Tag: Wear OS

  • Free Wear OS Watch Face Turns Smartwatch Into World Cup Scoreboard

    Free Wear OS Watch Face Turns Smartwatch Into World Cup Scoreboard

    Key Takeaway

    – World Cup 2026 has 48 teams (up from 32), hosted by US, Mexico, and Canada.
    – Expansion praised for inclusivity, but criticized for diluting competition and increasing player fatigue.
    – New “Kick It” watch face turns Wear OS smartwatches into live World Cup scoreboards.
    – Users pick a favorite team; watch face shows live scores, standings, and upcoming match info.
    – Available in US, UK, Canada, and Japan for Wear OS 6 and above.

    FIFA World Cup 2026 is now fully underway

    The tournament is being co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada this time around. An other unusual aspect of the quadrennial event is that it has been expanded to include 48 teams, which is an additional 16 squads over the traditional 32-team format. The controversial move has drawn praise from some corners, who claim that such a change will increase inclusivity among underrepresented nations.

    Critical voices have other opinions

    Meanwhile the more critical voices suggest that it will dilute overall competitive balance, increase player fatigue, and potentially lower match quality during the group stage. Either way, keeping track of matches and scores may prove bothersome for some people, especially those with busy lives and demanding schedules. In this regard, Facer and Citizen’s Riiiver development team recently launched a free dynamic watch face.

    The watch face is called “Kick It”

    This new feature turns a Wear OS compatible smartwatch such as the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 into a live scoreboard for the duration of the World Cup tournament. In the Facer mobile app, users can pick their favorite national team, and then the watch face automatically switches to that country’s official colors and flag. Powered by live data, the face refreshes in real time with match statuses.

    Live data provides current scores

    You can see current scores, group standings, tournament rankings, and headlines for upcoming games directly on your wrist. The Kick It watch face is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Japan for smartwatches running Google Wear OS 6. Support will likely carry over once Wear OS 7 debuts next month on Samsung’s next-generation hardware from Facer.

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  • B&W 805 D5 Flagship Speakers Diamond Tweeter $15,000

    B&W 805 D5 Flagship Speakers Diamond Tweeter $15,000

    Key Takeaway

    – New 805 D5 features aluminum reinforcement and top plate for reduced resonance and more spacious sound.
    – Price has nearly doubled to $15,000 per pair, up from $8,500 for the D4.
    – Maintains same signature diamond tweeter and Continuum Cone driver technology.
    – Speakers are slightly heavier (16.4 kg) but dimensions remain almost unchanged.
    – Frequency response and sensitivity (34 Hz–35 kHz, 88 dB) are unchanged from D4.

    After nearly half a decade

    The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D4 is getting a replacement. At first glance, the design has hardly been revised, but the British hi-fi specialists is continuing a trend that began with the D4. While the 805 D3s were still made almost entirely of wood, Bowers & Wilkins has reinforced the D4’s cabinet with aluminum. This sets the stage for the new model.

    New Aluminium Top and Matrix Wood

    In addition to the aluminum frame reinforcement, the 805 D5s also have a completely newly developed aluminum top, which, in conjunction with the improved matrix wood construction, should lead to even less resonance, which, according to B&W, enables a more spacious sound. The dimensions hardly change at 43.9 x 24.1 x 32.2 centimetres, but the speakers are almost a kilogram heavier at 16.4 kilograms. The weight increase is notable for a bookshelf speaker of this class.

    Diamond Tweeter and Continuum Driver

    The highlight of the speakers remains the 25 millimeter tweeter, whose driver is made from a synthetic diamond. The tweeter is mounted in a robust aluminum chassis at the top of the cabinet and thus decoupled from the bass-midrange driver. As with the previous model, B&W uses a 165 millimeter Continuum Cone bass-midrange driver. B&W again advertises a frequency range of 34 Hz to 35 kHz and a sensitivity of 88 dB. These are the core specifications.

    Pricing and Availability

    The Bowers & Wilkins 805 D5 compact loudspeakers are available for $15,000 per pair, with deliveries due to start in the next few months. This represents a significant price increase, as the B&W 805 D4 were launched in 2021 for $8,500. The price jump is substantial, reflecting the new materials and engineering.

    • Price: $15,000 per pair
    • Dimensions: 43.9 x 24.1 x 32.2 cm
    • Weight: 16.4 kg
    • Frequency Range: 34 Hz – 35 kHz
    • Sensitivity: 88 dB
    • Tweeter: 25 mm synthetic diamond
    • Driver: 165 mm Continuum Cone


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  • Oppo Launches Luxury Smartwatch with 1000 Nit AMOLED Display

    Oppo Launches Luxury Smartwatch with 1000 Nit AMOLED Display

    Key Takeaway

    1. Oppo’s Watch X3 is launched at €379 but lacks eSIM and blood pressure monitoring outside China.
    2. The new Watch X3 Mini features a 43 mm case, a 1.32-inch AMOLED display, and retains similar hardware to the larger model.
    3. The Watch X3 Mini offers GPS, NFC, eSIM, and skin temperature monitoring, with a battery life of approximately 1.5 to 2.5 days.
    4. Pricing for the Watch X3 Mini is CNY 1,999 (~$292) in China, with no confirmed international release date.

    Introduction to Oppo’s Latest Smartwatches

    Oppo has recently announced their new Watch X3 for global markets, with a pricing of €379. But not all features are available everywhere; for example, outside China, it doesn’t support eSIM or blood pressure monitoring. For a deeper dive on the specifications and features, you might want to check out the detailed launch article about its Wear OS platform.

    The Smaller Watch X3 Mini

    Alongside the main model, Oppo has introduced the Watch X3 Mini, which is smaller in size but still packs a punch. Just like the OnePlus Watch 3, the Mini retains many hardware features from the larger 47 mm version but comes in a compact 43 mm case. Its display is a 1.32-inch AMOLED screen with 466 x 466 pixel resolution and a peak brightness of 600 nits, ensuring visibility even in bright sunlight or outdoor settings.

    Hardware and Battery Life

    Interestingly, Oppo decided to keep the same 354 mAh battery from last year’s model, which might seem small but is apparently enough for around 1.5 days when the always-on display is used. To power all these features, it uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset combined with 2 GB of RAM. This setup helps the watch provide functionalities like GPS, NFC, eSIM, and skin temperature monitoring, making it quite a versatile wearable.

    Pricing and Availability

    In China, the Watch X3 Mini is priced at CNY 1,999, approximately $292, and there’s a luxury gold version costing CNY 2,499 or roughly $366. The company has hinted that it’s planning for a worldwide launch but hasn’t specified exactly when. Meanwhile, the Watch X2 Mini remains available outside China, pointing to a potential global release scheduled later this year, giving consumers worldwide something to look forward too.

    Summary

    Thus, Oppo continues to expand its smartwatch lineup, offering options that cater to different preferences and requirements. Whether you opt for the full-sized Watch X3 or the more compact Mini version, both devices seem to bring a good mix of hardware, design, and functionality. If you’re on the hunt for a modern smartwatch with solid features and decent battery life, Oppo’s newest offerings are definitely worth considering.


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  • Oppo Unveils High-End Smartwatch with 16-Day Battery Life

    Oppo Unveils High-End Smartwatch with 16-Day Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oppo has launched the Find N6 and the Watch X3, with the latter currently only available in China.
    2. The Watch X3 features ColorOS Watch 16.0 and supports Android 10 and iOS 14.0 or later.
    3. It has a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a peak brightness of 3,000 nits in direct sunlight.
    4. The smartwatch’s battery has a capacity of 646 mAh, lasting up to 5 days in normal mode and up to 16 days in power-saving mode.
    5. The Watch X3 is priced at CNY 2,799 (approximately $405) and comes in black, orange, and titanium finishes.

    Oppo has recently introduced the Find N6 in its home territory. Alongside this, the brand has unveiled the Watch X3. However, it’s important to note that the Watch X3 is currently only available in China, and there has been no announcement regarding its release in other countries. In contrast, the Watch X2 is accessible worldwide, operating on Wear OS, and serves as an alternative to the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch8, which is priced at around $207 for a refurbished model on Amazon.

    Features of the Watch X3

    On the other hand, the Watch X3 comes equipped with ColorOS Watch 16.0 right out of the box in China. This smartwatch is compatible with gadgets that run Android 10 or iOS 14.0 and later. The right side of the Watch X3 features a digital crown along with a single hardware button, continuing the design from its predecessor.

    Display and Brightness

    The device boasts a 1.5-inch LTPO OLED screen that has a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels with a refresh rate of 60 Hz. Although Oppo claims a peak brightness of 3,000 nits, this level is only attainable in direct sunlight while sports mode is activated. In standard use, the brightness can be adjusted manually up to 600 nits.

    Battery Life and Pricing

    In terms of battery, the Watch X3 comes with a 646 mAh capacity, which is expected to last up to 5 days when used in smartwatch mode. When switched to power-saving mode, the Snapdragon W5 chipset is said to extend the battery life to an impressive 16 days. The Watch X3 also includes a variety of health monitoring sensors, such as those for ECG and skin temperature measurements. Oppo is retailing the Watch X3 for CNY 2,799 (approximately $405) and offers it in black, orange, and titanium finishes.

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  • Xiaomi Launches Luxury Smartwatch with 21-Day Battery Life

    Xiaomi Launches Luxury Smartwatch with 21-Day Battery Life

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xiaomi has launched the Watch 5, competing with Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8, featuring a 930 mAh battery and 1,500 nit AMOLED display.
    2. The Watch S4 is available globally in two sizes, with an update planned for the larger 47 mm model.
    3. The upcoming Watch S5 boasts up to 21 days of battery life, a 6-day improvement over its predecessor, and includes new health tracking sensors.
    4. The Watch S5 is crafted from 316L stainless steel, has a slimmer bezel, and offers optional eSIM capabilities, but only for the silver variant with a beige leather band.
    5. The modular design from previous models may not be included in the Watch S5, which is expected to launch globally later this year.

    Xiaomi has recently introduced the Watch 5 to the world. This smartwatch, which operates on Wear OS, competes with the Pixel Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 8 (current price $326 on Amazon). It boasts a powerful 930 mAh battery and a vibrant 1,500 nit AMOLED display. Instead of resting on their past successes, Xiaomi has also revealed a new version of the Watch S4.

    Watch S4 Details

    The Watch S4 is also available globally and comes in two different sizes. It appears that Xiaomi is planning to update just the larger 47 mm model later this month. The new Watch S5 is said to have an impressive battery life of up to 21 days on a single charge. This marks a 6-day improvement over the previous model, coinciding with the addition of new sensors for enhanced health tracking.

    Features of Watch S5

    The Watch S5 is made from 316L stainless steel and features a slimmer bezel along with optional eSIM capabilities. However, it seems that only the silver variant with a beige leather band will support this eSIM option. It is still uncertain if the modular design seen in previous Watch S models will be part of this new release. Based on Xiaomi’s history, it is likely that the Watch S5 will be launched worldwide later this year as well.

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  • Oppo Confirms Global Premiere of New Smartwatch Details

    Oppo Confirms Global Premiere of New Smartwatch Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oppo will launch the Watch X3 alongside the Find N6 on March 17.
    2. The Watch X3 is 16% lighter and 6.4% thinner than its predecessor, the Watch X2.
    3. The smartwatch features an IP69 rating, full titanium construction, and a new bamboo strap.
    4. Details about the global version of the Watch X3 have not been confirmed, including its potential role as a successor to the OnePlus Watch 3.
    5. The global edition of the Watch X3 is likely to come with Wear OS, similar to the Watch X2.

    Oppo has recently disclosed new details about its upcoming premium smartwatch. To summarize, the company released two videos related to the Watch X3 just last week. Now, Oppo has confirmed that the Watch X3 will be launched alongside the Find N6 on March 17.

    Global Premiere

    At this time, Oppo has not made any announcements about the Watch X3 outside of Chinese social media platforms. Nevertheless, the teasers from the company imply that the Watch X3 will be making its global debut on March 17. Additionally, Oppo has stated that its latest smartwatch is 16% lighter and 6.4% thinner than the previous model, the Watch X2, which weighs 49.7 g and has a thickness of 11.8 mm.

    Design and Features

    The Watch X3 also boasts an IP69 rating and features a full titanium construction along with a new bamboo strap. It is still uncertain whether the Watch X3 will act as a successor to the OnePlus Watch 3 (currently priced at $338 on Amazon) for the global market. Oppo has yet to clarify if there will be any variations between the Chinese and international versions. However, given the Watch X2, it’s likely that the global edition of the Watch X3 will come equipped with Wear OS.

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  • Oppo Launches New Wear OS Smartwatch for Global Market

    Oppo Launches New Wear OS Smartwatch for Global Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. Oppo is teasing the new high-end smartwatch, Watch X3, with reservations open in China.
    2. The Watch X3 is expected to operate on Wear OS, similar to its predecessor, the Watch X2.
    3. The official unveiling of the Watch X3 is scheduled for later this month in China.
    4. The Watch X3 will likely be launched globally alongside other devices, such as the Find N6.
    5. Initial teasers suggest a premium design with improved weather resistance and a rotating crown.

    Oppo is working on a new high-end smartwatch. As is typical, the company has started to tease this device first in China, where reservations are already open. However, it seems likely that the Watch X3 will also be launched globally.

    Previous Releases

    Last year, Oppo globally launched the Watch X2, which operated on Wear OS, serving as an alternative to the OnePlus Watch 3 (currently priced at $355 on Amazon). Because of this, it is reasonable to expect that its global successor will also use Google’s smartwatch operating system, rather than a custom one.

    Upcoming Launch

    The Watch X3 is set to be unveiled later this month in China, alongside the Find N6. With the Find X9 Ultra and the Find N6 already confirmed for a global release soon, it is a good indication that the Watch X3 will also be part of the same international event.

    Design and Features

    Although Oppo has not shared too much information yet, the initial teasers give hints at what we can expect from this premium smartwatch. For example, the elegant design of the Watch X2 will be back, but it will feature a more weather-resistant and durable casing. Additionally, the Watch X3 will include a rotating crown in the same spot as last year’s model. As for hardware specifics, those are still unknown at this point.

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  • Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon Wear Elite: 5G, NPU, Satellite Features

    Qualcomm Launches Snapdragon Wear Elite: 5G, NPU, Satellite Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Snapdragon Wear Elite features on-device AI processing with Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU, enabling powerful AI capabilities.
    2. The platform delivers up to 5 times single-core CPU performance and 7 times GPU performance compared to Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2, with multi-day battery life.
    3. It supports rapid charging, reaching up to 50% charge in about 10 minutes.
    4. Connectivity includes six wireless technologies: 5G RedCap, micro-power Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband, GNSS, and NB-NTN satellite connectivity.
    5. Major partners like Google, Motorola, and Samsung support the platform, with devices expected to launch soon.

    Qualcomm has unveiled the Snapdragon Wear Elite platform at MWC 2026, marking its first wearable platform that focuses on personal AI with built-in on-device AI processing.

    Enhanced AI Capabilities

    Snapdragon Wear Elite features Qualcomm’s Hexagon NPU, which allows powerful AI processing right on the device, capable of handling billion-parameter models at the edge. This platform is made to be used in various forms, like smartwatches, pins, pendants, and hubs, and is compatible with Wear OS by Google, Android, and Linux.

    Performance Improvements

    When it comes to performance, Qualcomm claims that this new platform delivers up to 5 times the single-core CPU performance and up to 7 times the GPU performance compared to the older Snapdragon W5+ Gen 2 platform. Additionally, it offers multi-day battery life, which is a 30% increase in daily usage compared to the last generation, along with the ability to reach up to 50% charge in about 10 minutes.

    Connectivity Features

    Connectivity is a key highlight of the Snapdragon Wear Elite. It incorporates six wireless technologies: 5G RedCap, micro-power Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 6.0, ultra-wideband (UWB), GNSS, and NB-NTN satellite connectivity. The NB-NTN feature allows for satellite-based two-way messaging when there is no cellular or Wi-Fi signal, in partnership with companies like Skylo.

    Qualcomm mentioned that the platform is supported by big names such as Google, Motorola, and Samsung. The first devices that will use this platform are expected to launch in the near future.

     

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  • Pixel Watch 4 Update: One-Handed Gestures and Faster Replies

    Pixel Watch 4 Update: One-Handed Gestures and Faster Replies

    Key Takeaways

    1. One-Handed Gestures: The Pixel Watch 4 introduces hands-free controls with gestures like the Double Pinch for easy operation while hands are occupied.

    2. Wrist Turn Gesture: Users can decline calls and dismiss notifications by simply turning their wrist in and out.

    3. Gesture Hints: Wear OS will feature hints over buttons and scroll bars, customizable in frequency through the Settings menu.

    4. Smart Replies Upgrade: An improved on-device language model for Smart Replies on Pixel Watch 3 and 4 operates faster and uses less memory.

    5. User Guidance: A step-by-step guide for the Raise to Talk feature helps new users understand how to use the assistant without touching the screen.

    Google recently unveiled an update for the Pixel Watch 4 that introduces one-handed gestures. This new feature adds some useful hands-free controls, enabling you to operate the watch easily while your hands are occupied. One of the main gestures, known as the Double Pinch, allows you to control the watch by pinching your thumb and index finger together two times. This simple action lets you handle calls, pause timers, snooze alarms, capture photos, manage music, and engage with notifications.

    Gesture Functionality

    The functionality is akin to gesture control systems seen on Apple and Samsung devices, where a tapping motion between the thumb and index finger is utilized. Furthermore, the Pixel Watch 4 will also include the Wrist Turn gesture. With this, you can quickly turn your wrist in and out to decline incoming calls and dismiss alert notifications.

    Enhanced User Experience

    In the broader scope of Wear OS, Google will implement Gesture Hints. These hints will appear directly over buttons or alongside the scroll bar to indicate when they can be used. Users will have the option to customize how frequently these hints show up, with choices ranging from daily to just once. All of this can be adjusted through the Settings menu, under Gestures > Hand gestures, where each option can be toggled on or off individually.

    Smart Replies Upgrade

    Additionally, Google is enhancing Smart Replies on both the Pixel Watch 3 and 4 by introducing a new on-device language model derived from Gemma. This updated model operates twice as fast and is nearly three times more efficient regarding memory usage when compared to the previous version. The company has also included a step-by-step guide for the Raise to Talk feature, making it easier for new users to understand how to interact with the assistant without needing to touch the screen.

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  • Realme’s 15,000mAh Smartphone: 5+ Days Battery Life Unveiled

    Realme’s 15,000mAh Smartphone: 5+ Days Battery Life Unveiled

    Key Takeaways

    1. Realme will launch a new smartphone on August 27 featuring a 15,000mAh battery, the largest in its history.
    2. The device’s battery capacity is more than double that of recent models, like the Realme GT 7 with a 7,000mAh battery.
    3. The smartphone will have a flat screen with a centered punch hole for the front camera and dual rear cameras.
    4. It supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging and can last up to 5.18 days on a single charge.
    5. The availability of the smartphone remains uncertain, with more information expected before the launch date.

    Realme has announced that a new smartphone will be launched on August 27, boasting the biggest battery it has ever produced. Initially, there were rumors about a 10,000mAh battery, but it turns out the actual capacity is significantly higher.

    Massive Battery Capacity

    Leaked photos indicate that this unnamed Realme device will feature an astonishing 15,000mAh battery. This is more than double the 7,000mAh batteries found in many of its recent releases, like the Realme GT 7, which is priced at €549 on Amazon.de. The images reveal a sleek silver design, a flat frame, and the impressive battery capacity printed on the back, with additional insights provided by promotional videos.

    Impressive Features

    The videos have given us more information about the smartphone, showing it will have a flat screen with a centered punch hole for the front camera, and it will come with dual rear cameras. Furthermore, it supports 80W SUPERVOOC fast wired charging. Realme claims that this device can last up to 5.18 days on a single charge and allow for around 18.75 hours of video recording before needing to be recharged.

    Availability Uncertain

    At this point, it remains unclear whether this smartphone is merely a proof of concept or if it will be sold to consumers. However, we anticipate that more information will be revealed on or before the launch date of August 27.

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