wearables9.95 min read
Luna Band debuts in July as subscription-free rival to Fitbit Air
12 hours ago•Source: Android Authority
Wearables News
The latest wearables stories, summarized by AI
Featured Wearables Stories
View original source
60.465 min•6 days ago
Android XR display glasses emerge at Google I/O, hinting at a smarter future for wearables
At Google I/O, Android Central tester tries Google’s monocular Android XR glasses and Xreal’s Project Aura, finding display glasses more exciting than audio-only models: Aura uses dual OLED displays driven by a power puck with gesture controls, while Google’s prototype offers in‑lens widgets like Translate and Maps, suggesting practical AR in everyday wear as Samsung and others prep their own display glasses for launch.
More Top Stories
2
Samsung teases two-model Galaxy Glasses to rival Ray‑Ban's AR crown
Android Central•29 days ago
3
Google Health Could Fold Fitbit Into a Unified Health Brand
Android Central•1 month ago
More Wearables Stories
Fitbit Air hints at May release with colorful, screen-free tracking
A rumored Fitbit Air, a screen-free fitness tracker aiming to rival Whoop, is expected to launch around May 16 for about $99. It would focus on passive metrics like sleep, heart rate, HRV, and activity without a monthly fee, and would offer multiple color options and bands (Obsidian, Lavender, Berry) as Google continues to push into health wearables.
Xiaomi Watch 5 Redefines Wear OS with Battery Brilliance and Bold Design
Android Central’s Harish Jonnalagadda argues that the global Xiaomi Watch 5 is now a standout Wear OS smartwatch thanks to four points: a smooth Wear OS 6 experience with Maps, Spotify and more; a 930mAh silicon-carbon battery that delivers over four days (up to two weeks in power saver); a bright 1.54-inch AMOLED display with strong outdoor visibility; and a bold stainless‑steel design with comfortable bundled bands, all for about €299. These factors combine to make it his go-to Android smartwatch, especially for travel.
Bluetooth-only freedom: ditching LTE on my smartwatch saved me money without sacrificing core features
After canceling the LTE data plan on his Galaxy Watch 5, the Android Central writer switched to a Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi smartwatch and saved about $120 a year while still using most features—offline music and maps, calls/texts via the connected phone, and workout tracking. He argues LTE isn’t essential if you carry your phone, notes Garmin watches work well without LTE, and invites readers to share whether data on a smartwatch is a must. He also acknowledges some data-dependent features (like satellite SOS) exist on certain models.
Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra Receives Early One UI 8 Watch and Wear OS 6 Update
Samsung has released the One UI 8 Watch update for the Galaxy Watch Ultra, adding new health features like Running Coach, Vascular Load, and Antioxidant Index, along with an improved, customizable user interface that provides essential information at a glance. The update enhances the watch's usability for outdoor activities and daily wellness, complementing the new Galaxy Watch8 series and its variants, including the stylish Titanium Blue model.
"ITC Pushes for Reinstatement of Apple Watch Ban Amid Weak Apple Appeal"
The U.S. International Trade Commission has argued against allowing the sale of Apple Watch 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 while Apple appeals a ruling that it infringed on patents for blood oxygen monitoring tech. The Commission contends that Apple's case for continuing sales is weak and effectively amounts to requesting permission to continue alleged patent infringement. The U.S. Appeals Court has set a deadline for responses to Apple's request, and a decision could lead to the return of a ban on these smartwatches.
Garmin's Latest Leaks: Wearable Tech Innovations Ahead.
A recent leak reveals that Garmin is set to release new models of its older series, including the Fenix 7 Pro, Fenix 7X Pro, Epix Pro Gen 2, and Approach S70. The leak shows images of the watches but lacks technical information. The Fenix 7 Pro and 7X Pro will have a base, Solar, and Sapphire Solar version, with the Solar feature extending battery life. The Epix Pro Gen 2 will be available in three sizes, and the Approach S70 is Garmin's next golf watch. The new smartwatches are expected to be introduced at the end of May going into June.
"Apple WatchOS 10 to Revamp Interface with Widgets"
Apple is set to introduce a major revamp of its watchOS 10, with a new focus on widgets, according to Bloomberg. The new widgets will combine elements of the old Glances with elements of the widgets that were introduced to the iPhone with iOS 14. The idea is that users can quickly see information without having to launch any actual apps. The Digital Crown on the Apple Watch may well be used to launch widgets rather than the home screen in future.
Former Apple employees create AI wearable that projects phone interface on hand.
Humane, a company founded by ex-Apple executives, has given a sneak peek of its first product, a wearable device and platform built entirely from the ground up for artificial intelligence. The device is standalone and does not require a smartphone or any other device to pair with it. It functions as a wearable Alexa or Google Assistant, providing on-the-fly translations in the user's own voice and has a built-in camera. However, there are questions about its practicality and fashion factor.
Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 to feature larger, bezel-less display.
The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 will reportedly have a 1.47-inch display with a smaller bezel, resulting in a better screen proportion and improved resolution. The device is rumored to have a curved glass screen and a battery of either 300mAh or 425mAh. The release date for the Galaxy Watch 6 is unknown, but it is expected to launch in August. The increase in screen size is similar to the difference between the Apple Watch 6 and Watch 7, with the latter having a 20% larger display.
Huawei's Ultimate Watch: A High-End Rugged Smartwatch for Diving and More
Huawei has announced the Huawei Watch Ultimate, a premium smartwatch with dive computer functionalities, a liquid metal casing, and a reputed 14-day battery life. The watch is capable of surviving depths of over 100 meters for up to 24 hours and has passed specific diving equipment tests. It also features a new Expedition Mode for overground treks and health data such as blood oxygen levels. The Huawei Watch Ultimate will be available in the UK and Europe, with pricing to be confirmed. It is designed to compete with the Apple Watch Ultra, with similar diving functionalities and extreme altitude operation, but with a longer battery life and a more premium analog dive watch design.