate boasts a sturdy design made from premium materials. It features a 1.5-inch LTPO AMOLED screen with a resolution of 466 x 466, all shielded by sapphire glass. The smartwatch is crafted with a zirconium-based liquid metal case, a first in the smartwatch industry, ensuring both durability and resistance to corrosion. It also includes a dual-color nano-tech ceramic bezel, enhancing its rugged and upscale look.
This smartwatch is rated for water resistance up to 10ATM, meaning it can withstand being submerged in water at depths of up to 100 meters. It meets ISO 22810 waterproof and EN 13319 diving standards, making it a perfect choice for divers. With a 530mAh battery, it can last up to 14 days under normal usage or 8 days under heavy use. Additionally, it supports fast Qi wireless charging, allowing for a complete recharge in just 60 minutes.
Tags: Green Edition, Huawei Watch Ultimate, Smartwatch Features
September 15, 2024
Amazfit T-Rex 3 Smartwatch Set for India Launch Soon
Amazfit is preparing to introduce the T-Rex 3 smartwatch to the Indian market after its unveiling at IFA 2024. Although the specific launch date and pricing details are still under wraps, Amazon’s microsite provides a sneak peek into the smartwatch’s remarkable capabilities.
Specifications of the Amazfit T-Rex 3
The Amazfit T-Rex 3 has made its appearance in the global market, and most of its features are already known.
This new iteration comes with an octagonal bezel, moving away from the previous circular design, offering a more sophisticated appearance. The display has been upgraded to 1.5 inches with a brightness of 2000 nits, ensuring clear readability even in sunlight. This is a step up from the former 1.39-inch display. It also boasts Gorilla Glass protection and a glove mode for use in cold weather.
The straps, measuring 22mm in width, are crafted from liquid silicone, enhancing comfort and hygiene. It operates on the ZPS3044 processor and includes 32GB of storage. The smartwatch runs Zepp OS 4 and features an AI assistant powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4 model, along with a built-in app for managing Sonos sound systems.
Fitness and Battery Enhancements
Continuing its focus on fitness, the T-Rex 3 supports 170 sports modes and offers 10 ATM water resistance, suitable for free diving up to 45 meters. It now also monitors skin temperature along with heart rate, blood oxygen, stress, and sleep.
A notable upgrade is the battery, which now has 1.4 times more capacity than the T-Rex 2, at 700mAh. This supports up to 27 days of typical usage and extends to 81 days in basic watch mode. With GPS on, it can last 42 hours in accuracy mode, 114 hours in battery-saver mode, and up to 180 hours in extreme battery-saver mode. Under heavy usage, the battery endures approximately 13 days, with a charging time of 3 hours.
The Indian pricing for the smartwatch is yet to be announced, but it is available for €299 in Europe, $299 in the US, and ￥1899 in China.
Tags: Amazfit T-Rex 3, global launch, Smartwatch Features
August 28, 2024
Garmin Fenix 8 Launches with 21-Day Battery Life
After weeks of anticipation and leaks, Garmin has unveiled the Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar multisport smartwatches. These new models continue to target athletes and outdoor adventurers, introducing significant enhancements, including a long-anticipated change in the display technology for the standard Fenix series. Here’s a closer look at the specifics.
Garmin Fenix 8 and Fenix 8 Solar Specifications
The standout upgrade for the Fenix 8 is its AMOLED display. However, for users who value extended battery life, Garmin has retained the memory-in-pixel (MIP) display, along with solar charging capabilities, in the Fenix 8 Solar variant.
Both models are available in 47mm and 51mm sizes, but the Fenix 8 with the AMOLED display also offers a smaller 43mm version. The AMOLED model boasts a slightly larger and clearer 1.4-inch screen with a 454 x 454-pixel resolution.
Conversely, the Solar Edition features a 1.3-inch MIP display with a 260 x 260-pixel resolution and is slightly thicker, measuring 15.2mm compared to the standard Fenix 8’s 13.7-14.7mm thickness.
Enhanced Features
All versions now include a built-in speaker and microphone for basic voice assistant interaction and voice note recording, along with an integrated flashlight.
Moreover, the Fenix 8 series provides targeted strength training tailored to various sports, Garmin Share for data sharing between devices, and compatibility with QZSS and BEIDOU global navigation systems.
Garmin has also added a sensor guard and leakproof buttons to the Fenix 8, which has been tested to military standards for durability. The watch is water-resistant up to 40 meters and incorporates new scuba diving and apnea modes.
Battery Life and Pricing
Known for its impressive battery life, the Fenix 8 series maintains this reputation. The standard model can operate for up to 16 days in smartwatch mode, while the solar variant extends this by an extra five days. Garmin also asserts that the new solar technology harnesses 50% more solar energy than previous versions.
Regarding pricing, the Garmin Fenix 8 starts at $999.99, with the top configuration reaching $1,199.99. The Fenix 8 Solar is slightly more expensive, beginning at $1,099.99 and peaking at $1,199.99 for the highest-end model.
Tags: Garmin Fenix 8, Multi-day Battery Life, Smartwatch Features
August 14, 2024
Motorola Unveils Affordable Smartwatch with AMOLED and Health Features
Motorola has introduced an affordable smartwatch named the Moto Watch 120, revitalizing their smartwatch series after the Moto Watch 40 debuted roughly six months prior.
Key Features of the Moto Watch 120
This smartwatch boasts several impressive features such as advanced sleep and stress tracking, smart notifications, over 100 sports modes, more than 80 customizable watch faces, hands-free calling, and a battery life extending up to 10 days. For health monitoring, it includes an accelerometer, heart rate monitor (HRM), and SpO2 sensors. According to Motorola, the watch can enhance workouts and optimize results by tracking heart rate and training zones in real-time. The smart notification feature allows users to receive and view important alerts discreetly without needing to check their phone.
Specifications of the Moto Watch 120
The Moto Watch 120 is equipped with a 1.43” circular AMOLED display encased in a metal (Zinc alloy) frame. It operates on Moto Watch OS and offers Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connections. The watch is available in three colors: Phantom Black, Rose Gold, and Glacier Silver.
Its battery is a 300 mAh unit featuring “Quick Charging,” although the company has not specified the exact charging duration. The body of the watch is IP68 dust and water-resistant, with dimensions of 50.6 x 44.6 x 11mm and a weight of 55g. In comparison, the previous model, Moto Watch 40, had an IP67 rating and weighed 26g. The Watch 120 also has a strap length of approximately 175mm and a width of 22mm.
Additional Features
Users can easily control music playback, skip tracks, and adjust the volume directly from their wrist. Additionally, if the phone is misplaced, users can make it ring using the watch, and this functionality works even if the phone is set to silent mode.
Pricing and Availability
The Moto Watch 120 is listed on Motorola’s website with a price of $129.99. It includes a link to Amazon, where the watch can be purchased for the same price.
Tags: Moto Watch 120, Pricing and availability, Smartwatch Features
July 31, 2024
Google Pixel Watch 3 Leaked in Marketing Material Pre-Launch
The marketing materials for the Google Pixel Watch 3 series have been leaked. The next-generation smartwatches from Google are scheduled to launch on August 13. Today’s leak provides comprehensive details about the upcoming models. The Pixel Watch 3 is set to follow last year’s Pixel Watch 2. Previously, promotional materials for the Pixel 9 series had also surfaced online.
Google Pixel Watch 3 Promo Material Highlights
The Google Pixel Watch 3 will be available in 41mm and 45mm dial sizes as previously speculated. Both versions are expected to feature an Actua display with a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits. In comparison, its predecessor had an AMOLED screen with a brightness of 1,000 nits. The leak also indicates that the new model will have 40 percent more screen space than the Pixel Watch 2, allowing for more information to be displayed at a glance.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 will introduce the ability to view Nest Doorbells and Cameras directly on the watch for added convenience. Offline maps will be accessible, and Google Wallet will be available for payments. Users will also be able to control their Pixel phone’s camera from the smartwatch, including switching between photo and video modes.
Health and Fitness Tracking Features
For health and fitness tracking, the Google Pixel Watch 3 will support advanced running metrics. It will include features like custom runs, audio and haptic cues, and various metrics to improve running form. The device will offer a readiness score to indicate if you are prepared for a workout or need to rest. It will also measure your cardio load to determine if you are under or overtraining. Google is introducing a new Morning Brief feature that will summarize each metric, including sleep quality and readiness score.
Battery Life and Accessories
The Pixel Watch 3 is expected to offer a 24-hour battery life with the Always-On Display (AOD) enabled and 36 hours with battery-saving mode. The 41mm model is rumored to offer 20 percent faster charging.
According to the report, the Pixel Watch 3 will come with various band options, including an active band, active sport band, woven band, metal links band, crafted leather band, and performance loop band. Additionally, the 41mm model will have exclusive bands like a stretch band, metal mesh band, metal slim band, and two-tone leather band.
Tags: Google Pixel Watch 3, Health and Fitness Tracking, Smartwatch Features
July 17, 2024
OnePlus Watch 2R Launch: Aluminum Body, 1.43″ AMOLED, Wear OS
OnePlus has unveiled its newest smartwatch, the Watch 2R, which offers a lighter design and many of the appealing features found in the OnePlus Watch 2.
OnePlus Watch 2R specifications:
The Watch 2R boasts an aluminum body that significantly lightens its weight, making it more comfortable to wear at just 59g compared to the 80g of the Watch 2. It includes essential features such as Wear OS powered by a Snapdragon W5 processor and an optional proprietary RTOS. Its 1.43-inch AMOLED display provides excellent visibility with a peak brightness of 1000 nits, enabling users to manage notifications, messages, and calls directly from the watch.
A standout feature is the 32GB of storage, allowing offline music downloads from services like YouTube Music and Spotify. Additionally, the smartwatch can pair with Bluetooth earbuds, making it convenient to switch tracks during workouts without needing a phone.
Enhanced Fitness Tracking
For fitness enthusiasts, the Watch 2R includes Health Connect by Android, which offers centralized data management. It also integrates Google Health Connect and Strava sync, enhancing fitness tracking capabilities. With support for over 100 sports modes and built-in GPS for precise tracking, the watch is water-resistant with a 5ATM and IP68 rating, making it suitable for activities such as swimming.
The battery life is another strong point, offering up to 100 hours in Smart mode and 12 days in Power Saver mode. The 500mAh battery can be fully charged in just one hour using the 7.5W VOOC fast charging technology.
Pricing & Launch Offers
The OnePlus Watch 2R is available in Forest Green and Gunmetal Gray for Rs. 17,999. It will be available on major online retailers, including Amazon.in, Flipkart, Myntra, and OnePlus stores starting from July 20th in India.
Discounts: ICICI Bank and OneCard customers can receive an instant Rs. 1000 discount from July 20th to 31st.
EMI: No cost EMI options are available for up to 6 months from July 20th to 31st.
Coupons: Amazon Prime members and students on Flipkart.in can get a Rs. 1000 coupon from July 20th to August 7th. RCC members can obtain an additional Rs. 1000 coupon on OnePlus.in and the OnePlus Store App from July 20th to August 7th.
Student Offer: Students can get Rs. 500 off on OnePlus.in and the OnePlus Store App from July 20th to August 31st.
In other markets, the OnePlus Watch 2R is priced at £249 / €279 / $229.99.
Tags: launch offers, OnePlus Watch 2R, Smartwatch Features
July 12, 2024
Oppo Watch X Auto Custom Edition Launched at Regular Price
Oppo launched the Watch X smartwatch earlier this year with a price tag of around $300. Today the company introduced an Ideal Auto Custom Edition of the Watch X. Let’s delve into the modifications.
Oppo Watch X Ideal Auto Custom Edition
This new edition features the same elephant gray strap as the Ideal MEGA. It includes a customized buckle adorned with the Ideal LOGO and an exclusive star ring dial available in green, black, Baby Blue, and other colors. Additionally, the power on-off animation is uniquely customized by Ideal.
The watch comes with the Ideal Auto app pre-installed, allowing users to remotely manage car windows and air conditioning. A shortcut key on the lower right corner enables one-click access to apps. It also supports smart car key functionality, letting the watch unlock and lock the car as you approach or leave.
The Oppo Watch X Ideal Auto Custom Edition sports a sapphire crystal mirror and an integrated stainless steel case, with drop resistance reportedly improved by 4 times. It is powered by the Snapdragon W5 wearable chipset. With eSIM support, the watch can independently handle calls and text messages without needing a smartphone. It also supports the WeChat Watch version.
Battery Life and Health Tracking
Regarding battery life, the watch can last up to 4 days in “full intelligent mode” and up to 12 days in “light intelligent mode.” It features 8-channel heart rate monitoring and 16-channel blood oxygen tracking among other health functions.
Pricing and Availability
The Oppo Watch X Ideal Auto Custom Edition is listed on the Ideal Mall App for 2,299 yuan, equivalent to $320. It is also available on JD.com at the same price. Notably, the OPPO Watch X was initially released at the same starting price.
Tags: Ideal Auto Custom Edition, OPPO Watch X, Smartwatch Features
July 11, 2024
Galaxy Watch Ultra: Extreme Temps, 10ATM Pressure, Ocean Swimming
Samsung has unveiled a range of new products at the Galaxy Unpacked event, featuring the sixth generation of Galaxy foldables, the Galaxy Buds 3 series, and the Galaxy Watch 7 series.
The Galaxy Watch 7 series includes two models – the Galaxy Watch 7 and the much-anticipated Galaxy Watch Ultra. This article focuses on the Ultra model, but you can find details about the standard Galaxy Watch 7 here.
Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra’s Distinctive Design
The Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch showcases a new design with a titanium body (Titanium Grade 4), capable of withstanding extreme temperatures from -20°C to 55°C and 10ATM water pressure. It meets MIL-STD 810H standards and features an optional water sports strap that easily drains. Additionally, a long press of the shortcut button for 5 seconds activates an 86-decibel siren that can be heard up to 180 meters away.
Specifications and Features
The watch features a 47mm dial and a 1.5-inch (37.3mm) 480×480 Super AMOLED always-on display. It is offered in three colors: titanium rock gray, titanium platinum silver, and titanium porcelain white.
Powered by the same 3nm Exynos W1000 penta-core chipset as the Galaxy Watch 7, Samsung claims this new chipset is far more capable and energy-efficient than the dual-core Exynos W930 chip in the Galaxy Watch 6. This chipset is paired with 2GB of memory and 32GB of storage. The watch is equipped with a 590mAh battery to run the system.
Without power saving mode, the Galaxy Watch Ultra boasts a battery life of up to 80 hours. At night, its display automatically shifts to a gentle night mode.
Similar to the regular Galaxy Watch 7, the Ultra model includes the Samsung BioActive Sensor (Optical Bio-signal sensor, Electrical Heart Signal, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis), Temperature Sensor, Accelerometer, Barometer, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, and Light Sensor. These sensors facilitate various health-tracking features. For instance, the new Multi-sports tile allows for tracking multi-course workouts for a triathlon, including swimming, cycling, and running. The new Functional Threshold Power (FTP) for cycling measures maximum cycling power in just four minutes using AI-powered FTP metrics.
Pricing and Availability
The Galaxy Watch Ultra is currently available for pre-order in select regions via the company’s official website. The Ultra model, featuring WiFi + 4G LTE connectivity, is priced at $649 (₹ 59,999). The company indicates that the watch will be widely available for purchase starting from July 25, 2024.
Tags: Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024, Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 Ultra, Smartwatch Features