---

One of the most disappointing things about the original Pixel Watch was that it couldn’t actually be repaired. Instead, users would need to get a replacement watch. This trend seemingly continued with the Pixel Watch 2, and it now turns out the brand-new Pixel Watch 3 can’t be repaired, either.

In response to an Android Authority query, a Google representative revealed the steps you need to take if your Pixel Watch 3 is damaged:

If your device is damaged, you can contact the Google Pixel Watch Customer Support Team to check your replacement options.

The above statement didn’t mention repairs, so does that mean the Pixel Watch 3 can’t be repaired at all?

“Correct! Pixel Watch 3 is replacement only,” the representative told us in response to a follow-up question.

The Google representative also noted that Preferred Care is available in the US. This insurance program covers accidental damage and out-of-warranty issues, although Pixel Watch 3 owners still have to pay a $49 service fee. Needless to say, you’ll be getting a replacement smartwatch instead of a repaired device.

This is nevertheless a disappointing turn of events as it strongly suggests that any broken Pixel Watch 3 units could end up in landfills. This is also bad news if you were hoping to keep your new Google smartwatch for years and wanted to swap out the battery or conduct any repairs yourself.

Every new device has its teething issues, and smartwatches are no exception. A few days after its release, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7‘s battery life became the subject of users’ ire. Many new buyers took to forums and our comments sections to highlight their issues with their wearable’s longevity, with many failing to make it through a day on one charge.

Around a week later, at the beginning of August, Samsung issued a new update that addresses the device’s “battery stability.” That’s pretty vague, but it suggested that the company knew of the issue and implemented a fix — or so it believed. So, did the update improve the situation?

Yes, the update works (for most of you)

We polled readers about their experience post-update, and well, it’s a mixed bag.

The majority of users (56.1%) believed that the update had improved their device’s battery life to a varying degree. 30.6% were adamant that they’re now enjoying “solidly improved battery life,” while a quarter claimed that battery life is better, but not anything to write home about.

Curiously, just under 9% of readers note that their experience is worse now, while 35% claim that the update did not remedy the problem. These users are in the minority, but more than a third of users claiming that the fix hasn’t actually worked is fairly substantial.

Several readers in the comments section noted that they hadn’t received the update when this poll was published, while others voted only to view the immediate results. This somewhat skews the data. However, some are reaping the benefits of the patch.

“Fixed mine. USA, Watch 7. Was getting about 12 hours of battery life before update. Just got 25 hours with latest,” wrote one user. “I started experiencing the update on my Galaxy Watch 7 after I’d had it about 5 days. Was having to charge it multiple times a day. Charged up before bed, and down to 50% by morning. Finally got the update yesterday morning (Aug 1), and it has absolutely solved the issue. I was able to go all day without a charge. Charged before bed and was still at 91% this morning when I got up.”

Others who have received the patch see no difference. “Got the update and it didn’t make to much of a difference. With only tap to wake up on, I get a solid 2 days on a charge,” wrote another reader.

Remember that the Galaxy Watch 7 effectively comprises four models: two dial sizes and LTE and Bluetooth-only options. Each configuration offers a different battery life. We found that the smallest Galaxy Watch model offers subpar endurance compared to the larger device. While the update might work for one, it may not yield similar results for another.

Nevertheless, the update should be available to all users at the time of this writing, so be sure to let us know your latest experience in the comments section below. If you’re still struggling with your Galaxy Watch 7’s longevity, you might find some joy by following our troubleshooter to remedy your smartwatch problems.

On July 10, Samsung officially joined the smart ring race by launching the eagerly awaited Galaxy Ring. The company touts its new petite fitness tracker as the “best for 24/7 wear.” However, on the same day, we also got a new Galaxy Watch 7 and a Galaxy Watch Ultra, suggesting there’s still reason to make room on our wrists for Samsung as well. To find out if it’s worth managing two devices at once, I went double-duty and wore both the ring and Ultra simultaneously to test out the two devices’ integration. My final verdict: The pairing is great in theory but needs refinement to be worth hitting checkout on two pricey wearables at the same time.

Consolidated Ring + Watch data

Flying in the face of Apple, whose smart ring rumors have yet to bear fruit, Samsung introduced a unique prospect to its ecosystem by launching a ring that can be used in sync with its smartwatches. We’ve seen this relationship from Amazfit, which also boasts both watches and a smart ring, but Samsung is the first truly household name to venture into the realm of a mixed portfolio. The pitch is that shoppers with both form factors can use the devices simultaneously or separately, and all of their health and fitness tracking data is automatically consolidated in the Samsung Health app.

Data from both devices is automatically synced in the Samsung Health app.

This matters because smart rings are still relatively limited in their feature sets compared to watches. The Galaxy Ring tracks core metrics such as sleep heart rate, heart rate variability, and steps, supports cycle tracking based on skin temperature, and offers auto-workout detection for walks and runs. However, it can’t possibly pack the same range of sensors as Samsung’s wrist-based wearables. For ECG recordings or the BIA sensors, for example, I have to strap on my Galaxy Watch. I could also never rely on a ring for detailed fitness tracking.

For starters, it doesn’t boast multi-band GNSS, so it doesn’t track my outdoor runs or hikes. Without a display, wearing the ring for workouts means I can’t reference live stats (aka my palpitating heart rate) or tap into the company’s new Race feature. Since competing against the ghost of my last run is probably the only time I’ll ever win a race, this just wouldn’t do. In other words, there are simply times when a watch is best. Smart rings can’t yet offer as well-rounded of an experience for data junkies.

I love the option for a subtle tracker when the situation calls for it, but a powerful fitness companion for workouts.

In this regard, I love the idea of a dual-device existence. Throughout the week, I wore the ring at almost all times because I genuinely forgot it was there. Meanwhile, my watch use became more intentional. I strapped it on for workouts and wore it most of the time, but I didn’t feel tied to it if the battery got low or if I wanted to go out in public without a bright orange accessory.

When I did tap into the watch’s potential, I appreciated the tools I typically take for granted. I liked having my weather app accessible on the way to the beach, and texting that I was going to be late to the friends waiting at said beach. When I got there, I liked tossing my watch in my bag to avoid adding to the truly insane tan line I’ve acquired as a wearables reviewer. With the ring on hand as a backup tracker, I don’t have to choose between data and an even skin tone.

Comfort when it counts

With all of that said, not everyone cares about capturing every last metric. There are plenty of other reasons to wear the Galaxy Ring, including its unobtrusive build and passive tracking experience. Measuring just 7mm wide and weighing less than 3g, the ring features a jewelry-inspired design that blends right into my day-to-day look. This is in complete contrast to the Galaxy Watch Ultra, with its bulky form factor and bright orange detailing. Plus, the Ring is fortunately only dainty in looks, as it features an IP68 durability rating and 10ATM water resistance, so it stood up fine to my everyday activity. Most importantly, though, it’s comfortable and easy to forget about entirely (after a few days of growing used to it).

This comfort and subtleness offer twofold benefits. First, it can be worn in a variety of scenarios that might feel inappropriate for a smartwatch. A sporty, wrist-based wearable doesn’t exactly vibe with a wedding guest cocktail dress, but a smart ring will go virtually unnoticed. During this test period, I wore mine to multiple social outings of varying dress codes, as well as to a doctor’s appointment where I normally avoid wearing conversation starters like a new wearable.

The Galaxy Ring should be the perfect companion for sleep tracking, but it needs fine-tuning first.

Second, a smart ring facilitates an extremely comfortable sleep-tracking experience. Rather than worrying about the weight of your watch or the potential of a bright screen waking you up, you can fall asleep with just a ring on your finger and wake up to helpful stats. That is, uh, usually. On paper, I adore the option to wear my Galaxy Ring to bed and let my Galaxy Watch charge overnight so it’s ready to track my morning workout. In reality, I’ve yet to see the sleep-tracking accuracy I want from Samsung’s ecosystem on either device I wore this week.

Compared to my Oura Ring, for example, the ring provided inconsistent data and highly optimistic sleep scores. It also failed to align with my Withings ScanWatch 2, Withings sleep tracking mattress pad, or my Apple Watch Ultra, all of which aligned closely. This is perhaps the biggest disappointment I have regarding the Ring+Watch relationship. What should be a major strength (overnight use) of the Galaxy Ring isn’t accurate enough to justify its purchase, especially in addition to another wearable. Instead, its bedtime benefits are limited to its role in making charging more convenient for my watch.

Better battery for all

On a more positive note, wearing both a Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch doesn’t just make charging more convenient (though it definitely does!). It also extends the potential battery life of your devices. When you have both in use, Samsung Health will automatically recognize the overlap and use only the optimal measurements from each. This process disables some sensors on the ring, which can extend its battery life up to 30%. In my experience, this is a fairly accurate claim. When testing the ring alone, I hit just over four days of use before needing to top up. When using the ring and watch simultaneously, I made it to roughly six days.

Using both the watch and ring helps stretch battery life and creates convenient charging opportunities.

These specs are without taking the ring off at all and solely relying on Samsung’s automatic prioritization. Users could also always charge their ring during workouts when they know they are going to rely on their wrist-based data instead. For me, this would make the most sense during activities that are not conducive to finger accessories anyway, like weight lifting or rowing. Since it is uncomfortable to wear a smart ring during those activities, I can see throwing the device on its charger while my Ultra flies solo. I didn’t test this during the week because I was eager to see how the ring would last without any breaks, but it’s a practice I would definitely adopt going forward.

tldr;

The short story is that dual-device wearing has some perks but may not be for everyone.

• Buy the Galaxy Ring and Watch together if charging schedules give you anxiety, or if you frequently go from sweat sessions to formal affairs and need a subtle tracker as often as you need a dedicated workout tool.
• Don’t buy the Galaxy Ring and Watch if you’re comfortable tracking Zs in the latter, your priority is detailed wellness stats, and your go-to workouts include weights, bars, and handled exercise machines.

---

Apple has been offering SE variants of its iconic smartwatch for years, catering to those with limited budgets and needs. Despite technically being the budget option, though, the current SE model starts at $249. That’s significantly more expensive than some of the affordable Wear OS rivals. To potentially cut its price, the Apple Watch SE 3 may retire the more costly aluminum build and opt for a cheaper plastic one.

According to Bloomberg Power On’s subscriber edition, the upcoming Apple Watch SE could replace the aluminum chassis with a rigid plastic one. This could help Apple drop its price and offer more distinct finishes. The newsletter reads:

---

It’s August, which means it’s officially Pixel launch month. While Google’s big launch event is just around the corner, the internet can’t seem to keep a secret. Thanks to a deluge of leaks, we’ve already seen everything there is to know about the Pixel 9 series and details about what to expect from the Pixel Watch 3. And now, the latest leak from Android Headlines spills the beans on the final piece of the puzzle: the pricing for Google’s new smartwatches.

If you’re just catching up, we expect Google to launch two new smartwatches this time around. A standard Pixel Watch 3 and a larger variant, possibly called the Pixel Watch 3 XL. The smaller model (likely 41mm) will reportedly be priced at $349 for the WiFi-only version and $449 for the LTE model. While the WiFi model’s price remains unchanged from last year, the LTE model sees a $50 increase, potentially to accommodate the larger, presumably 45mm variant.

This bigger Pixel Watch 3 XL will reportedly retail for $399 for the WiFi model and $499 for the LTE model. This pricing strategy places the Pixel Watch 3 in a higher price bracket compared to its competitors, such as the recently launched Samsung Galaxy Watch 7, which starts at $299 for the 40mm WiFi-only variant.

While the premium pricing might raise some eyebrows, it’s worth noting that Pixel Watches have historically commanded a higher price point than other Android smartwatches. This trend seems to be continuing with the Pixel Watch 3.

Beyond the pricing, some earlier leaks also suggest that the Pixel Watch 3 will come packed with a slew of new features and upgrades. We expect all our questions to be answered at the August 13 launch event.

From persistent rumors to leaked images, an XL variant of the Google Pixel Watch 3 is all but confirmed to be heading to shelves this fall. Though I’m not usually one to put the cart before the horse, I’m already emotionally committed to the larger build. However, I don’t just want a bigger screen; I want a bigger battery.

Third time’s the charm

Compared to the Apple Watch line on its tenth entry and the Galaxy Watch line about to introduce its seventh, Google’s smartwatch lineup is fairly fresh. In fact, it existed as rumors for more years than it has existed on wrists. It finally debuted in 2022, and though the OG model had a lot of first-generation quirks, we were all largely gracious and willing to patiently see how Google would improve over time. When the Pixel Watch 2 landed a year later, I was happy to see a few key improvements and dubbed the device a “solid second draft.”

Google's smartwatch is moving in the right direction, but battery life is the single biggest factor holding the lineup back.

However, I’ve yet to adopt the line as my daily driver, and to be honest I wouldn’t even rank it as my top Wear OS pick. Like all smartwatches, there are a range of minor tweaks I’d love to see on the line, but the single factor holding the Pixel Watch back the most is battery life. The Pixel Watch 2 claims 24 hours of battery life and, in practice, just barely makes that mark.

That means a disciplined charging schedule if you don’t want to find yourself with a dead device (and missed sleep tracking stats if you slack off too close to bedtime). The second generation introduced fast charging, alleviating some of the first generation’s battery woes, but a single day of use between charges still feels like a major hindrance compared to other Wear OS options. If Google wants to earn a permanent place on my wrist, it will need to keep up with the competition this year.

Power-packed Wear OS competition

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 6 series devices, arguably the most popular Wear OS watches, offer up to 30 hours between charges, allowing for a lot more wiggle room. The suped-up Galaxy Watch 5 Pro stretches even further with a 490mAH cell to power up to 80 hours between charges. Each of these devices is set to be replaced by newer models in the coming weeks, which may offer even better power efficiency and charge times. If the Galaxy Watch 7 and 7 Pro raise the bar, I hope the Pixel Watch 3 XL can rise to the occasion.

	Battery life claim
Pixel Watch 2	Up to 24 hours
Apple Watch Series 9	Up to 18 hours
Apple Watch Ultra 2	Up to 36 hours
Galaxy Watch 5 Pro	Up to 80 hours
Galaxy Watch 6	Up to 30 hours
OnePlus Watch 2	Up to 100 hours
Mobvoi TicWatch Pro 5	Up to 80 hours
Garmin Venu 3	Up to 14 days

Meanwhile, Wear OS players like the TicWatch Pro 5 and the OnePlus Watch 2 are already pushing battery limits even further than Samsung. Utilizing a unique dual-chip architecture to house two distinct operating systems, the OnePlus Watch 2 boasts highly effective power efficiency, resulting in up to 100 hours of use between charges. The watch can last even longer in its pared down low power mode. Likewise, the TicWatch Pro 5 leverages the power of two with a dual-display design that I can’t say enough about. This secondary low-power display offers access to key stats, useful heart rate zones during workouts, and the ability to stretch usage to up to 80 hours in smartwatch mode. In short, both these watches blew me away when it came to convenient wear.

Competitors within the Wear OS family offer much better battery life, as does Garmin and, to an extent, Apple.

Of course, I’d be remiss not to mention devices outside of the Wear OS bubble. Apple has been consistently offering an 18-hour claim for years, though the watches easily stretch to more than 24 hours in real-world experience. The Apple Watch Ultra line elevated the company’s efforts some with a 36-hour claim, but that comes at a much higher price tag. Garmin’s top smartwatch, the Venu 3, offers multi-day battery life but lacks the robust app support found on most of the devices mentioned thus far. Fitbit’s ghost of a smartwatch stable traditionally delivered multi-day battery life as well, which is what originally made the Pixel Watch line’s specs so disappointing. However, those options are no longer real contenders in the arena; the Pixel Watch line is the company’s golden child.

Big is better and also… bigger

The 41mm Pixel Watch 2 is on the smaller side and, for some users, is genuinely too small. Blessed with scrawny wrists, the device works fine as is, but my preference is always maximum display space. Not only do I want my wearable to make a statement, I want it to be as useful as possible, and that means more room for text, menus, maps, and apps. To this end, I am excited for the Pixel Watch 3 to be less dainty, but most importantly, I hope the extra cargo space is packing a bigger battery.

Rumors suggest the device will have a larger thumbprint, leaping to 45mm, or the same size as Apple’s large model. It will also reportedly be thicker, landing on wrists at 13.89mm. In my humble opinion, this should leave plenty of room for beefed-up battery life.

---

Samsung’s Unpacked event is a few weeks away, but the leak train continues to steam ahead. Now, European pricing for the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, Galaxy Watch 7, and Galaxy Watch Ultra may have been revealed.

YTechB reported that a European retailer has listed the aforementioned gadgets on its website, along with pricing. The news outlet shared screenshots too (seen below), but didn’t specify the retailer. The outlet also claimed that these prices were slightly discounted compared to the full recommended prices. Either way, you’ll want to take this report with some caution.

The retailer apparently lists the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro at €313.49 (~$335), which would be a steep increase over the Buds 2 Pro‘s €240 (~$257) launch price. Expect to find it in Silver and White colors.

Meanwhile, the 40mm Galaxy Watch 7 BT is reportedly listed at €314.49 (~$336) while the 44mm model costs €344.99 (~$369). The watches are apparently available in Cream, Green, and Silver color schemes. There’s no word on pricing for the cellular models.

Fancy buying the Galaxy Watch Ultra? The unnamed retailer is listing it for €688.99 (~$737), with the outlet claiming that it’s available in Titanium Gray, Titanium Silver, and Titanium White.

Device pricing can undoubtedly change between now and the Unpacked launch event. It’s also worth noting that European prices tend to be more expensive than US prices, so a direct conversion isn’t necessarily indicative of US price tags.

---

Samsung is expected to hold its Unpacked event next month, and we’ve heard rumors about a variety of devices. One persistent wearable-related claim is that the company will launch a so-called Galaxy Watch Ultra on the day, and it looks like Samsung itself has accidentally confirmed this name.

91mobiles spotted an official “Galaxy Watch Ultra” support page on Samsung’s regional websites. The now-pulled pages listed the name, 47mm size, and LTE support. Check out a screenshot below.

Samsung may have pulled these pages, but you can still use a Google search (seen below) to view the company’s mention of the “Galaxy Watch Ultra” name and other details.

The news comes a few weeks after regulatory bodies listed a Galaxy Watch Ultra too. But now Samsung itself has indeed outed the name, albeit accidentally.

Leaked Galaxy Watch Ultra renders show a watch with a curious dial shape, along with a mysterious third button. It’s believed the new watch could retail for $699 to $710, undercutting Ultra watches from the likes of Apple and HUAWEI.

Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra are set to make waves in the wearable tech market with significant upgrades, particularly in the realm ...

The post Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 and Watch Ultra: A New Era with Exynos W1000 Processor appeared first on Gizchina.com.

Despite the commitment I’ve shown to smartwatches, no platform seems to actually get me. I realize this sounds like an angsty teenager, but hear me out. Throughout my review testing and personal use, watch after watch and wearable after wearable have delivered a one-size-fits-all experience with untailored insights and obnoxious notifications.

Sure, some companies lean into machine learning more than others, but no watch has yet to offer the tailored experience I imagine to be possible.

Whether I’m two weeks into a 30-day training push or two days into a lazy holiday week, I’m rarely found without a smartwatch on my wrist. In fact, the tan line on my left arm is stark, and at this point, it’s in my best interest to strap on a device. And yet, on the rare occasions when I leave the house especially dressed up (i.e., a friend’s wedding), I almost always leave my watch behind. Why? Most fitness-tracking smartwatches scream “step counting in progress” rather than blend into formal wear like their traditional counterparts.

Fossil smartwatches are basically now, well, fossils

The Humane Ai Pin was supposed to be the first in a new category of wearable, AI-first devices. But it arrived this year to universally awful reviews citing its limited functionality, spotty reliability, awful battery life, and high price, just to name a few problems. Last month we learned that Humane was looking to sell […]

The post Lilbits: Oh the Humane-ity: AI startup is hoping HP will buy it for $1 billion appeared first on Liliputing.

---

Samsung is one of the biggest pioneers of smartwatches and one of the few manufacturers that has been around since the start and is still going strong. Samsung’s entry into the smartwatch space started a long time ago, and the Galaxy Watch lineup started with the original Galaxy Watch back in 2018. It ran Tizen, which many would strongly argue provided a better user experience than Wear OS at that time. Samsung jumped to Wear OS with the Galaxy Watch 4 (to help save Google’s wearable OS), but this jump came at the cost of Tizen. Samsung has now put Tizen on life support, and in the coming months, your Tizen watch’s functionality will become increasingly limited until its eventual demise.

Reddit user Seaweed_Maximum (via Techissuestoday) brought to light Samsung’s termination schedule for Galaxy Store access for Tizen smartwatches. According to screenshots of the notice posted purportedly by a member of the Galaxy Store Operations team, here is the timeline for various termination dates for Tizen watches:

---

 

Today, Fitbit announced its newest smartwatch for kids, the Fitbit Ace LTE, offering little ones motivation and independence while also providing parents the comfort of connectivity. As expected, the device features a handful of useful tracking tools and a gamified experience to help kids stay active. However, it also boasts LTE support for phone calls, messaging, and location tracking.

First and foremost, the new Fitbit device is designed to get kids moving. With a variety of sensors, including an accelerometer, heart rate sensor, and built-in GPS, the device tracks basic activity, steps, and floors. Rather than delivering detailed fitness tracking stats, Fitbit focuses on “activity as play,” rewarding users for their efforts with gameplay and other kid-friendly goals.

 

The first motivational feature is Noodle, an animated activity ring kids (and parents) will see on the Fitbit Ace home screen. The second method is via interval-based gaming, which unlocks in response to real-life movement. According to Fitbit, about 60 to 90 minutes of real-life movement will earn users up to 15 minutes of virtual gameplay.

Finally, the device also features a virtual best friend, called an eejie, for users to take care of (similar to your favorite 90s Tamagotchi keychain). Kids can “purchase” items for their virtual pal in a virtual store with currency earned via movement throughout the day. Kids can also connect with real friends also wearing a Fitbit Ace LTE and see their eejies meet in virtual rooms. At this time, the app does not allow communication or messaging between friends in the virtual rooms.

To stand up to the wear and tear of the playground, the device is made from plastic and stainless steel with woven bands of recycled polyester yarn. The display is protected by scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 3, and the watch is water-resistant to 50m. It offers a reported 16 hours of battery life between charges and takes about 70 minutes to charge from 0 to 100% when needed. Since the device does not offer sleep tracking, the expectation is that each user will charge their watch overnight.

As mentioned, the device isn’t just for kids; it also offers parents useful safety features thanks to LTE connectivity. The Ace LTE allows parents to view their child’s real-time location and features a microphone and speaker for on-wrist phone calls with trusted contacts. The device can also send and receive text and voice messages, and Tap to Pay will be added in the coming months. It is also compatible with both iOS and Android phones for easy setup from a parent’s smartphone.

Though the Ace LTE is listed at $229.99, its cost does not stop there. To utilize the device’s connectivity, users are required to sign up for Ace Pass, a subscription service that will run shoppers $9.99 per month or $119.99 annually. Though pricey, the pass covers all data needed for phone calls, messaging, games, and updates, meaning no additional cell phone plan is needed. For a limited time, the purchase of the annual pass comes with a free band and is currently on sale for 50% off. The device is available in Spicy Pebble or Mild Pebble, with interchangeable collectible bands available for $34.99. Each of the six bands unlocks unique features and items within the user gaming experience.

The Wear OS landscape is gaining traction with more names in the field than ever, including Google’s own smartwatch line. We’re only a few months out from the next round of major Wear OS device launches (looking at you, Samsung), and I’m already eager to see what a potential Wear OS 5 launch might look like.

Wear OS 5: Features I want to see

If I could have my way, there are several improvements I’d want to see on the next Wear OS update. Some of these are long shots. Others are niche and picky, but they’re also very doable.

Fitbit for all

My most obvious ask for Wear OS 5 is that Google generously makes Fitbit features available to all Wear OS users. At this point, the Google/Fitbit conglomerate has run its course, and it is time to stop treating Fitbit’s ecosystem as a separate entity. Many Wear OS users beyond the Pixel Watch would benefit from the option to access Fitbit’s approachable fitness tracking tools and fantastic sleep platform. Health Connect was an okay stopgap, but anyone double-fisting a Fitbit and a Wear OS device should be able to move between their devices without losing data.

Novelty in general

The second very general ask is just for something new and exciting. Wear OS 4 brought some helpful improvements to users’ wrists but wasn’t terribly imaginative or novel. I’d love to see Wear OS 5 reinvigorate Apple’s biggest rival in the same way Wear OS 3 did back in 2021.

More useful quick settings

Though the Galaxy Watch series offers customizable quick settings, this feature isn’t consistent across all Wear OS devices, and it should be. The panel is much more usable when your own priorities are given prime locations. I also wish the quick setting menu could be accessed from other screens, not just the home screen.

Double Tap for Android users

Though at first I doubted its necessity, Double Tap is now a feature I rely on regularly when wearing my Apple Watch Ultra 2. The gesture control makes the smartwatch more accessible with just one hand free. This may sound lazy, but I want the same convenience on my Wear OS watches. Single-handed use is applicable in many more situations than I anticipated, and not just when my other one is clutched around an oversized to-go coffee.

Accessible assistance

The voice assistant landscape is shifting, and frankly, it’s an exciting feature to keep an eye on. Between added AI capabilities and on-device processing, smartwatches offer more powerful assistance than ever. Within the Wear OS 5 update, I hope to see the platform keep up with the competition by expanding and refining the user experience. (Will we see Gemini on the wrist?)

Meanwhile, as voice assistants become more complex, I also want to see Wear OS manage the user experience with intention. For example, Wear OS 5 should make simple queries manageable offline and locally so users don’t need to be connected to a phone.

Improved arrangements and modes (niche but needed)

Finally, there are a few subtle but significant UI tweaks that would improve the Wear OS 5 user experience. AA’s own Rita El Khoury points out that currently, not all watches change orientation when charging, leaving your time displayed wonky when using a sideways stand or charger. Likewise, Bedtime and Do Not Disturb modes are coupled unnecessarily. Wear OS 5 should introduce the option to sync your bedtime mode so the device switches to bedtime mode when you charge your phone at night, but DND is kept separate.

---

Will there be a Wear OS 5 beta?

Just like last year, I expect Samsung to release a Wear OS 5 beta version leading up to the software’s official launch. This allows users to provide feedback about bugs and shortcomings while also getting a sneak peek at the new software. During Google I/O 2024, the company rolled out a developer preview, outlining a few of the improvements. We will keep this hub updated once the beta program is made available.

Wear OS 5 expected release date and name

• Wear OS 3: August 2021
• Wear OS 3.5: August 2022
• Wear OS 4: August 2023

There have already been some minor rumors about Wear OS 5 development based on Android 14, though I don’t expect the new software to arrive until August 2024. For the past three summers, new Wear OS builds have launched on Samsung’s Galaxy Watches. Wear OS 3 arrived in 2021 on the Galaxy Watch 4 series, and the 5 series launched with Wear OS 3.5 a year later. Then, in July 2023, shoppers were introduced to Wear OS 4 on the Galaxy Watch 6 Series.

We are most likely to see Wear OS 5 follow this same schedule and launch with the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 this summer. It will likely be announced at Samsung’s summer unpacked event in mid to late July and hit shelves a few weeks later. Based on the past two years, Wear OS 5 will then be released in a more pure form on the Pixel Watch 3 in the fall.

Wear OS 5 rumored features

So far, rumors are sparse regarding what users can expect from Wear OS 5. Even if the new software lacks any showstopping updates, it’s safe to expect at least the same level of improvement users found in Wear OS 4. Wear OS 4 brought small but significant improvements to various Wear OS apps, added a few useful Google apps, and finally introduced backup and restore support.

During Google I/O 2024, a developer preview of the smartwatch OS was launched, followed by a few details about the OS. It appears one of the major points of focus for this upgrade was power efficiency. According to the firm, existing devices that run Wear OS 5 use 20% less battery than when they run Wear OS 4. And this is true regardless of what active tasks are being tracked, like running.

When Wear OS 5 becomes available, Health Services will support new data types for running, including Ground Contact Time, Stride Length, Vertical Oscillation, and Vertical Ratio. We’ll also see updates to apps like Health Connect and Health Services.

The last of the information to come out of Google I/O 2024 was focused on new features for Watch Face Format. This tool for building Wear OS watch faces is getting support for complications such as goal progress and weighted elements, weather, and forecasts. You can also expect to see new configuration presets called Flavors. Beginning in early 2025, all new watch faces published on Google Play will be required to use the Watch Face Format.

Wear OS 5 compatibility

Wear OS rollouts haven’t been especially smooth in recent years. Many Wear OS 3 compatible devices took much longer than expected to receive the update. Likewise, Wear OS 4 hasn’t yet made its way to every watch, though all compatible older Galaxy Watches and the original Pixel Watch have received the update. I expect Wear OS 5 to follow a similar trajectory, launching on the Galaxy Watch 7 and Pixel Watch 3 and rolling back to older devices over time. It’s likely that any watch compatible with Wear OS 4, like the OnePlus Watch 2, for example, will also eventually receive a Wear OS 5 update.

The Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest model of one of the market’s leading smartwatch lineups. It’s packed with sensors, tools, and features, including updated user interactions and a redesigned interface. We rounded up our top Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks to make the most of your device.

---

Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks

---

Access and customize your Smart Stack

The Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest model of one of the market’s leading smartwatch lineups. It’s packed with sensors, tools, and features, including updated user interactions and a redesigned interface. We rounded up our top Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks to make the most of your device.

---

Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks

---

Access and customize your Smart Stack

The Apple Watch Series 9 represents the latest model of one of the market’s leading smartwatch lineups. It’s packed with sensors, tools, and features, including updated user interactions and a redesigned interface. We rounded up our top Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks to make the most of your device.

---

Apple Watch Series 9 tips and tricks

---

Access and customize your Smart Stack

---

Fossil’s smartwatch era is officially extinct. After announcing its departure from the smartwatch scene earlier this year, the company is now practically offering its remaining Wear OS watches at prices that would make even a T-Rex wince. The sale, first spotted by Droid-Life, is currently live on Fossil’s website and includes multiple variants of the Fossil Gen 6, Gen 6 Wellness Edition, Gen 6 Wellness Edition Hybrid, Gen 6 Hybrid, and Gen 5E smartwatches.

Fossil’s smartwatch journey started with hybrid models, but it eventually transitioned to full-fledged Wear OS devices. All of Fossil’s Gen 6 Wear OS models currently on sale were originally priced around $300. While Fossil managed to carve out a niche for itself, its smartwatches often fell short of competitors in terms of features, fitness tracking, and overall value. However, at this firesale price, we have to admit that these watches have become a much more tempting proposition.

Should you buy the Withings ScanWatch 2?

It’s the nature of my job to always be sporting one, if not two, overtly techy wearables, typically with colorful, AMOLED displays and gym rat aesthetics. This is fantastic for someone who keeps up with modern gadgetry, works out regularly, and can probably do a handful of pull-ups (spoiler, I cannot), but what about anyone looking to venture out of the house without broadcasting they religiously track steps? The Withings ScanWatch 2 is just the device. Its elegant, analog design suggests a cocktail bar more than a curl bar, yet it quietly tracks a handful of advanced health stats and activity data like any modern smartwatch.

The ScanWatch 2 is a beautiful, luxury wearable with an analog aesthetic and hidden smarts.

At first glance, the ScanWatch 2 is simply a stylish timepiece, and a gorgeous one at that. With clean lines and premium build materials, the watch seamlessly blends into any business casual wardrobe (though it doesn’t look out of place with jeans and a t-shirt either). Its stainless steel case features a protruding rotating crown and is available in either 42mm or 38mm, each offering a small range of color options. In the larger size, shoppers will find black or pearl white choices. In 38mm, the options expand to also include sand or blue faces with gold cases. Covered in sapphire glass, each display features a standard clock face plus a secondary dial for tracking your step goal.

And then things start to get interesting. Like the original ScanWatch, the new generation features a small grayscale OLED display, the official “window” into the watch’s undercover features. With a turn of the digital crown, users can check their heart rate, temperature variation, steps, and distance, start a workout or breathwork session, take an ECG or SpO2 measurement, and access the device’s settings. Notably, there isn’t a screen for sleep tracking, which feels like a slight oversight as the ScanWatch 2 can actually track your sleep patterns. This display space is small, measuring just .63 inches, but I find it plenty useful for completing basic tasks and checking stats.

Fortunately, the device records a ton of key stats worth checking. Like the original, the ScanWatch 2 tracks steps, distance, calories, workouts, heart rate, and blood oxygen. As mentioned, it also offers on-demand SpO2 readings as well as on-demand ECG recordings with FDA-approved atrial fibrillation detection. The latter makes the watch a particularly strong contender for shoppers antsy to keep tabs on their heart health and thanks to its timeless look, it’s a great pick for senior users who may be reluctant to wear a modern smartwatch.

The device is also a detailed sleep tracker, measuring sleep stages, duration, interruptions, and regularity. I found these sleep stats comparable to my Oura Ring 3; however, occasionally, the watch overestimates my sleep, counting time in bed as time asleep. (Granted, I should have been sleeping rather than reading until all hours of the night.) Unlike the original model, the 2’s PPG sensor now measures your respiratory rate.

The Withings ScanWatch 2 also packs a new temperature sensor for measuring fluctuations daily and overnight, as well as during workouts. The TempTech24/7 module monitors skin and ambient temperatures to distinguish potential symptoms from environmental conditions. I didn’t receive any elevated temperatures during my testing, but theoretically, the tool could be useful for determining oncoming illness. Temperature sensing is a growing trend in the wearables market, and such trackers can now be found on most of the top devices. Adding this capability is an important upgrade for the company to make to keep up with the competition.

The new generation ScanWatch adds 24-hour temperature monitoring and on-device cycle tracking.

Likewise, the new model also adds on-device women’s cycle tracking. This includes period predictions on the wrist plus the ability to log flow trends and symptoms. You can still do much more from the app than on the device, but it is nice to see this access available. I am always grateful for the prioritizing of women’s health tracking, and it’s not a surprise to see a health-focused brand do so.

And yet, as mentioned at the start, this is a health-monitoring hybrid device, not a dedicated fitness tracker. Though I found the ScanWatch 2 extremely comfortable for all-day wear and sleep tracking, it isn’t meant for fitness buffs. It doesn’t pack some crucial tools for athletes, namely built-in GPS. At this point in a review, I would typically include a mapped outdoor workout to show the accuracy of a wearable’s GPS, but in this case, the data collected simply relies on your paired phone, not the watch itself.

I don’t love pocketing a phone on long runs, so the lack of built-in GPS is disappointing at this price point. However, the decision directs my attention back to the device’s intended audience. With over 40 sports modes and useful activity analysis, the ScanWatch 2 is certainly a reliable activity tracker for those interested in the basics, but it’s not a sports watch for serious athletes.

The ScanWatch 2 is lacking in both smart features and tools for athletes, including built-in GPS.

It’s also very limited in smart features, offering just band-style notifications that can be cumbersome to read. I usually don’t wait for the entire message but merely use the alert to determine whether I need to grab my phone. I would have liked to see Withings add music controls to the newest generation as well as digital payment support. I don’t mind the lack of apps and phone call support because, in my opinion, those features are beyond the scope of what a hybrid device needs to offer. If you find them important, this is not the watch for you.

Before you bail on the idea of a ScanWatch 2, I saved the discussion of the best feature for last. The watch can last up to 30 days between charges, a staggering stat compared to most leading smartwatches. During this review, the device easily surpassed two full weeks with regular workouts, notifications, and feature use (I’ve yet to kill the battery). Granted, I did disable Raise to Wake after the first day, as that feature will definitely drain power quickly.  However, and I cannot stress this enough, there is no feeling of luxury I appreciate more than having no idea where a device’s charger is because it rarely needs it. This is an exaggeration, I’m terribly anal about organization, but the point is, you will rarely need to charge your watch and are very unlikely to find yourself with a dead device unexpectedly.

The biggest strength of the ScanWatch 2 is its phenomenal up-to-30-day battery life.

When you do need to power up, the ScanWatch 2 ships with a proprietary charger that reminds me of child-proofing devices. You need to ensure the watch is placed in the correct orientation, then pull on the spring-loaded end to fit the watch in place. It’s straightforward despite its funky shape and securely holds the watch for effective charging. Reloading from 0 to 100 percent battery will take about 2 hours, which is long, but again, you won’t need to do it often.

What are the best Withings ScanWatch 2 alternatives?

The ScanWatch 2 is an attractive buy, but it’s not the only device worth considering. Check out these alternatives for more options.

• Withings ScanWatch Light ( ): If you’re interested in the ScanWatch 2’s overall package but don’t need all the device’s advanced sensors, the ScanWatch Lite is a fantastic pared down option for budget-conscious shoppers. Just be aware that you won’t find temperature tracking, ECG readings, or SpO2 monitoring on board.
• Withings ScanWatch Nova ( ): At the other end of the spectrum, the pricey ScanWatch Nova packs everything you’d find on the ScanWatch 2 into an even more premium build inspired by luxury dive watches.
• Garmin Vivomove Sport ( ): One of Garmin’s top hybrid watches, the Vivomove Sport features useful training tools and an attractive aesthetic. We love the sleek “hidden” display that disappears when not in use.
• Apple Watch Series 9 ( ): Of course, no hybrid options can compete with a dedicated smartwatch when it comes to integration, apps, and display. The best smartwatch for iPhone users is Apple’s latest Series 9, which packs considerable health and fitness tracking tools. Unfortunately, the device only offers 24 hours of battery life between charges and isn’t compatible with Android devices at all.
• Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic ( ): From the Wear OS family, the best full-out smartwatch is the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 Classic. It integrates with Android phones to offer the full gamut of tools and features and packs a rotating bezel for smooth device navigation. However, like the Apple Watch, it can’t compete with a hybrid device in terms of battery life.

Withings ScanWatch 2 Specs 

	Withings ScanWatch 2
Display	0.63-inch OLED 16-bit Grayscale color 282ppi
Dimensions and weight	38 or 42mm case 18 or 20mm band 38mm case: 34.6g without band 42mm case: 52.6g without band
Build materials	Stainless steel case and crown Sapphire Glass display
Battery	Up to 30 days in smartwatch mode 2-hour charging time
IP rating	5ATM
Sensors	TempTech24/7 Module High Dynamic Range Accelerometer Multi-wavelength PPG 16 channels Altimeter
Connectivity	Bluetooth LE
Compatibility	Android 9 and higher iOS 15 and higher

Withings ScanWatch 2 review: FAQ

While the smartwatch market is not as populated as the Android phone market, users still have a good variety of smartwatches to choose from. The options thin out a bit when you consider OS compatibility with your smartphone, but there are still plenty of decent options across OEMs.

That being said, all of us have our favorites. Smartwatches have been around for years, and most of us have already used them to form an informed opinion on what we like and dislike about them. Many of us have used multiple smartwatches, perhaps successors from the same OEM or jumping around OEMs and even OS options. We’re bound to have biases based on our likes and dislikes from our experiences, and that’s okay, as smartwatches are inherently personal products that serve both form and functional needs.

So my question to all of you is, which is your favorite smartwatch brand? Why do you like the brand so much? Which smartwatches have you used, and which ones did you like and dislike? Have you had bad experiences with any watches? Have you avoided certain smartwatch brands based on principles? Vote in the poll and let us know more in the comments below!

Apple

Apple isn’t the first to the smartwatch game, but it certainly is the most recognizable brand offering the most recognizable smartwatches, the Apple Watch and Apple Watch Ultra. Apple is also widely respected for offering the most fluid smartwatch experience. However, the caveat here is that the Apple Watch is only compatible with iPhones. If you don’t have an iPhone, you can’t use an Apple Watch, which is a shame.

Samsung

Samsung has been around with its Tizen smartwatches for over a decade now. The company ditched its homebrewed solution to revive Wear OS, and we are forever grateful for it. The Galaxy Watch series continues to be a top choice for Android smartphone users, though it also works the best specifically with Galaxy smartphones. Samsung has offered a lot of innovative hardware and software features over the years in this space, so it’s easy to love it as a brand.

Google

Despite being the company that handles Android and Wear OS, Google entered the smartwatch hardware game pretty late with the Pixel Watch. The first generation wasn’t that impressive, but the second iteration fixed many shortcomings while retaining the same identity.

OnePlus

OnePlus’s entry into the smartwatch got off on the wrong foot with the OnePlus Watch. However, with the OnePlus Watch 2, the company has achieved redemption.

Garmin

Garmin makes some excellent smartwatches, though they are on the pricier side of the spectrum. This is often because these watches target more niche use cases and have specialized features to help athletes and serious enthusiasts. They also have excellent battery life. As a brand, there is a lot to like about Garmin.

Which is your favorite smartwatch brand? Let us know!

Should you buy the Withings ScanWatch 2?

While the smartwatch market is not as populated as the Android phone market, users still have a good variety of smartwatches to choose from. The options thin out a bit when you consider OS compatibility with your smartphone, but there are still plenty of decent options across OEMs.

That being said, all of us have our favorites. Smartwatches have been around for years, and most of us have already used them to form an informed opinion on what we like and dislike about them. Many of us have used multiple smartwatches, perhaps successors from the same OEM or jumping around OEMs and even OS options. We’re bound to have biases based on our likes and dislikes from our experiences, and that’s okay, as smartwatches are inherently personal products that serve both form and functional needs.

While traditional watches mostly come with a round dial, the Apple Watch has made many prefer the non-round design when choosing a smartwatch. Given how ...

The post Huawei Watch Fit 3 could have a similar design to the Apple Watch, but still be different appeared first on Gizchina.com.

---

The Pixel Watch series offers Watch Unlock functionality, allowing your Bluetooth-toting phone to unlock your wearable. It seems like Google will upgrade this feature when the Pixel Watch 3 comes out.

9to5Google dug into a recent version of the Play Services app and found references to “UWB ranging” for Watch Unlock. The outlet also found a few references to UWB-based Watch Unlock not working in countries that don’t allow the connectivity protocol.

The highly-anticipated Garmin Venu 3 (and the smaller but otherwise identical Venu 3S) has officially made its way to wrists, and the series packs a lot of impressive features. In particular, for active shoppers looking for a smartwatch experience, the Venu 3 delivers all the basics, plus in-depth, accurate health and fitness tracking. It incorporates all the best tools of the Venu 2 (and Venu 2 Plus!) and sprinkles in a few extras. To learn more about what the newer watch offers compared to its older sibling, we’ve compiled a Garmin Venu 2 vs Venu 3 comparison.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Specs

	Garmin Venu 3 and 3S	Garmin Venu 2 and 2S
Display	Venu 3: 1.4-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 454 x 454 resolution Venu 3S: 1.2-inch AMOLED, optional always-on 390 x 390 resolution Corning Gorilla Glass 3	Venu 2: 1.3-inch AMOLED 416 x 416 resolution Venu 2S: 1.1-inch AMOLED 360 x 360 resolution Corning Gorilla Glass 3
Dimensions and weight	Venu 3: 45 x 45 x 12mm 22mm band 47g Venu 3S: 41 x 41 x 12mm 22mm band 40g	Venu 2: 45.4 x 45.4 x 12.2mm 22mm band 49g Venu 2S: 40.4 x 40.4 x 12.1mm 18mm band 38.2g
Build materials	Stainless steel bezel Fiber-reinforced polymer case Silicone band	Stainless steel bezel Fiber-reinforced polymer case Silicone band
Battery	Venu 3: Up to 14 days in smartwatch mode (5 days with always-on display enabled) Up to 11 hours in all-Systems GNSS mode + music Venu 3S: Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode (5 days with always-on display enabled) Up to 8 hours in all-Systems GNSS mode + music	Venu 2: Up to 11 days in smartwatch mode Up to 8 hours in GPS mode + music Venu 2S: Up to 10 days in smartwatch mode Up to 7 hours in GPS mode + music
IP rating	5ATM	5ATM
Sensors	Garmin Gen 5 Elevate heart rate sensor GPS GLONASS Galileo Barometric altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient light sensor Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor	Garmin Gen 4 Elevate heart rate sensor GPS GLONASS Galileo Barometric altimeter Compass Gyroscope Accelerometer Thermometer Ambient light sensor Pulse ox blood oxygen saturation monitor
Connectivity	Bluetooth ANT+ Wi-Fi	Bluetooth ANT+ Wi-Fi
Compatibility	Android, iOS	Android, iOS
Garmin Pay	Yes	Yes
Smartwatch features	Make and receive phone calls Google Assistant, Samsung Bixby, and Siri support Connect IQ-compatible Smartphone notifications Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only) Controls smartphone music Plays and controls smartwatch music Find my phone/find my watch Incident Detection LiveTrack	Connect IQ-compatible Smartphone notifications Text response/reject phone call with text (Android only) Controls smartphone music Plays and controls smartwatch music Find my phone/find my watch Incident Detection LiveTrack
Colors	Venu 3: Silver bezel with Whitestone case Slate bezel with Black case Venu 3S: Soft Gold bezel with French Gray, Dust Rose, or Ivory case Silver bezel with Sage Gray case Slate bezel with Pebble Gray case	Venu 2: Silver bezel with Granite Blue case, Slate bezel with Black case Venu 2S: Slate bezel with Graphite case, Light Gold bezel with Light Sand case, Silver bezel with Mist Grey case, Rose Gold bezel with White case

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Design

Compared to Garmin’s fitness-focused wearables, the Venu moniker represents the company’s more approachable, everyday smartwatch. This is reflected in the device’s clean, minimalist aesthetics and beautiful AMOLED displays. When comparing the Garmin Venu 2 vs Venu 3, the two generations share nearly identical overall designs and dimensions.

Both series offer a full-size model as well as a second option for smaller wrists. The Venu 2 is less than 1mm larger than the Venu 3 and the Venu 2S is just a fraction of a mm smaller than the 3S. All four devices feature stainless steel bezels, fiber-reinforced polymer cases, and Gorilla Glass protection over their displays. Yet, thanks to minimized bezels, the Venu 3 and 3S offer slightly larger displays than their respective predecessors. Measuring 1.4 inches and 1.3 inches, the Venu 3 and 3S displays offer more room for on-device stats and sleeker overall appearances.

With a peek at the watches from the side, shoppers will also notice the addition of a third button on the newest lineup. Originally intended to activate the device’s speaker, this extra middle button first made an appearance on the Venu 2 Plus. Since the Venu 2 doesn’t offer a speaker or microphone, the older model only features two buttons.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Features

In terms of features, the Venu 3 offers everything found on the Venu 2, plus almost all the added tools of the Venu 2 Plus. This means a built-in microphone and speaker for on-wrist phone calls and voice assistant support, as well as music playback. The Venu 3 also adds a quick-access flashlight, a handful of new watch faces, and the ability to text photos (Android only). However, these crucial smartwatch features are far from the only improvements shoppers will find on the newest model.

The Garmin Venu 3 offers nearly all the best tools of the Venu 2 and Venu 3 including on-wrist phone call and voice assistant support.

On the wellness front, the Venu 3 epitomizes a dedicated focus on recovery and sleep tracking, offering and upgraded experience we loved during our Garmin Venu 3 review. One of the biggest highlights of the new device is its automatic nap detection, a first for the Garmin stable. The Venu 3 also records overnight HRV status as well as offers personalized sleep coaching with sleep recommendation factors. We found these tools helpful for diagnosing our sleep needs.

For training purposes, Garmin upgraded the device’s Body Battery feature and added a broad list of additional tools, including Recovery Time, Workout Benefit, Perceived Exertion, Morning Report, and a new Daily Summary (similar to Morning Report but in the evening). Users will also find a few added activity profiles, as well as wheelchair push detection and wheelchair-specific activities. We were particularly excited to see Open Water Swim make its way to the Venu 3 as well as a new Meditation activity. Users can even create custom interval workouts and pair the Venu 3 with additional sensors and power meters.

Most importantly, we found GPS and heart rate sensor accuracy significantly improved on the Venu 3. Garmin’s Gen 5 Elevate heart rate sensor is the current top-of-the-line. It provided reliable data throughout our workouts. It has also since been approved by the FDA for Garmin’s ECG app. Now both the Venu 3 and Venu 2 Plus offer users this advanced health tool.

The Venu 3 boasts improved GPS and heart rate sensor accuracy, and now features the same FDA-approved ECG app found on the Venu 2 Plus.

To poke around all its new features and tools, the Venu 3 also offers an updated user interface. The redesign streamlines navigation primarily by optimally organizing menus. We found the user experience greatly improved by the device’s recent widgets menu. Likewise, we also appreciated the new separation of sport profiles from other apps. The extra, customizable button (compared to the Venu 2) also positively impacts the usability of the watch.

Last but not least, the Venu 3 still offers fantastic battery life, especially compared to other leading smartwatches. The Venu 2 puts up impressive stats as well. However, the Venu 3 offers noticeable improvement despite its larger display and added features.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Price and colors

The Garmin Venu 2 launched in April 2021 at $399.99. The 45mm model is available in Silver with Granite Blue or Slate with Black. Shoppers can grab a 40mm model in Light Gold with Light Sand, Slate with Graphite, Silver with Mist Gray, or Rose Gold with White. In January 2022, Garmin introduced the half-step Garmin Venu 2 Plus priced at $449.99. The Venu 2 Plus is available in just one 43mm case size. It comes in Cream Gold with Ivory, Silver with Powder Gray, or Slate with Black.

In light of its added features, the Garmin Venu 3 also launched with a $449.99 price tag. The 45mm Venu 3 is available in Silver with Whitestone or Slate with Black. The 41mm 3S is available in a few more options. These include Soft Gold with Ivory, Slate with Pebble Gray, Silver with Sage Gray, or Soft Gold with Dust Rose.

Garmin Venu 2 vs Garmin Venu 3: Should you upgrade?

The newest Garmin smartwatch is well worth the upgrade for anyone holding onto a Venu 2 or older. It adopts all the useful smartwatch features introduced on the Venu 2 Plus. It also debuts a few new Garmin tools, including automatic nap detection. Meanwhile, the device’s top-notch sensor accuracy, detailed recovery tools, and added fitness-tracking features make it a powerful workout companion. Given how much the Venu 3 has to offer, we don’t recommend anyone buy older Venu models at this point. The only exception might be the Venu 2 Plus if you can get in on a great deal, but even then, the Venu 3 is a clear step up.

The Venu 3 offers shoppers plenty of improvements and new features worthy of an upgrade.

On the other hand, the smartwatch market is consistently heating up, with new tools, features, and devices landing constantly. Though a well-rounded fitness watch, the Venu 3 can’t really compete with wearables like the Apple Watch Series 9 ( ) when it comes to smartwatch features. Anyone after a true smartwatch experience should take a careful look at an Apple vs Garmin comparison before committing to Garmin’s stable, but if you want an amazing fitness tracker with some smartwatch features and attractive looks, plus killer battery life, the Venu 3 is a clear hit.

---

Are you upgrading from the Venu 2 to the Venu 3? Let us know in the poll below.

Whether they're tracking your child's whereabouts or encouraging a more active lifestyle, smartwatches for kids are just as relevant as they are for adults.

---

Garmin is launching two new fitness watches today — the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music. The two new wearables succeed Garmin’s uber-popular Forerunner 55 running watch that launched back in 2019. Needless to say, Garmin’s budget-friendly lineup was long due for a refresh.

The new Forerunner 165 series watches sport 1.2-inch AMOLED displays this time around — a welcome upgrade from the MIP screen on the Forerunner 55. That means you can expect brighter, more vivid colors from the screen. While MIP displays are more power efficient than AMOLED, Garmin promises robust battery life on both the new 165 series watches. The company claims you can get up to 11 days of battery life in smartwatch mode and up to 19 hours in GPS mode. That’s way more than the Forerunner 55.

The biggest difference between the regular Forerunner 165 and the Forerunner 165 Music is, well, Music. The latter lets users download and store songs and playlists from Spotify, Deezer, and Amazon Music for phone-free listening with wireless headphones. It also provides audio prompts so users can follow guided workouts or hear performance alerts with wireless headphones connected to the watch.

Given that the new 165 duo are running watches, they feature some stable Garmin fitness features like Race Adaptive Training Plans for personalized training, Wrist-Based Running Power and Dynamics for real-time running metrics, Training Effect for tracking workout benefits, and more.

For fitness tracking, you get features like wrist-based heart rate measurement, sleep monitoring and sleep score, blood oxygen monitoring, nap detection, stress tracking, and more.

The watches also support more than 25 activity profiles, including trail running, open-water swimming, pickleball, tennis, HIIT, cardio, yoga, and pilates.

Moreover, both the Forerunner 165 series supports Garmin Pay, the company’s contactless payment service.

The Forerunner 165 and 165 Music are compatible with Android and iOS, letting users receive emails, texts, and alerts when paired
with compatible iPhones or Android smartphones.

The watches are now available for purchase. The Forerunner 165 has a suggested retail price of $249.99, while the Forerunner 165
Music is $299.99.

---

Android users have a lot of smartwatch options, but there’s always room for more competition. OnePlus has been rumored to launch a new smartwatch at MWC 2024, presumably called the OnePlus Watch 2, and the company has finally begun teasing the product.

OnePlus has posted a teaser image in the OnePlus community (h/t 1NormalUsername), asking users to wrongly guess what the product is. You can see the teaser image above, and it’s definitely not subtle in indicating what it is.

If you need some more help figuring it out, here is the same image, edited to bring out a few key details:

The teaser image flatly aligns with the leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2. The button housing, especially, is unmissable. You can check out the renders that leaked last year, showing off the protruding edge on the right side of the device.

Obviously, the official teaser image has more polish and character than the leaked renders. But the leaked renders give us a good look at the device, which is expected to be showcased at MWC 2024, scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

Leaker Max Jambor alludes that the OnePlus Watch 2 could be launched on February 26, 2024.

 

The original OnePlus Watch that launched in 2021 was a more simplistic fitness tracker with a large display rather than a proper smartwatch, as it lacked a smart OS with an app store. It ran on a proprietary OS that is comparable to RTOS. With the OnePlus Watch 2, OnePlus is expected to use Wear OS for a proper smartwatch experience that compares against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Pixel Watch 2, presuming it sells in the same markets. The watch is expected to come with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, so it is already shaping up to be a decent competitor.

---

Garmin is launching two new fitness watches today — the Forerunner 165 and Forerunner 165 Music. The two new wearables succeed Garmin’s uber-popular Forerunner 55 running watch that launched back in 2019. Needless to say, Garmin’s budget-friendly lineup was long due for a refresh.

---

Android users have a lot of smartwatch options, but there’s always room for more competition. OnePlus has been rumored to launch a new smartwatch at MWC 2024, presumably called the OnePlus Watch 2, and the company has finally begun teasing the product.

OnePlus has posted a teaser image in the OnePlus community (h/t 1NormalUsername), asking users to wrongly guess what the product is. You can see the teaser image above, and it’s definitely not subtle in indicating what it is.

If you need some more help figuring it out, here is the same image, edited to bring out a few key details:

The teaser image flatly aligns with the leaked renders of the OnePlus Watch 2. The button housing, especially, is unmissable. You can check out the renders that leaked last year, showing off the protruding edge on the right side of the device.

Obviously, the official teaser image has more polish and character than the leaked renders. But the leaked renders give us a good look at the device, which is expected to be showcased at MWC 2024, scheduled to be held at the end of this month.

Leaker Max Jambor alludes that the OnePlus Watch 2 could be launched on February 26, 2024.

 

The original OnePlus Watch that launched in 2021 was a more simplistic fitness tracker with a large display rather than a proper smartwatch, as it lacked a smart OS with an app store. It ran on a proprietary OS that is comparable to RTOS. With the OnePlus Watch 2, OnePlus is expected to use Wear OS for a proper smartwatch experience that compares against the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 and the Pixel Watch 2, presuming it sells in the same markets. The watch is expected to come with the Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chip, so it is already shaping up to be a decent competitor.