Whether I am camping in the wilderness or rummaging in the attic, there is almost nothing I love more than using the word “torch” (instead of “flashlight”). Garmin’s latest adventure watch adds this small joy and so much more to users’ wrists in what turns out to be a major upgrade to the Instinct 2 series. The latest device packs a powerful, built-in light, plus a number of significant improvements on both the hardware and software fronts. Find out more in this Garmin Instinct 2X review.

Garmin Instinct 2X Solar

• Built-in LED flashlight
• Multi-band GNSS
• Training Readiness

The Instinct 2X adds key upgrades to the adventure line for an even more capable fitness-tracking watch. In addition to multi-band GNSS and more efficient solar charging capabilities, the device offers advanced training features from Garmin's higher-end devices. It also features a built-in LED flashlight with adjustable brightness and strobe options.

X is for X-Large

Google’s Health Connect brings plenty of power to one of the smallest members of the wearables market, the Oura Ring. As was announced at Google I/O, Oura now adds integration with a number of popular health platforms. This includes Peloton, the cult-favorite fitness app for at-home workouts.

Each time you sweat through a Peloton class wearing your ring, you can now open the companion app to see your details and biometrics on the home screen. You can even dig into further details by tapping on the workout summary. To maintain Oura’s holistic approach to well-being, users’ Readiness and Activity Scores will also automatically reflect the effort expended during Peloton workouts.

Announced today at Google I/O, a partnership with Oura adds new usability to the nutrition-based health service Lifesum. Thanks to Oura, the maker of the Oura Ring smart ring fitness tracker, Lifesum will now offer a sleep-tracking feature with personalized insights and guidance. The feature offers users important access to the complex relationship between nutrition and sleep.

The new partnership between Oura and Lifesum integrates via Google’s Health Connect for Android platform. According to Lifesum CEO, Markus Falk, the aim of this partnership is to help users gain more insight into how their diet may be affecting their rest and overall well-being, a connection he explains is “key to weight management and overall health.” To help users manage the relationship, the feature will streamline data into actionable insights. These will include everything from suggestions on how your sleep may affect your cravings to tips on what to eat to counter a bad night of rest.

Update, May 9, 2023 (2:13 PM ET): This article has been updated to include the full video of the TED Talk where Imran Chaudhri demos Humane’s projector-based wearable.

Original, April 21, 2023 (1:51 PM ET): You may have never heard of Humane, and there’s a good reason for that. Most of the company’s work is shrouded in mystery. But one of Humane’s cofounders just showed off an AI wearable that’s a lot like a wearable form of ChatGPT.

Google announced Wear OS 3.0 in May 2021. Since then it’s landed on two smartwatches from Samsung, the debut smartwatch from Google, and eventually landed on Fossil watches. One notable brand that still hasn’t rolled out the update is Mobvoi.

Unfortunately, Wear OS 3 for Mobvoi watches isn’t coming anytime soon. This is no doubt bad news for Mobvoi fans who have been patiently waiting for this since, well, 2021. It’s also unfortunate to hear since, as early as April, we’ve heard that the update was well on the way.

Irregular heart rhythm notifications are a popular feature on high-end smartwatches. By monitoring heart rhythm and other body functions, your smartwatch could give you an advance alert for atrial fibrillation (AFib). This type of arrhythmia could be a warning sign for a stroke, heart attack, or another serious cardiovascular complication.

Today, Samsung announced it has finally received FDA clearance for Galaxy Watch AFib tracking. That means that, in the future, your recent Samsung Galaxy Watch will be able to keep an eye on your cardiovascular health passively in the background, adding an extra layer of health safety.

Update, May 9, 2023 (2:30 AM ET): We’ve updated the Google Pixel Watch 2 rumor hub with a leak from a veteran tipster. Read the “will there be a Google Pixel Watch 2” section for more.

Original article: After years of rumors and speculation, the Google Pixel Watch hit wrists to mixed reviews. Some details, like unique Fitbit integration and a minimalist design, knocked it out of the park. Others, like disappointing battery life, rang up short. Now just months later, we’re already looking ahead to the next season of potentially exciting wearable launches. Most importantly, we’re eager to see Google drop a second generation of its very first smartwatch to see if it can polish up the rough edges. Stay tuned to hear everything we know about the Google Pixel Watch 2 and find out what features we are most hopeful to see for the search giant’s next attempt.

Original article: February 11, 2023 (2 PM ET): While the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series may still seem like a fresh new wearable, we’re likely already halfway to the next iteration. Sure, rumors about a Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 have been sparse so far. However, there’s no doubt in our minds that the current Wear OS juggernaut has a follow-up on the way. We’ll keep track of any details we hear below so you can stay abreast of what you might expect to see on the next Galaxy Watch. Plus, it’s never too early to start dreaming up a wish list.

Will there be Galaxy Watch 6 series?

In a market full of flashing screens, animation, and on-device interaction, the Oura Ring and Whoop bands stand apart. Neither ecosystem features a display, but both pack a lot of tools into a wearable device. To find out which of these fitness trackers is right for you, we compare Oura Ring vs Whoop in specs, features, and more.

Oura Ring vs Whoop

Design

The most obvious similarity between Whoop bands and Oura Rings is their lack of a display. This allows for minimalist accessories that blend into users’ day-to-day without calling attention to their tracking goals. They’re also both carefully designed with jewelry cues to ensure an elegant impression. More importantly, neither will distract you during a meeting with alerts and prompts, or wake you by lighting up a dark room. On the other hand, neither offers notifications, real-time workout metrics, or even the current time.

With one of the smallest form factors on the market, the Oura Ring is easing its way into the minds (and onto the fingers) of celebrities and shoppers alike. But how does the Oura platform stack up against more established ecosystems, like Fitbit? We compare the Oura Ring vs Fitbit to see which company may offer the right fitness tracking experience for you.

Fitbit vs. Oura Ring: Fundamental differences

The most obvious difference between the Oura Ring vs Fitbit trackers is how they are intended to be worn. The Oura Ring lineup is just that: a lineup of rings including three generations of devices. There are a few  device models available within each generation but those only offer stylistic differences, not unique features or internal specs. The Oura Rings are also all priced similarly when you don’t count sales or price reductions due to aging offerings. Again, the most expensive models are based on finish, not specs. The newest model, the Oura Ring 3, starts at $299.

Garmin has never been one for annual updates. Or iterative ones, for that matter. It waited three years between launching the Forerunner 945 and the 955, taking time to refine its sensors and improve its battery life. Now, it’s speeding things up a bit. Just nine months after the arrival of the Forerunner 955, its successor arrived. The Garmin Forerunner 965 hopes to cement the series’ place among the best smartwatches for runners with a vibrant AMOLED display and some premium new materials. Find out more in our Garmin Forerunner 965 review.

Garmin Forerunner 965 review: What you need to know

While fitness trackers and smartwatches are the better-known devices in the wearable technology world, there is a third lesser opted-for option. Smart rings are slowly becoming more attractive alternatives. As biometric analysis tech and battery longevity improves, these minimalist devices are now an option for those who want something more discreet. The Oura Ring is arguably the best you can get right now, but plenty of Oura Ring alternatives are worth your time.

How to buy the right smart ring

Consistency is key when it comes to Xiaomi’s Mi Band lineup. Each year, the company launches a slim, affordable tracker with more than enough health and fitness features to warrant a spot on your wrist. With iterative changes, the line continues to improve steadily, and this year is no different. Find out the key differences between the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs the Mi Band 7.

Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 7

Design

Xiaomi’s latest fitness tracker may look familiar at first glance. The device shares many of the 7’s prominent design features including a lightweight, band-style shape and the same 1.62-inch, 192 x 490-pixel, AMOLED display. Both also offer an always-on mode for keeping an eye on stats.

The latest Xiaomi Mi Band is officially on shelves regionally, with a global rollout coming soon. Based on the specs and design of the newest model, there’s a lot to look forward to. But what about that loyal older sibling on your wrist? To find out if it’s high time for an upgrade, we compare the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 vs the Mi Band 6 and dig into the value of each device.

Mi Band 8 vs Mi Band 6

Design

An affordable fitness tracker will never go out of style, but that hasn’t stopped Xiaomi from adding considerable style upgrades to its latest model. Though some design features are carried over from the Mi Band 7, others are completely new.

The Apple Watch is one of the most well-known wearables on the market and is recognizable on sight to most shoppers. The Oura Ring 3 prides itself on its inconspicuous form factor and strives to blend in with users’ standard jewelry. Yet, both devices boast many of the same health and fitness tools and features. So how do you know which of these two powerful fitness trackers is right for you? Find out in our Oura Ring vs Apple Watch comparison.

Oura Ring vs Apple Watch

Design

With impressive durability specs, the Apple Watch Series 8 is built tough, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Bumps and scrapes can quickly add up to unsightly scratches and dings, not to mention internal damage. Find out the best Apple Watch Series 8 cases to keep your device in working order.

The best Apple Watch Series 8 cases

The Apple Watch is designed to stay on your wrist, which means accidental damage is only a matter of time. Whether your device is brand new or starting to show signs of wear, a protective case may be one of the best Apple Watch accessories to add to your cart. From colorful to relatively clear, these Apple Watch Series 8 cases add an extra layer of protection to your wearable. 

Smart rings are unique in the world of fitness trackers. Instead of wrist-worn devices with large displays and flexible straps, smart rings are more rigid bands made for wear on a finger. As a consequence of this design, smart rings usually require a measurement process before purchase, which is no less true with the Oura Ring. The right fit is vital for user comfort and fitness tracking accuracy. Here’s how to choose the right size Oura Ring.

Which finger should I wear my Oura Ring on?

The latest Oura Ring 3 proves powerful tools can come in tiny packages. We cover all the Oura Ring models available to help you slip the perfect fitness tracker onto your finger.

Oura Ring Gen 3 vs older models

Xiaomi’s newest Mi Band 8 boasts the same core feature set as its predecessor, plus a few upgrades. However, it’s not yet available globally. More importantly, when the fitness tracker does hit shelves near you, it won’t be the only option. We round up the best Xiaomi Mi Band 8 alternatives to consider before you check out.

Buying the right fitness tracker for your needs

Budget devices have come a long way from their stripped-down beginnings. Now you can find a reliable wearable packed with features without breaking the bank. To find the right pick for you, consider your preferred ecosystem as well as your top priorities in terms of training features.

After months of rumors, the Xiaomi Mi Band 8 officially joins the company’s popular line of budget fitness trackers. From a new strap design to improved internal specs, the device features a few minor upgrades. Here’s everything you need to know about the Xiaomi Mi Band 8.

Xiaomi Mi Band 8: At a glance

The Xiaomi Mi Band 8 launched in China on April 18, though details are still hard to come by elsewhere. The device largely resembles its predecessor in form factor and feature set.

Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe review: At a glance

Should you buy the Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger with MagSafe?

Within the realm of tech, there are few topics I lament more than the dismal battery specs that haunt the Apple Watch. Eight generations in, Apple has yet to surpass its 18-hour claim (which, fortunately, is really more like 24 hours in hand). For this reason, a charging routine is crucial to getting the most out of your wearable, and that requires a reliable charger.

Samsung Galaxy S phones get a new system on a chip (SoC) every year like clockwork. However, the same can’t be said about Samsung’s smartwatches. The most recent Galaxy Watch 5 series has the same SoC we saw on the Galaxy Watch 4 series from 2021.

Thankfully, it looks like the supposed Galaxy Watch 6 series landing later this year could get an upgrade. According to SamMobile, there could be a Samsung Exynos W980 in the works. This SoC would be the follow-up to the 2021 Samsung Exynos W920, the chip inside the Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5 models.

Opinion post by

Rita El Khoury

As I sit here contemplating how to start this retrospective article, I glance down at the Google Pixel Watch on my wrist and realize it’s down to 13% battery. I shrug; time for the daily top-up, I guess. So I take it off and put it on the charger knowing I will likely leave it there way longer than necessary because I’ll just forget to wear it again after 90 or so minutes.

And therein lies my biggest issue with Google’s first smartwatch. It doesn’t matter how much I like the glass dome design and how smooth it is to interact with as long as I can’t actually use it to its full potential. Like my colleague Aamir recently expressed, I end up using this smartwatch in all the dumb ways because I just want to get to the end of the day without a dead battery. And despite my best efforts, I’ve had many, many empty batteries over the last six months.

A rounded-rectangle case is one of the Apple Watch line’s most distinguishing features. Though the overall design of the wearables only alters slightly from one generation to the next, each model is available in specific colorways. The Apple Watch Series 8 color options should look familiar to most shoppers.

Like its predecessor, the Apple Watch Series 8 is available in aluminum or stainless steel cases in two sizes, 41mm, and 45mm. However, each material offers one less color in the latest model. In aluminum, the Series 8 lineup includes Starlight, Midnight, silver, and (Product) Red options. The stainless steel lineup includes silver, graphite, and gold. For comparison, the Apple Watch Series 7 is available in five colors in aluminum: midnight, starlight, green, blue, and (Product) Red. In stainless Steel, the Series 7 comes in silver, gold, graphite, and space black.

Even with its powerful ecosystem, unmatched app support, and highly-accurate health and fitness sensors, the Apple Watch Series 8 still falls short in one major area. Battery life on the company’s wearables remains a frustrating oversight. Apple’s latest smartwatch is currently on shelves (and wrists) with a new temperature sensor for detailed sleep tracking. However, users are left scrambling to create effective charging routines in order to have enough juice to collect overnight stats. Find out everything you need to know about battery life on the Apple Watch Series 8 and how the company attempts to help with Low Power Mode.

Apple Watch Series 8 (Wi-Fi)

• Excellent Retina display
• Premium design and build
• Advanced health tracking sensors

A healthy leap ahead.

The Apple Watch Series 8 with Wi-Fi connectivity features advanced fitness and health tracking tools, including a temperature sensor to monitor body variations and better insights into women's cycles. The device also features a thick front crystal over its display for improved durability. Additional highlights include Crash Detection, Low Power Mode, and extensive third-party app support.

$329 at Amazon

Xiaomi is all set to launch the Mi Band 8 on April 18. From the face of it, the tracker looks exactly like its predecessor, except for its redesigned strap mechanism. However, Xiaomi seems to have found a new way for you to wear the wearable — like a necklace.

Unrivaled app support is one of the Apple Watch line’s standout features. From fitness apps and music platforms to games and productivity tools, there is something in the App Store for seemingly every need. We rounded up the best Apple Watch apps to get the most out of your go-to wearable, whether it’s the Apple Watch Series 8 or the oversized Apple Watch Ultra.

The best Apple Watch apps

Apple Watches employ a full toolkit of powerful native apps right out of the box. Apple offers full-featured health and workout platforms plus breakout apps for more detailed wellness support such as Cycle Tracking, Sleep, and Mindfulness apps. Users will also find go-to apps including everything from Calendar and Mail to Apple Pay and Apple Music. These staples are further supplemented with dedicated tools for everyday life including a Handwashing app and Apple’s Noise app for monitoring the volume of your environment.

The Google Pixel Watch has a lot to offer Android users, including a sleek, minimalist design perfect for pairing with a personalized watch face. From native options to third-party picks, we round up the best Pixel Watch faces to add to your device.

How to change your Google Pixel Watch face

To change your watch face right from your wrist, press and hold your current watch face. Then, swipe all the way left and tap Add new. You can also browse and swap watch faces in the Pixel Watch app on your paired phone.

An Apple Watch Fitness Plus review has long been on my to-do list. As a wearables reviewer, covering fitness content comes with the territory. In fact, it’s a perk of the job. Typically, my workouts include whatever activities are required to test out a device’s heart rate monitor, GPS accuracy, and a few niche workout modes, (plus a couple of extra yoga sessions to appease my apparently decrepit joints). Review periods often lead to repetitive interval work on a stationary bike and drawn-out neighborhood runs.

On a week without a specific device to test, I gave an entire platform my attention. I cycled, stretched, walked, and more to dig into what Apple has to offer its paying subscribers. I paired the app with my Apple Watch Ultra as well as my Apple Watch Series 8. Find out what I discovered in my honest review of Apple Fitness Plus after seven days of use.

More than likely, your watch face is the most viewed screen on your Apple Watch. Why not make it harder working? Whether you want at-a-glance stats, a favorite photo, or an adorable animation, there are plenty of looks to consider. We round up the best Apple Watch faces available.

How to change your Apple Watch face

Before we get ahead of ourselves, make sure you know how to change your Apple Watch face and add new options to your face gallery. To swap faces, swipe left or right from your current face. To add a new face, long-press on your current face and swipe through the choices previously added to your device until you get to the plus sign. Tap the icon, then use your digital crown to scroll through the available options. If you prefer to work on a larger screen, you can also add and customize watch faces from the watch app on your paired iPhone. Open the app and tap Face Gallery.

Credit: Kaitlyn Cimino / Android Authority

Google launched its long-awaited Pixel Watch alongside the Pixel 7 series back in October, offering a circular design and some Google and Fitbit additions. Was it a commercial hit, though? Well, it looks like we’ve finally got some shipment figures.

Tracking firm Canalys posted its Q4 2022 global wearable shipment report this week (h/t: Android Headlines), and the company claims that Google shipped 880,000 Pixel Watch units in the quarter.

It’s no secret that the Apple Watch could use a boost in the battery department. Until then, a reliable charger is key to getting the most out of your smartwatch. For portability, convenience, and an unobtrusive aesthetic, Belkin has you covered. Find out more in this BoostCharge Pro for Apple Watch review.

What you need to know about the Belkin BoostCharge Pro for Apple Watch

Google has finally rolled out Fall Detection to the Google Pixel Watch. When the watch originally launched, the feature was promised to arrive sometime in winter. Now existing users can enable Fall Detection for future use. Tapping its existing sensors, the watch uses machine learning to recognize if a user takes a hard fall and does not get up immediately. Most importantly, Google extensively tested the feature to differentiate between minor trips or workouts and actual falls with safety concerns.

The feature automatically springs into action when the Pixel Watch detects a real fall. After 30 seconds without detecting user movement, the watch will emit an alarm and vibrate on the user’s wrist. It will also display an onscreen prompt with two options: “I fell and need help” or “I’m okay.” You can tap “I’m okay” to dismiss the feature if you are, in fact, okay. If not, tapping “I fell and need help” will connect the device to emergency services.

The crux of the Apple Watch is that it’s only compatible with an iPhone. On the other hand, that means an amalgamated ecosystem of compatible products. So why not consolidate your charging as well? Belkin’s multi-device BoostCharge Pro wireless charger eliminates excess plugs and cables with a single solution for your phone, smartwatch, and earbuds. Find out more in this Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad with Magsafe review.

What you need to know about the Belkin BoostCharge Pro 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Pad

At the risk of ruining the punch line, the Galaxy Watch 5 Pro is still every bit the winner it seemed at launch. The premium wearable’s refined build, extended battery life, and full suite of Google tools deliver one of the best smartwatch experiences available. We even named the watch our pick for the best wearable of the year at the end of 2022.

However, while Samsung continues to ride the wave of its Wear OS 3 success, a number of competitors are also making moves. Meanwhile, some changes we’d hoped to see hit the device via software updates haven’t arrived. How well does the self-proclaimed pro hold up six months later? Find out in our Android Authority Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 Pro review revisited.

Fossil’s Gen 6 Hybrid Wellness Edition boasts an elegant build, upgraded features, and a sleek blend of traditional looks with fitness tracking smarts. Its e-ink display also keeps the device’s battery life up to Fossil’s impressive standards. However, while the hybrid watch may be a class act, it’s not the perfect companion for a gym class. In short, the watch lands in an unfortunate limbo between a timepiece and a health tool, without necessarily nailing either one.

Display, bands, and design

Garmin’s latest addition to its complex wearables lineup includes a new hybrid smartwatch. The long-rumored Garmin vivomove Trend launched today and features a classic analog aesthetic housing undercover smarts. Out of the box, shoppers will recognize familiar real ticking watch hands as well as Garmin’s unique hidden display. Like on other hybrids from the company, the Trend’s dynamic hands move out of the way when users wish to view health stats or tap into smart features.

Below the surface, the vivomove Trend offers smartphone notifications, health and activity tracking, and contactless payment support for utilizing Garmin Pay. It pairs with both Android and Apple phones; however, quick-reply is only available to Android users. On the sensor front, the watch features continuous heart rate monitoring (with abnormal heart rate alerts), SpO2 monitoring, and stress and sleep tracking. For those who menstruate, the device also supports Garmin’s women’s health tracking. Additional highlights from the brand’s ecosystem include Body Battery and Fitness Age.

Garmin is after users’ hearts with a new, clinically-validated ECG app arriving today on the brand’s top smartwatch. The FDA-approved tool aims to help users more closely monitor their health, utilizing existing sensors on the Garmin Venu 2 Plus to record the electric signals produced by users’ hearts.

The Amazfit Falcon is a very attractive device. For an Amazfit wearable, it also comes at a relatively high price. Whether the watch piques your interest or not, one thing is clear: Amazfit is extending its reach in the smartwatch space.

The company quite literally sent the Amazfit T-rex into space, and the Falcon boasts even better specs. But while the premium tier may be a new market space for Amazfit, it’s certainly not uncharted territory. The Falcon’s highlights and features are very familiar and merely inch the brand toward competitors like Garmin.

There are many fitness trackers that claim to help users log more sleep. Whether it’s through behavioral insights, data-driven trend analysis, or educational content, companies are eager to enter our bedrooms. The Muse S, now in its second generation, wants a place on your pillow. With built-in sensors, the headband leverages an electroencephalogram (EEG) to measure brain activity, heart rate, and breath, plus sleep stages and much more. Unfortunately, while the Muse S excels in real-time biometric feedback and meditation guidance, it left me with a lot less than 40 winks.

What is the Muse S (Gen 2)? Testing a unique alternative to wrist-based tracking

Simply put, hardly anyone is getting enough sleep. If you need proof, scope out the 6 am drive-through line at the Starbucks closest to you. Somalytics wants to help you get a better handle on your shut-eye with the SomaSleep sleep mask. The company announced the new sleep-tracking wearable at CES Unveiled.

We’re no strangers to sleep trackers here at Android Authority, and frankly, we’ve grown pretty accustomed to devices telling us we aren’t catching enough Zs. However, unlike other wearables that leverage data such as heart rate or body temperature, the SomaSleep is bringing something new to the bedroom. The innovative sleep mask uses nano-based capacitive sensors to monitor sleepers’ eye movement. This includes tracking regular as well as rapid eye movement to differentiate between sleep stages throughout the night.

Modern wearables almost always come with a sleep-tracking feature, but most of them are made for adults. That changes today with a new wearable baby monitor that promises to track your infant’s sleep in real-time.

With cuffs and calibration kits, measuring your blood pressure can be a bit of a pain — literally for some. But Valencell’s latest product looks to eliminate the hassles that come with measuring blood pressure by putting all the technology into a single device.

Valencell — a company that has put its sensor technology in products from Sony, Samsung, Suunto, Bose, Jabra, and Huawei — has announced that it’s developing its own digital therapeutics portfolio. The first entry in its product line is a cuffless, calibration-free blood pressure monitor that it has brought to CES 2023.

Fitbit currently offers its premium subscription plans for up to 60% less than usual. The offer is valid for new users signing up to get Fitbit Premium for the first time.

Everyone thinks running is an easy and affordable hobby to jump into. Grab a pair of shoes and some basic athletic clothes and get out the door. Before long, you might decide to train for a race. After that, you might even decide that you need a GPS watch to track your miles and offer more advanced workout data. Eventually, it feels like a page from “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.” Well, there’s one more accessory to add to your running utility belt — the Polar H10 heart rate chest strap.

Polar’s workhorse H10 isn’t a new chest strap. It’s outlived some of its launch day features by a good margin. It is also the chest strap our entire team uses as a control device when writing wearables reviews, but we’ve never written about it in great detail. That changes today.

I am fortunate enough to work with a group of upbeat, enthusiastic, and deeply knowledgeable tech lovers from across the world. As a team, we review products thoroughly, digging into features, pouring over manuals, comparing competitors, and collaborating with peers in ever-active Slack channels. My Android Authority teammates pack expertise, experience, insights, and dedication, plus of course wit and tailored writing skills.

However, whoever said “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life” likely wasn’t a wearables reviewer. For starters, you can’t work out without the word work. What’s more, you can’t test tech devices without wrestling with some glitches. Here are six unexpected but entertaining hurdles I’ve encountered while reviewing fitness gadgets.

It’s hard to believe we’re another year down in the world of wearables. In 2022, we saw a lot of improvements across the market, from durability specs to women’s health tracking and plenty in between. Some of the best device lines added niche features and new models. A few of our favorite fitness trackers got facelifts. Google finally launched its first-ever smartwatch.

But while we wrap up a successful year, we’re already looking ahead at what we expect to see coming down the pipe. Find out the top wearables we hope to see in 2023.

How do you know you’re talking to a marathon runner? Don’t worry, they’ll tell you. Only kidding, well, kind of kidding. Plenty of marathon runners are happy to talk about their race any chance they get, especially during the first few days of nursing sore legs. However, the weeks and months of training don’t always get the same amount of love, even though they’re just as important as the race itself.

Let’s talk about those weeks — the early morning miles, the Sunday long runs, and the afternoons spent on the couch recovering. I set out for my first marathon this fall, but I had no idea where to start, so I let my running watch be my guide. Here’s how Coros (and later Garmin) got me through 26.2 miles and where the training plans came up short.

Recent years have passed by in a blur, and 2022 is no exception. It was a year of evolution rather than revolution for most smartwatch players, with nips, tucks, and iterative changes dominating. But despite the many cautious wins firms racked up in 2022, there was no shortage of misses either. Below, we recap some of the most significant moments, products, and news surrounding smartwatches that fell short.

Fitbit’s upgrades are downgrades

Remember Jawbone? One of my first wearables was the UP2, a fashionable bangle-like fitness tracker that provided basic sleep tracking. I fell in love with its slim, unassuming form factor. A screenless health monitor that I could wear alongside my analog watch? It was the dream! But when the flailing company folded and killed off its app, I upgraded to a Fitbit Flex 2. I wore it until the rubberized coating bubbled and boiled. Eventually, I tossed the torn-up device, but I never forgot about it.

Things have changed drastically since then. The wearable landscape has transitioned to larger displays, and screenless fitness trackers are no longer as popular as they once were. Despite these developments, I wonder how great a screenless tracker with modern hardware could be. A Fitbit Flex 3, if you will. It might be a case of irrational nostalgia, but I dearly want Google and Fitbit to grant me my wish.

Opinion post by

Kaitlyn Cimino

I don’t sleep much. While I understand the world functions by daylight, I’ve always found my most productive hours start at a low light setting. Maybe fairytales shouldn’t make midnight sound like such an exciting hour to be losing shoes. When I do make my way to bed, I like to lie awake staring at the ceiling, contemplating pressing matters like “what would my shins look like if I were six feet tall instead of five?” As a wearables enthusiast, I don’t just know this about myself, I have the sleep-tracking data to show for it.

Deeply motivated by grade-based performance, I became obsessed with improving my sleep score because, as everyone knows, there’s no quicker way to quality sleep than stressing about it. Needless to say, I still don’t sleep a whole lot, but I have learned how sleep tracking helps, and how it sometimes doesn’t.

If we were to identify a single trend in the wearables market of 2022, it would be something along the lines of “bigger and better.” Rather than a stream of significant software innovation, many companies turned to their tried and true formulas, then dialed it up. We had Pros, Pluses, and an Ultra, all with beefed-up specs, added durability, and rounded-out feature sets.

For many, evolution over revolution paid off. But what was the very best wearable of the year? Our editorial and reviews teams chose one device as Android Authority’s Editor’s Choice winner for the best wearable of 2022 (plus four that came close).

I will be the first to admit I was dubious about the WHOOP 4.0. In short, a fitness tracker without a screen sounds a lot like a glorified bracelet. However, after nearly a month strapped into WHOOP’s ecosystem, I humbly admit I’m changing my tune. The WHOOP 4.0 hasn’t only convinced me a screen isn’t necessary, it has me questioning if I want to go back at all.

A truly fashion-forward wearable

There are scant alternatives for those who don’t want a fitness tracker or smartwatch to keep tabs on their health. Screenless trackers have bit the dust, while health-tracking earbuds are only useful during activity. Smart rings are seemingly the only viable and practical alternative. The most recognizable brand in this segment is Finnish firm Oura, largely thanks to the Oura Ring.

Now a third-generation product, the Ring initially focused on sleep tracking but has grown to survey more health metrics than ever before. If you fancy the idea of a smart ring that monitors your body without fuss, read on to learn everything about the Oura Ring.

We’re primarily a smartphone-focused website here at Android Authority, but wearables are a pretty important category for us as well. As a result, we review loads of fitness trackers and smartwatches every year from a variety of brands.

It’s one thing to review a wearable but another matter entirely to use it every day. So we asked Android Authority team members about the wearables they regularly use. A total of 18 team members took part in our poll, noting the wearable they’re currently using (if any), their likes/dislikes, and giving it a score out of 10.

Welcome to the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 update hub. Here you’ll find the latest information on software releases for Samsung’s 2021 smartwatches. We’ll detail the current firmware versions for the Galaxy Watch 4 and the Galaxy Watch 4 Classic and alert you if there’s a new update rolling out.

Whether it’s sweat, sunblock, or you’ve developed a rash, something will inevitably leave you wondering how to clean your Apple Watch. Follow the proper instructions to freshen up your wristwear without damaging your device.

Read more: Everything you need to know about your Apple Watch

Health and fitness tracking can get complicated if you’re using multiple services or jumping between different devices that are natively unsupported. But Google has a tool that should harmonize the service noise. Dubbed Health Connect, the service acts as a silo for your health data from various platforms. But how does it work, and how can you make it work for you? Here’s everything you need to know about the Google Health Connect app.

What is Google Health Connect?

Apple’s smartwatches are designed to be iPhone companions but with a data plan, they can be capable devices all on their own. Find out how to activate cellular service on your Apple Watch and leave your phone at home.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Apple Watches

Authentication tech is integral for smartphones, as you’re exposing your personal and financial data if you don’t keep your device locked down. And there’s no shortage of authentication options, such as PIN codes, fingerprint unlock, facial recognition, and more.

Do you lock your smartwatch, though? That’s the topic of our featured poll today. So let us know by taking the survey below and leaving a comment if you’d like to elaborate on your decision.

The Apple Watch is one of the most popular wearables on the market. Likewise, Strava is one of the leading fitness-tracking apps available and a favorite among runners and cyclists. Find out how to connect your Apple Watch to Strava to make the most of both of these two powerhouses.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Apple wearables

Within the WatchOS 9 update, Apple bolstered its on-device offerings for endurance sports athletes. Among the features added to users’ wrists is a new Multisport mode. Find out how to use this triathlon-friendly workout mode to record your next event right on your Apple Watch.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Apple’s wearables

It’s difficult enough choosing a smartwatch, but if you’re a healthcare worker, you may have a more acute list of requirements. Considering the consistently high quality of devices available, there aren’t really any “wrong” options out there. However, there are devices we’d recommend above others for the specific demands of the job. Find a list of the best smartwatches for healthcare workers on the floor or in the field below.

Buying the right smartwatch for healthcare work

You may not be allowed to have your phone on your person during a shift, and that’s why smartwatches can be so useful for busy healthcare workers. We understand that their requirements may not line up with the average smartwatch shopper. For this reason, we’ve picked the below devices based on the following criteria.

We’ll be the first to admit that Apple smartwatches offer pretty dismal battery life. Luckily, Apple introduced Low Power Mode so users can eke out a bit more use between charges. Find out how to activate Low Power Mode on your device.

Read more: Everything you need to know about Apple’s smartwatches

See also: Everything you need to know about Fitbit wearables

What is the Fitbit Daily Readiness Score and how does it work

Fitbit’s Daily Readiness Score assesses users’ activity, sleep, and heart rate variability (HRV) to determine what activity they are fit to take on each day. In general, the score helps individuals determine whether they should schedule a workout or prioritize recovery. The feature is similar to Garmin’s Body Battery in that it presents cumulative data as a single, digestible number from 0-100.

‘Tis the season for launching wearables. Today, Fossil announced a new health-focused option joining the fray, the Gen 6 Wellness Edition. Like all the company’s smartwatches, the device showcases a traditional aesthetic fit for the boardroom, but for the first time, it also packs Wear OS 3. This means Fossil joins the elite group of very few companies to feature Google’s latest.

For starters, the watch offers the latest Google Wear OS on a newly designed user interface. It also offers an exclusive Wellness App for recording important health and fitness stats. There’s also SpO2, heart rate, and sleep tracking, as well as automatic workout detection. These highlights are on top of the features found on the already existing devices of the Fossil Gen 6 line. Users will also find support for Amazon Alexa, Spotify, and YouTube Music, and can access even more via the Google Play Store.

The Amazon Prime Early Access sale is here, slashing the prices of smartphones, headphones, and smartwatches. We’ve already seen Samsung slash $130 off its flagship smartwatch during the sale, now it’s Garmin’s turn. The company lauded for its fitness and running watches is cutting prices on its premier series, including the Venu, Fenix, and Forerunner.

The pick of the bunch is the Garmin Fenix 6X Sapphire. It’s usually among Garmin’s most expensive products, but you can have one for $250 less through Amazon’s latest sale.

Usually, we’d recommend you hold off for one of the big sales days to purchase a smartwatch. Black Friday comes to mind. However, this week, you may want to think twice. Amazon is hosting its Prime Early Access sale, slashing the prices of Samsung’s latest smartwatches in the process.

Both the newly launched Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 series and Galaxy Watch 4 lines are enjoying deep price plunges of as much as $130 in some cases. Notably, Galaxy Watch 5 models also come with a pair of Galaxy Buds 2 as part of a bundle deal, so don’t miss your chance to grab these audio companions in tow.

Google is finally a member of the smartwatch club. After years of Pixel Watch rumors, the wearable has finally arrived with tons of Google smarts and the Fitbit experience at its core.

There’s a lot to say about Google’s first smartwatch. From advanced fitness and health tracking features to integrations with Google apps and services, design principles, and durability. Here’s everything you need to know about the Pixel Watch.

After launching the product in China in July, Xiaomi finally announced the global rollout of the Smart Band 7 Pro.

Also known as the Mi Band 7 Pro, the wearable is a little more smartwatch than fitness tracker. It packs a much larger 1.64-inch AMOLED screen compared to its namesake, with a revised UI, always-on display capabilities, and a convenient ambient light sensor that adjusts screen brightness on the fly.

Original article: After years of hints and rumors, the Google Pixel Watch is finally due to launch this week. Here’s what we know about Google’s smartwatch endeavors and what we want to see from its first device in the category.

See also: The best smartwatches you can buy

Credit: Andy Walker / Android Authority

Opinion post by

Andy Walker

Hardware often makes and breaks the device experience, but flagship components are nothing without smart software. Google knows this better than most, demonstrating this understanding with its Pixel smartphones. But, going by the current state of Wear OS on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Galaxy Watch 5, Google’s wearable platform has some ways to go before it launches on the Pixel Watch next week.

Sure, while the Samsung-Google partnership spruced up Wear OS’ UI and general performance, some features still require work. One particular gripe is Google Assistant.

Periods shouldn’t be a mess of confusion and stress. Apple Watches can help users log cycles, track symptoms, and gain valuable insight into their bodies. They’ll even predict upcoming periods and identify long-term patterns. Find out more about Apple Watch female health tracking, including what’s now available in the company’s top-tier models.

What is Apple Watch’s female health tracking?

If you have a Fitbit account, a major change is coming your way. According to the company, it will be ending support for Fitbit accounts and will require a Google account instead.

Fitbit officially became a part of Google back in January 2021. Since then, Google has been finding ways to get its ecosystem and Fitbit’s ecosystem closer together. For example, Google has said that its upcoming Pixel Watch will have deep integration with Fitbit. The latest push toward this united front is Fitbit’s new “Fitbit by Google” branding.

Opinion post by

Roger Fingas

Tech makers can be loathe to admit it, but one of the key benefits of a smartwatch — or at least, a watch-like fitness tracker — is the ability to detach yourself from your phone. With either kind of wearable, you can avoid pulling your phone out of your pocket quite so often, which also prevents doomscrolling and other distractions. A watch will let you take some actions without interrupting a conversation or even breaking your stride.

Some watches go a step further with cellular versions, letting you leave your phone behind for hours. Examples include everything from Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 to hardcore athletic products like the Apple Watch Ultra and Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE.

Opinion post by

Ryan Haines

The Apple Watch Ultra cuts an impressive figure. It blends a massive sapphire display, a rugged titanium case, and a customizable “International Orange” action button for easy access while adventuring. As Apple puts it, this is the first true adventure watch — but it’s not. Instead, it’s a collection of features that brands like Garmin, Polar, and Coros have had for years. Sure, it’s remarkable for a proper smartwatch, but as a runner with a beloved GPS watch, the Apple Watch Ultra still makes no sense to me.

Beefier battery, still behind

Original article: May 15, 2022: Apple’s formula doesn’t leave much room for out-of-the-box thinking. Each new generation of Apple Watch tends to look, cost, and function essentially the same as the year before. However, the company consistently makes improvements large and small, and we anticipate the Series 8 to be much the same. From a rumored low-power mode to a possible rugged model, there is plenty to keep an eye out for in the coming months. Let’s take a look at everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 8 so far, and run down some of the features that we hope to see.

Will there be an Apple Watch Series 8?

Original article: May 20, 2022: Apple looks poised to offer another affordable wearable. Leaks suggest that the company will revisit its SE line, with a new Apple Watch SE 2 launching alongside the Apple Watch Series 8 this fall. Read on to find out everything we know so far, plus what we hope to see.

Will there be an Apple Watch SE 2?

Everyone’s favorite rectangular Garmin now shines even brighter. The newly launched Garmin Venu Sq 2 series now features a vibrant AMOLED touchscreen display. Not only is the touchscreen brighter, but it’s also bigger, bumping up display space from 1.3 to 1.4mm. With full-color menus and watch faces, the device is more attractive (and more user-friendly) than ever. It also offers a more well-rounded user experience extending battery life to 11 days in smartwatch mode.

Have you been feeling stressed out lately? Sean Rad, the founder of Tinder, wants to help you manage your stress levels with his startup’s new product — the Happy Ring.

Like the Oura Ring, Circular Ring, and Motiv Ring, the Happy Ring is a smart ring that was made to monitor your body in real-time. However, what seems to set this device apart from others is its focus on your mood.