Tag: smartwatch

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Apple Watch Pro might not work with older Apple Watch straps

The Apple Watch backwards compatibility Watch Band dream could soon be over.

As first reported by MacRumors, leaker UnclePan says Apple’s rumoured rugged smartwatch might not work with current Watch Bands.

Though the Apple Watch’s size has changed over the years, Bands have always still fit the smartwatch. For example, the Series 3’s 38mm and 42mm size fits the Series 4’s 40mm and 44mm Watch Band and vice versa. Even the Series 7’s 45mm bands still work with earlier versions of the wearable.

With recent rumours pointing at the Apple Watch Pro featuring a roughly 2-inch display in a 47mm case size, Apple’s 38mm/42mm/40mm/44mm Watch Bands might not work well with the much larger wearable. On the other hand, the Series 7’s bigger 45mm strap could fit more seamlessly with the Watch Pro, given it’s slightly larger.

However, Mark Gurman says older Watch Bands will likely still work with the Apple Watch Pro, although they “won’t fit as well or look as seamless.”

Rumoured Apple Watch Pro features include longer battery life, satellite connectivity, a titanium casing, an S8 chip and an entirely new design that features flatter edges.

Of course, it’s worth approaching these recent Apple Watch Pro rumours with a heavy dose of skepticism since the Apple Watch Series 7 was supposed to feature a full redesign but ended up looking very similar to the Series 6.

Apple will likely reveal its Apple Watch Pro at its upcoming fall hardware event on September 7th.

Source: Weibo ‘UnclePan,’ @markgurman Via: MacRumors

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New renders show off Fitbit’s Sense 2, Versa 4 and Inspire 3

It’s no secret that Fitbit has new smartwatches and fitness trackers on the way, and now new renders provide the best look yet at the upcoming Sense 2, Versa 4 and Inspire 3.

The renders come from leaker OnLeaks and 91mobiles and show off Fitbit’s new devices in various colours and with new watch faces. However, the details here are all about the looks — we know from previous leaks that the Sense 2 and Versa 4 will bring back the physical button, and the Sense 2 will move the electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor under the glass. That’s a significant departure from the Sense, which uses a stainless steel band around the edge of the watch for ECG.

Presumably, the Sense 2 will also support all of the features available on the original Sense, including SpO2 sensing, heart rate tracking, an electrodermal activity (EDA) sensor, and 50m water resistance. The leaked renders show off the Sense 2 in three colours, ‘Gold,’ ‘Graphite,’ and ‘Platinum.’

The Versa 4 will also look similar to its predecessors and likely will sport similar features, although we know less about it overall. It’s expected to come in ‘Graphite’ and ‘Rose’ colours and will sport voice assistant support and an OLED display.

Finally, if pricey smartwatches aren’t your style, Fitbit also has plans to refresh its lower-cost Inspire tracker. The Inspire 3 hasn’t appeared in many leaks yet, but the renders suggest Fitbit won’t significantly change the design. Likely, the Inspire 3 will continue to be the go-to option for people who want basic fitness tracking for a reasonable price.

Although it looks like Fitbit has a suite of new devices on the way, it remains unclear when any of these devices will launch. Fitbit unveiled the original Sense in August 2020, so it’s possible there could be a Fitbit event soon. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that Google now owns Fitbit, and the company’s upcoming Pixel Watch is expected to leverage Fitbit tech. It’s possible we could see a later Fitbit launch, perhaps in line with the Pixel Watch reveal expected later this year (perhaps in October, alongside the Pixel 7 series?).

Images credit: 91mobiles

Source: OnLeaks, 91mobiles

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Mobile Syrup

watchOS 9 features QuickType Keyboard with the Apple Watch Series 7

On the surface, watchOS 9 seems like a relatively low-key update to Apple’s smartwatch operating system, but now that the dust has settled surrounding WWDC 2022’s keynote, more information about the OS is starting to appear.

As first reported by MacRumors, Twitter user Braham Shank uncovered that watchOS 9 features a QuickType keyboard with the Apple Watch Series 7.

This keyboard suggests words as the user types in an effort to predict what you might want to add next to your message. In the context of a smartwatch, this feature could be particularly useful when you’re trying to send a quick message.

QuickType first made its way to the iPhone alongside iOS 8 back in 2014. Other notable watchOS 9 features include expanded sleep monitoring, medication tracking and several new Watch Faces.

The first version of Apple’s developer beta for watchOS 9 is currently available. A public beta will follow in July and then the full version of the update is expected to drop this fall.

For all of the Apple news from WWDC 2022, follow this link.

Image credit: @brahmshank

Source: @brahmshank Via: MacRumors

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Mobile Syrup

Apple Watch Series 8 could feature redesign with flat display

The Apple Watch Series 7 didn’t receive the significant redesign some predicted, but Apple might have planned to save that new look for the Series 8.

According to a new rumour from a leaker known as ‘ShimpApplePro’ (yes, this is their actual username), the front of the Series 8 will feature flat glass, and the sides of the wearable will be squared-off.

In renders created by sometimes reliable leaker Jon Prosser, the overall design of the Series 8 looks very similar to the look of the current iPhone 13 and iPad Pro.

It’s important to note that Prosser was behind leaks from last May predicting that the Apple Watch Series 7 would feature a flat design with squared-off edges, and that didn’t end up happening. At the time, Prosser mentioned there’s a possibility this design could be coming to the Series 8, so there may still be some truth to that leak.

Rumours point to Apple launching three new Apple Watches this year: an Apple Watch Series 8, a 2nd-gen Apple Watch SE and a new, more durable ‘Explorer Edition’ of the wearable designed for extreme sports. Prosser suggests that the squared-off redesign is likely coming to all three new versions of the  Apple Watch.

Apple is expected to reveal the new version of the Apple Watch this coming fall alongside its iPhone 14 series.

Image credit: Front Page Tech (Jon Prosser)/Ian Zelbo

Source: Front Page Tech (Jon Prosser), ShrimpApplePro Via: MacRumors 

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Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro rumoured to use sapphire glass and titanium

Samsung has yet to officially release information on its long-rumoured Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, reliable tipster Ice Universe claims that Samsung will ship the device with sapphire glass and titanium components.

On Twitter, Ice Universe published a straightforward tweet stating that the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is expected to include sapphire glass and a titanium build. The leaker did not detail to what extent these materials will be used. However, it’s a fairly safe bet that Samsung aims to provide a premium device for users.

One can assume that the use of sapphire glass is to be used for the face of the watch. Sapphire glass is very durable and can provide a significant level of protection from scratches while not being overly cumbersome.

The notion that Samsung aims to use titanium is another story. Titanium is also quite durable. However, it’s still not yet known if titanium will be used for the overall build of the device, or certain components. If the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro integrates titanium throughout its build, it will once again strengthen it.

However, with all this said, it appears as though Samsung is opting to offer the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro as a premium device to users. The use of sapphire glass and titanium may drive up the price significantly. Currently, the 46mm Galaxy Watch 4 Classic is available for $499. It’s within reason that the smartwatch could see a price tag of upwards of $699 or more in Canada.

There’s no official word on when Samsung will announce its Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro. However, reports indicate a likely launch of Q3 2022. Previously, it’s been rumoured that the Galaxy Watch 5 may feature a larger battery and a temperature sensor.

Source: @UniverseIce Via: 9to5Google

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Reddit user posts live images of Google’s alleged Pixel Watch with silicone band

While Google has yet to officially reveal its long-rumoured Pixel Watch, yet another glimpse of the smartwatch in the real world has appeared, this time courtesy of Reddit user Tagtech.’

Tagtech’s post shows off the rumoured Pixel Watch and its 20mm black soft silicone watch band that reportedly doesn’t show fingerprints that badly. Additionally, the Reddit user says that it feels thinner than its measurements indicate and that it’s the “most comfortable” watch they’ve ever worn. Additionally, they describe the wearable as feeling secure on their wrist, but difficult to put on the first time. This is the same Pixel Watch that leaked in several images earlier this week.

You can check out all of the images of the Pixel Watch on Tagtech’s Imgur account.

Earlier this week, Google filed the trademark for “Pixel Watch” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). We’ve checked Canada’s Radio Equipment listing and the Pixel Watch has yet to appear, though it likely will at some point in the near future. Still, this could be an indication that the wearable won’t launch in Canada at the same time as the United States.

At Alphabet’s earnings call on April 26th, the company’s CEO, Sundar Pichai stated that new hardware will be revealed at Google I/O on May 11th. It’s possible this is when the tech giant will finally show off the long-awaited Pixel Watch and Pixel 6a.

Image Credit: Tagtech

Source: Reddit (Tagtech) Via: The Verge

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Leaked Pixel Watch photos offer the best look at the smartwatch yet

Leaks surrounding Google’s often-rumoured Pixel Watch have been appearing at a rapid rate over the last few weeks, but this latest image offers what seems to be the best look yet at the upcoming smartwatch.

According to a new report from Android Central, the publication was tipped off by someone who found an engineering sample of Google’s rumoured smartwatch in a restaurant in the United States. The source of the information asked the publication not to mention “their name or the restaurant name, including location, in order to protect their job.”

The leaked images back up what we’ve seen in several leaked renders, showing off the Pixel Watch’s circular design and Apple Watch-like Digital Crown on the right side.

Pixel Watch back

Android Central also mentions that the images show off a possible hidden button and that the wearable will use a propriety watch band. A recent leak indicated that the Pixel Watch’s current internal codename at Google is ‘Rohan.’ Google also filed for the ‘Pixel Watch’ trademark name in the United States.

It’s worth noting that this leak is strikingly similar to when Gizmodo reported on an iPhone 4 prototype that was misplaced at a restaurant. Though it’s still unclear, it appears that this leak surrounding the Pixel Watch could feature similar circumstances.

It’s likely that Google plans to officially revealed the Pixel Watch during I/O 2022 on May 11th and 12th next month.

Check out all of the leaked images of the Pixel Watch on Android Central.

Image credit: Android Central 

Source: Android Central 

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Samsung rumoured to ditch ‘Classic’ brand for new Watch 5 ‘Pro’ models

Samsung will reportedly ditch its ‘Classic’ design for the still-unannounced Galaxy Watch 5.

In the years past, the South Korean company has released Classic and standard models of its Galaxy Watches, but it looks like this year there will be a Galaxy Watch 5 and Galaxy Watch 5 Pro, according to SamMobile.

At this moment it’s unclear if the Pro model will continue to sport the beloved physical rotating bezel. According to the leak, the Galaxy Watch 5 might come in two sizes, while the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro could be limited to just one size.

A previous leak indicated that the Watch 5 Pro would sport a huge 572mAh battery, which should help solve previous battery complaints. In my review of the Watch 4 Classic, I noted that I could barely get 24 hours out of the battery.

Additionally, the Watch 5 Pro is expected to sport a circular OLED display, GPS, accelerometer, gyro sensor, heart rate sensor, and a body composition sensor like the previous device.

SamMobile will run a new version of One UI Watch on top of Wear OS 3.0.

Source: SamMobile

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Health Canada recalls Decathlon smartwatch over possible burns, fires

Health Canada has issued a recall of Decathlon’s Kiprun GPS 550 smartwatch.

The recall involves both the black, and white and black versions of the heart-rate monitor watch.

The battery is at risk of overheating while charging or during use, cDecathlon’sreating a risk for burns or a fire. “For this reason, the Kiprun team is voluntarily recalling the affected products worldwide,” the company says on its website.

The company hasn’t received any reports of injuries as of March 14, Health Canada reports.

People who have the watch should stop using the smartwatch and contact Decathlon for a refund. Consumers can call the company at 1-844-533-3322, send an email at onlineservice@decathlon.ca, or visit their website.

This is the second smartwatch recall in the last two weeks. Health Canada issued a recall on March 2nd for 70,000 Fitbit Ionic smartwatches due to a burning hazard.

Image credit: Decathlon

Source: Health Canada

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Garmin Instinct 2 Solar offers ‘unlimited’ battery life

Well, this is unheard of.

Garmin says that its Instinct 2 series smartwatch offers unlimited battery life due to its solar technology features.

This unlimited battery life is only available with its larger 45mm Instinct 2 Solar models when the wearables are set to smartwatch mode. The smartwatch can also only keep this unlimited battery life when you’ve spent three hours per day outside in 50,000 lux conditions. For context, 50,000 lux sun conditions could even be an overcast day.

Additionally, the Instinct 2 Solar features health and wellness features such as VO2 Max and sleep score, hydration tracking, menstrual cycle tracking, pregnancy tracking, stress tracking, HIIT workouts, heart rate tracking and a leaderboard. The Instinct 2 also features free apps, widgets, watch faces, data fields and more.

Garmin is selling the Instinct 2 in Canada for $579.