The retail page adds the missing commercial details after yesterday’s reveal. It confirms the full package, the specs, FSA/HSA eligibility and the way Zepp Health is positioning the device.

What the US listing confirms

As expected, the box includes Helio Core Motion HR, Helio Core Motion Waist, Helio Pro Clip, wristband, armband, magnetic charging head and instruction manual. No surprises there.

The setup uses one sensor on the upper arm and another at the waist. The upper-arm unit handles heart-rate and physiological tracking, while the waist pod adds movement data around posture, stability and body mechanics.

Built around hybrid training

Helio Strap Pro is clearly aimed at hybrid athletes, with HYROX sitting at the centre of the pitch. We are yet to see whether the use of the pod gets extended to other sports int he coming months.

An upper-arm sensor should help with cleaner heart-rate data when the wrist is under load or moving awkwardly. The waist sensor gives Zepp Health another data point for how the body moves as fatigue builds.

The system currently supports eight HYROX events and works with HYROX Race and HYROX Simulation on compatible Amazfit watches. That makes the Pro model much more specific than the regular Helio Strap.

The landing page reveals a focus on open connectivity that extends outside the proprietary Zepp ecosystem. The upper arm sensor can broadcast real-time heart rate data via Bluetooth directly to third-party bike computers, gym equipment, and competing sports watches. 

The pods also handle data storage completely on their own when you choose to leave your watch behind in the locker room. Internal memory ensures that workout tracking, daily recovery metrics, and general movement files sync up to the companion app later.

Core specs

Helio Core Motion HR weighs 11.4 grams and uses the BioTracker 6.0 PPG sensor. It also includes an accelerometer, gyroscope, temperature sensor and geomagnetic sensor.

That unit has a 232mAh battery and is rated for up to 11 days of typical use. It supports more than 50 sports modes through the Zepp Health app.

Helio Core Motion Waist weighs 10.7 grams and also uses a 232mAh battery. Amazfit lists up to 44 days of typical use for that sensor, which points to a lighter workload outside training.

Both units are rated 5 ATM and charge magnetically. The system works with Android 8.0 and above, iOS 17.0 and above.

Our takeaway

The US listing makes Helio Strap Pro easier to place. At $199.99, this is not a casual heart-rate strap. It is a specialist training kit for people who want cleaner data during sessions where a watch can get in the way.

The waist sensor is the part that gives the Pro model its identity. If Zepp Health can turn that movement data into clear post-workout feedback, Helio Strap Pro has a proper role. If the app only adds another layer of scores, the hardware will be doing more work than the software.

For now, the product has a sharper shape than it did at launch. It is aimed at HYROX and hybrid training first, with broader sports support sitting around that core idea.

The post Amazfit Helio Strap Pro US pre orders open with pricing details appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

The transition from the classic Fitbit setup to the unified Google Health app is still rubbing a lot of long-term users the wrong way. Recent feedback threads show people are still annoyed by missing data charts, clunky food logging, and a messy home screen. This latest update tries to fix some those headaches.

Today and health tabs offer better customization options

A lot of the frustration with the big redesign comes down to data feeling buried under too many menus. Now you can hit the pencil icon in the main metrics section to switch between a standard view and an expanded layout. This lets you see more metrics right on the Today tab without having to swipe right.

The update also lets you easily swap the order of your metrics in edit mode by tapping a card and selecting the one you want to replace it with. For Android users, rearranging charts in the Key Metrics section of the Health tab gets a lot simpler with direct drag-and-drop support, though iOS users will have to wait until version 5.03.

The update also brings back the hourly activity charts that vanished during the initial platform overhaul. This means you can add those step-per-hour circular diagrams back to both your Today and Health dashboards.

Beyond the visual tweaks, the developers cleared up some annoying activity tracking bugs. They fixed an issue where manually logged exercises incorrectly reported zero steps or distance. They also corrected low-distance bugs on auto-detected bike rides.

Sleep logs and partner app data get better management

Sleep data gets a rewrite in this update to make overnight patterns easier to read at a glance. The restlessness bar now sits right next to your sleep stages graph so you can compare restlessness and awake data together, backed by improved detection for minor awake moments.

Android users get an easier way to track naps over time with separate tabs in the daily Sleep Score view, an addition scheduled for iPhone users in the next release. Full support for deleting sleep sessions is now live, and a bug that blocked people from editing their sleep sessions has finally been squashed.

Managing health data imported from third-party services is also much less of a headache now. You can delete individual exercise sessions, food logs, and weight logs synced from partner apps directly inside the Google Health app instead of diving into the Privacy Center.

If the data came from a direct integration, you can wipe it instantly. Logs from Health Connect or Apple Health will direct you to those specific platforms to complete the deletion until a future update removes that extra step.

Food logging sees massive layout improvements

Nutrition tracking received a comprehensive cleanup aimed at making the interface quicker to use. Food searches load much faster on both platforms, with Android users now seeing serving units and calorie counts directly in the search results.

Google also added macronutrient estimations right on the main logging page so you can preview your breakdown before saving the log. This makes it much simpler to eyeball your targets before committing.

The primary nutrition tile on the Today tab completely drops the old net calories layout. It now displays your total calorie intake as the top number and your remaining calories as the bottom number to give you a clearer snapshot of your daily target.

The roadmap ahead for the ecosystem

Even though this update cleans up a few immediate software bugs, several promises on the company development map are still up in the air. Big integration features like sending data directly to Apple Health are still scheduled for later this summer. The upcoming artificial intelligence coach layer is also causing a lot of debate among users who want real control over their workout adjustments rather than automated text summaries.

Right now the update seems to be rolling out in staggered waves across different regions. Quite a few people on community forums noted that you might need to manually clear out and re-add your home screen tiles to get the new layout options to pop up.

The post Google Health App v5.02 rolls out with extra fixes for Fitbit users appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Table of contents

Our pick of the best connected rings
Why get a smart ring?
How to choose the right smart ring
Drawbacks and limitations of smart rings

Our pick of the top connected rings

Indistinguishable from regular jewellery in looks, smart rings are becoming more popular. This is our pick of the best devices that you can purchase today. They combine fashion and technology into some seriously smart wearables.

RingConn Gen 3 – the best value for money smart ring

Tech specs:

• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors
• Vibration alerts
• Vascular trend
• Up to 14 days battery life

RingConn has become one of the stronger options in the smart ring market, especially for those interested in sleep, recovery and long-term health trends. Its unobtrusive design still works well for 24/7 wear, while the updated app gives users plenty of data without pushing them into a subscription.

The third generation device is slightly thicker than before. But the trade-off is a larger battery, a new vibration motor, upgraded heart rate sensors, an improved temperature sensor and a newer 3-axis accelerometer. Battery life now stretches up to 14 days, while the universal wireless charging case is easier to live with than the older size-specific setup.

As noted in our hands-on review, Gen 3 stands out for strong sleep tracking, useful recovery-style insights and reliable daily activity monitoring. The new Vascular Trend feature gives it a more distinctive health angle, although it works best as a long-term trend tool rather than a replacement for a blood pressure cuff. Vibration alerts are another useful addition, even if the feature still needs more polish before it reaches its full potential.

RingConn Gen 2 Air remains the cheaper option. That model uses stainless steel rather than titanium, offers up to 10 days of battery life instead of up to 14 days, skips vibration alerts, does not include Vascular Trend and lacks sleep apnea pattern monitoring. It also comes with a wired charging dock rather than the Gen 3 universal wireless charging case.

Bottom line: RingConn Gen 3’s features, hardware and performance make it one of the most compelling alternatives to Oura Ring. It is comfortable, long-lasting and health-focused, with no monthly subscription fees. The exercise heart rate tracking still has limits at higher intensities, but for passive health tracking it is one of the best smart rings around.

RingConn*

Helio Ring – best for exercise tracking

Tech specs:

• Titanium-alloy build.
• BioTracker PPG HR sensor, temperature, EDA, 4-Axis accelerometer, 3-axis gyroscope
• Around 4 days battery life
• 10 ATM water resistance

The $299 Amazfit Helio Ring is an exciting addition to the smart ring market. Though its Recovery Score can be inconsistent, the ring shines in several different areas. Its comfortable, sleek design and precise heart rate tracking during workouts make it a great choice for runners.

As per our hands-on review, the device offers comprehensive health and fitness tracking, a user-friendly app, and great battery life – making it a strong competitor among smart rings. While the Zepp Aura subscription unlocks premium features, the free app version still provides valuable insights.

Bottom line: If you want a reliable, stylish smart ring that prioritizes fitness tracking, the Amazfit Helio Ring is definitely worth considering. Particularly if you own an Amazfit watch. Its performance, particularly in heart rate monitoring during exercise makes it a valuable asset for those who want to improve their workouts and overall health.

Amazfit*

Ultrahuman Ring Air – a great lifestyle improvement device

Tech specs:

• Fighter jet grade Titanium reinforced with Tungsten Carbide Carbon coating outer shell.
• Infrared, Red and Green, temperature sensors.
• Around 6 days battery life
• 5 ATM water resistance

The Ultrahuman Ring Air distinguishes itself in the crowded smart ring arena with an insightful app that does more than just display metrics; it educates users about their health. Notable for its decently accurate heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep tracking, the device also incorporates unique features like a circadian clock and stimulant restriction window.

As noted in our hands-on review, its comfortable, lightweight design and long-lasting battery make it easy to wear continuously. Frequent updates continue to add value.

That said, the device isn’t without its imperfections. Both the step count and some Beta features could benefit from fine-tuning to achieve better accuracy. Additionally, the app’s interface could be simplified for an improved user experience. Nonetheless, the Ultrahuman Ring Air presents a compelling package, especially given its lack of subscription fees and a $350 retail price, making it a viable, cost-effective option for those looking to delve deeper into their health and wellness.

Bottom line: The Ultrahuman Ring Air offers valuable health insights in a comfortable design. Despite minor flaws, its unique features and competitive pricing make it a solid choice for health tracking.

Amazon | Ultrahuman*

Ōura Ring 5: The best smart ring, but expensive

Tech specs:

• PPG, negative temperature coefficient sensor, 3D accelerometer for movement
• Lightweight titanium with non-allergenic, non-metallic inner molding build
• Free sizing kit
• Up to 9 days battery life
• 40% thinner than before

The Oura smart ring puts lots of emphasis on sleep. With no buttons to push, it automatically detects and analyses your nightly rest and recovery by measuring heart rate, respiration rate, body temperature, movement, blood oxygen and other signals.

The 5th generation device brings a smaller and lighter design, with Oura claiming a 40 percent reduction in size compared with Oura Ring 4. It measures 6.09mm wide and 2.28mm thick, with weight starting from 2 grams depending on size. The ring keeps the titanium build, 100-meter water resistance and IP68 rating, but the sensing system has been rebuilt with a new internal layout.

Battery life is now up to 6 to 9 days, depending on ring size and usage. Oura is also introducing an optional portable charging case, sold separately, which can provide up to a month of extra battery life. That makes Ring 5 a little easier to live with when travelling.

The software side is expanding too. Oura is adding features such as Health Radar, live activity tracking, GLP-1 medication tracking, clinical data uploads and improved Locate tools, with several additions also coming to older Oura rings. The subscription model remains, with the first month free for new members, then $5.99 per month or $69.99 per year in the US.

Bottom line: Oura Ring 5 is a thinner, lighter and more comfortable version of one of the best-known smart rings. The rebuilt sensors and smaller design make it a stronger option for sleep, recovery and long-term health tracking. But it remains pricier than much of the competition, especially once the subscription is factored in.

Ōuraring.com

Wellue O2Ring: keep an eye on your SpO2 with medical-grade accuracy

Tech specs:

• Measure oxygen level (SpO2), pulse rate, movement
• Measurement interval – 1 second
• Warning vibration for low oxygen, high/low pulse rate
• 15 grams weight
• 12-16 hours of continuous use on a single charge

This one is slightly different from other options on this list. The Wellue O2Ring predominantly does one main thing and it does it with medical grade accuracy – it tracks your blood oxygen. In fact, it is FDA approved for this sort of thing. Other stats that you’ll get are heart rate and body movement.

The device has a built-in vibration motor that kicks into gear when it sees something out of whack. You’ll get an alert if your blood oxygen level or heart rate are outside of threshold you preset on the smartphone app.

There’s also the option of installing PC software in addition to the smartphone app. The software allows you to view and print a very detailed sleep report, which can also be exported as PDF or CSV files.

In our review, we found the device works really well. The ring is quite big in size so it is not something you would want to wear around the clock. But for measurements at home, in the office, or overnight it is quite useful.

It is worth noting the WellueO2 Ring is slightly more expensive than a typical fingertip pulse oximeter. But if you need overnight monitoring with alarms and long term tracking then it is probably the best option out there. For some, it might become their most important piece of jewelry.

Bottom line: The WellueO2 Ring is not your typical smart ring. Its main trick is that it monitors blood oxygen while you sleep. It will also alert you if it spots abnormalities.

Amazon | Wellue (use coupon GW10 for 10% discount)*

Samsung Galaxy Ring – great for those in the Samsung ecosystem

Tech specs:

• Features titanium casing with a concave interior design
• Water resistant up to 100 meters
• Battery life of up to 7 days
• Offered in 9 different sizes for optimal fit
• Available in 3 colors: Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver

The second watch from a big smartwatch brand (after Zepp Health), the Samsung Galaxy Ring combines health tracking technology with a minimalist ring design. Using advanced sensors, it monitors metrics including heart rate, sleep patterns, and skin temperature, sending data to the Samsung Health app for analysis. The ring features a titanium casing available in multiple finishes, offering water resistance up to 100 meters and a battery life of up to 7 days.

AI-driven features include Energy Score, which optimizes daily activity recommendations based on sleep and previous performance data. The ring automatically detects workouts and provides personalized Wellness Tips. For added convenience, users can control their phone’s camera or alarms using a Double Pinch gesture.

Samsung offers the Galaxy Ring in Titanium Black, Gold, and Silver, with nine size options for optimal fit. The device’s ultra-lightweight, concave design ensures comfort during extended wear.

Bottom line: The Samsung Galaxy Ring offers comprehensive health tracking in an elegant, durable design that seamlessly integrates with the Galaxy ecosystem. It’s an ideal choice for existing Samsung wearable users looking to expand their wellness monitoring capabilities while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Samsung*

Why get a smart ring?

Research suggests that we check our phone every six and a half minutes and much of this results from notifications that do not really interest us or can wait for us to attend to them later. With your cellular device tucked away in your pocket or bag, you can use a piece of jewelry to attend to only those notifications that deserve your attention. The rest can wait.

But potential use of smart rings goes further. Because your fingers have easy-to-sense arteries, some of these devices are also able to gather precise data on your body’s vital signals. They do this with sensors such as a 3d accelerometer, gyroscope, heart rate blood oxygen sensor and more. Much like fitness trackers.

Then there are smart rings that can be used to open a door lock or a smartphone or even send SOS messages. Such an accessory can be an easier option to use for some than a smartwatch. It is all a matter of preference. Some people are a fan of the concept, others are very much against it and prefer something sitting on their wrist.

How to choose the right smart ring

The right smart ring for you can be determined by a number of factors, including your specific needs, lifestyle, and personal style. Before making a decision, it is worthwhile to conduct some research and carefully consider your options. Here’s are some things to keep in mind:

• Determine your needs: The first step in selecting a smart ring is determining what you require it for. Do you want it to track your health and fitness, make contactless payments, control smart home devices, or provide security? The features you require will have a significant impact on your smart ring selection.
• Check compatibility: Make sure the smart ring you’re thinking about buying is compatible with your smartphone or other devices. Some smart rings are only compatible with certain operating systems or versions.
• Consider the design: A smart ring is a piece of jewellery as well as a functional device. When selecting a smart ring, keep your personal style and comfort in mind. Examine the available designs, materials, and colour schemes. Some brands also provide custom designs.
• Examine the battery life: The battery life of smart rings varies greatly. Determine how frequently you will need to charge the ring. Some rings can last for several days on a single charge, while others must be charged on a daily basis.
• Examine health and wellness features: If you want to track your health and wellness, see what sensors and features the smart ring has. Sleep tracking, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, temperature monitoring, and so on.
• Examine security features: If you intend to use your smart ring to make payments or unlock devices, look into its security features. Biometric authentication, encryption, or a secure app could all be used.
• Consider the price: Smart rings range in price depending on their features and brand. Determine your budget and compare the features and quality of various rings within it. Also, keep in mind that some options come with an on-going monthly subscription fee.
• Examine the reviews and ratings: Examine user reviews and ratings to get a sense of the smart ring’s performance and dependability. Take note of comments about comfort, durability, tracking accuracy, and customer service.

Drawbacks or limitations of smart rings

Smart rings, though innovative and compact, come with their own specific set of limitations. The most obvious is that, because of their small size, they house limited battery capacity. Which means frequent charging. Typically you can expect the battery in your smart ring to last 3-4 days.

Another disadvantage is that, being worn on the finger, they’re more exposed to wear and tear from everyday activities. Rings from certain manufacturers are prone to cratching. So that’s something to be aware of.

Finally, there are no smart rings currently with a display. In fact you will struggle to find one with any sort of notification capability.

*Disclosure: We are a review site that receives a small commission from sales of certain items, but the price is the same for you. We are independently owned and all opinions expressed here are our own. See our affiliate disclosure page for more details.

The post The best smart rings 2026: health tracking from your finger appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

This the chance to recognise the ancient physical, mental and spiritual practice that originated in India. The day has been celebrated internationally since 2014, when the United Nationals officially deemed it as Yoga Day.

The health benefits of this type of exercise are numerous. They include everything from improving mental well-being to injury prevention. If you’ve never tried it now might be a good time to give it a go.

Apple Yoga Day challenge

Since 2019 the Cupertino outfit has been running an Apple Yoga challenge to mark the occasion. To earn the badge users will need to complete a yoga workout of 10 minutes or more on June 21st. That’s half the length that was required in some of the previous years.

Share your practice with the planet on the International Day of Yoga. Record a yoga workout of 10 minutes or more on June 21 to earn this award.

Just make sure to record with an app that syncs yoga workouts with the Health app. You can also register the activity with Apple Fitness+.

As usual, those who successfully complete the task will be rewarded with animated stickers that can be used in Messages and FaceTime. They’ll also see a virtual trophy in the Achievements tab of the iPhone Activity app.

Apple Watch has had native support for yoga workouts since the introduction of watchOS 5. The functionality allows users to track various types of yoga sessions, from restorative to power vinyasa flow.

Source: MacRumors

The post Prepare for Apple’s International Yoga Day activity challenge on June 21st appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Battery life is the headline

The standout number is the 35-day battery life claim. HONOR says the Watch 6 uses a 980mAh battery, which is actually quite massive.

As always, that month-long figure comes from HONOR lab testing. We will be conducting our own tests with the watch soon so will report back how it performs. As always, battery life will depend on GPS use, display settings, notifications, health tracking and whether users lean heavily on sports modes. Still, even with a large haircut, this looks like a watch built for people who hate short charging cycles.

The watch also keeps the case relatively slim on paper. HONOR lists the dimensions as 46.5mm by 46.5mm by 10.8mm, although that thickness excludes the raised sensor area. Weight starts at around 41 grams for the black model without the strap, while the brown version comes in at around 50 grams without the strap.

This is not just a step counter

HONOR is also leaning into sports tracking. The Watch 6 supports more than 120 fitness and health modes, with specific attention given to trail running, badminton and football.

Trail running gets an AI running coach, climbing and distance metrics, route deviation alerts and dual-band six-star GPS under HONOR’s AccuTrack branding. That gives the watch a stronger outdoor angle than the usual “many sports modes” claim, although proper testing will decide how well the GPS and coaching features hold up.

Football mode is an unusual addition. HONOR says the watch can provide heat maps and trajectory maps, which could make it more interesting for team sports users who normally get little beyond heart rate and calories from a smartwatch. Badminton tracking also gets extra detail, including smash speed and consecutive rally tracking.

Wet-hand touch control is another interesting feature. Anyone who has tried to use a wet smartwatch screen during a rainy run or after swimming knows why this one earns its place near the top of the spec sheet.

Health tracking stays broad

The health side covers the expected core metrics. HONOR lists heart rate, blood oxygen, stress and sleep tracking, along with a Quick Health Scan and an automatic daily report.

The Watch 6 also uses HONOR IntelliSense, which the company says improves signal acquisition compared with traditional PPG modules. That sounds promising, but this is one of those claims that needs review testing rather than blind trust. Optical sensors can look great in marketing and still struggle with intervals, cold weather or loose fit.

There is also body energy tracking, which seems to sit in the same broad lane as readiness and energy scores from other wearable platforms. These tools can be useful when they explain the inputs clearly. They are less useful when they collapse everything into a neat score without showing enough detail.

The smart features have some interesting details

Beyond that, the Watch 6 has a 1.46-inch AMOLED display with 464 by 464 resolution and a listed pixel density of 317 PPI. HONOR says the screen can reach 3,000 nits peak brightness, which is right up there with the best of them.

There are a few extras worth pointing out – that make the watch feel less generic. Video Watch Face lets users set live photos or short videos under 10 seconds as moving backgrounds. And dual-phone pairing can centralise notifications from two smartphones.

The built-in AI Recorder is another feature worth mentioning. HONOR says it can generate smart voice notes and summaries, which sounds useful if the implementation is quick enough. Wrist-twist gestures can also silence alarms, manage calls and skip songs without touching the screen.

NFC is included, but there is a timing caveat. HONOR says the payment function is projected to become available in July 2026, powered by Fidesmo, with availability depending on region, banks and supported cards. So this is not something buyers should assume will work everywhere on day one.

Launch pricing makes it more tempting

In the UK, HONOR Watch 6 starts at £149.99 during the early bird period for the Shadow Black version with fluoroelastomer strap. That model has an RRP of £229.99. The Twilight Brown version with leather strap has an RRP of £249.99 and drops to £169.99 during the same launch window.

The early bird offer runs from 18 June to 17 July and includes HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip in black. HONOR says the £80 benefit is exclusive to subscribers, so the headline price is tied to that condition rather than a blanket discount.

Germany gets a similar structure. The black fluoroelastomer version has an RRP of €249.90 and launches at €169.90, while the brown leather version has an RRP of €269.90 and launches at €189.90. German buyers also get either HONOR CHOICE Earbuds Clip in black or HONOR CHOICE Headphone Pro in black, with the €80 benefit again exclusive to subscribers.

The post HONOR Watch 6 brings long battery life and wet hand controls to Europe appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Golf arrives on T-Rex 3 Pro

The biggest new addition is Golf. According to the update notes, the feature includes access to more than 40,000 golf course maps, which can be downloaded through the Zepp Health app before heading out.

The path is fairly buried, but the feature itself is a good fit for this type of watch. Users need to go to the Zepp Health app, open the T-Rex 3 Pro device page, enter Device App Settings, choose Golf and then download courses. On the watch, Golf appears through the app list or workout list.

This gives the T-Rex 3 Pro another outdoor use case beyond hiking, running and general fitness tracking. Zepp Health has been pushing the Amazfit line further into sports-specific tools and Golf adds another lane where Garmin has traditionally had the stronger feature set.

HybridCharge replaces BioCharge

The company says, BioCharge has now been fully upgraded to HybridCharge. This brings in more body status data to provide comprehensive and accurate body recovery status assessments.

The company has been moving beyond simple recovery scores and toward a more layered daily readiness system, where sleep, fatigue, training load and general stress all feed into one clearer picture. In our testing, the values do seem more accurate than the previous metric. Which was sometimes out of whack.

HYROX support gets much deeper

The update also adds HYROX Simulation Training. This supports Full HYROX, Half HYROX, First Half, Second Half and custom simulation modes, giving users more ways to prepare for race day.

That is more useful than a generic workout profile. HYROX has a fixed structure, so a watch can do more than simply record heart rate and time. It can help users rehearse pacing, transitions and race rhythm before the actual event.

HYROX Race Strategy has also been added. Users can create personalised race strategies in the Zepp Health app, send them to the watch and then start the workout from the HYROX Race section.

Zepp Health has a three year deal – an official HYROX partnership. To this end, it is making Amazfit watches more relevant for hybrid athletes, not just runners who occasionally lift weights.

Rowing and readiness tweaks

There are a few smaller changes too, but they are still worth flagging. The rowing machine distance calibration page has been optimised and now supports both metric and imperial units, which should make indoor rowing setup less annoying.

The Readiness app also gets a wording change. “Full Recovery Time” has been renamed “Next Hard Session,” which is clearer and more training-focused.

The update also includes known issue fixes and system stability improvements. That final line appears in most firmware notes, but with a sport-heavy patch like this, stability still counts. Golf maps, HYROX strategy tools and recovery guidance all need to behave consistently to be useful. Next month the watch should be getting support for Zepp OS 6.

The post Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro update adds Golf and HYROX tools appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

Enduro 4 is the headline

The biggest find is simple. The string “Enduro_4”  appears in Garmin Connect 5.26, but it does not appear in Garmin Connect 5.25. That makes it a new addition in the latest version of the Android app.

This is not just a loose text string sitting in a forgotten corner of the APK. The teardown shows the name inside a Garmin device registry-style table, with an internal ID and category flags for fitness, outdoor, golf and wellness. That is the same sort of broad category mapping Garmin uses for multi-sport watches.

That does not confirm a launch date. It also does not give us images, pricing, sensor details or battery claims. But it does suggest Garmin Connect is being prepared to recognise a next-generation Enduro watch.

The naming is also worth noting. There has been some speculation about whether Garmin might skip the number 4, as it did years ago with the Fenix line. This app entry points the other way. For now, the internal name is clearly Enduro 4.

What Enduro 4 might bring

The timing makes sense. Enduro 2 arrived in August 2022 and Enduro 3 followed in August 2024. So an August or September 2026 window would fit Garmin’s recent rhythm for the series.

The obvious bet is that Garmin keeps Enduro focused on battery life first. This is the watch for people who want long GPS tracking, solar charging, a light case and fewer battery compromises than the Fenix line. That makes a MIP display more likely than AMOLED, at least if Garmin wants to protect the identity of the range.

AMOLED remains possible, but it would change the product’s logic. Garmin already has plenty of bright-screen premium watches. Enduro works because it feels more ruthless. Less polish, more time away from a charger. If Garmin moves it to AMOLED, it will need a very good reason.

The more interesting possibility is communication. Some speculation around Enduro 4 points to LTE, satellite-style messaging or voice features, especially if Garmin wants the Enduro line to sit closer to the most capable outdoor models. Our teardown does not tie those features to Enduro 4, so this remains speculation.

Call handling gets new plumbing

Garmin Connect 5.26 also adds more serious phone-call infrastructure. The app now includes the Android permission MANAGE_ONGOING_CALLS, along with a new Garmin in-call service called GNCSInCallService.

That lines up with new call-related strings for incoming calls, ongoing calls, call screening, answering, rejecting and disconnecting. The notification database also gains a new callType field, which suggests Garmin is improving how the app classifies phone call events before passing them to a watch.

Safety features get more structure

Safety also receives a visible refresh. Garmin Connect 5.26 contains expanded wording around Assistance Plus, Emergency Calling, Incident Detection, SOS and the Garmin Response team. There is also clearer language around LTE plans and data coverage.

That matters because Garmin’s safety stack has become more complicated. Some features depend on phone connection, some on LTE-capable devices and some on service coverage. The new wording suggests Garmin wants the app to explain those differences more clearly.

More device and subscription clues

The local device database gains a new capability flag called startStopWorkoutCapable. That is an interesting technical addition because it points to devices that can start and stop workouts through app or device interaction. No mention of Cirqa, though.

Garmin Connect 5.26 also adds a direct path for Device Priority settings. That feature already existed, but the new deep link suggests Garmin is making it easier to surface.

There are also fresh signs of Garmin Connect+ gating. New strings refer to coach plans requiring Garmin Connect+, along with plan selection for cycling, fitness, triathlon and other coaching categories. Another new string mentions discount codes for selected Garmin devices and accessories for eligible subscribers.

Our takeaway

There is enough info here to suggestion Garmin is preparing app-side support for Enduro 4. So dont be surprised if the device lands in the next couple of months.

If the company keeps the Enduro formula intact, the next model should focus on longer endurance, lighter materials and better outdoor tools. If Garmin decides to push harder, emergency communication and voice features would fit the series better than smartwatch extras.

This article originally appeared on Gadgets & Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.

The post Garmin Connect 5.26 hints at Enduro 4 and smarter call handling appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

This is the public rollout we were waiting for after Verizon support pages jumped early last week. Those pages gave the game away early, but Google’s official update note now confirms what owners are actually getting.

Pixel Watch 2 and newer get Wear OS 7

The rollout covers Pixel Watch 2 and above. The original Pixel Watch is not included, which lines up with where Google’s support window now sits for that first model. So, no surprise there.

As usual, the update may not appear for everyone at the same time. Region, model and connection type can all affect timing, so some owners may see it before others.

The build number is CP2A.260603.001. It also includes the June 2026 security patch, so this is both a platform upgrade and a routine maintenance release.

Battery gains, Live Updates and widgets

Wear OS 7 brings up to 10 percent better average battery life compared with Wear OS 6. Real-world gains will depend on LTE use, always-on display, workout tracking and notification load.

Live Updates are also part of the update. These show real-time information such as rides, deliveries, timers and sports scores directly on the watch.

Wear Widgets add another layer of glanceable information. They give developers a more flexible way to show compact app content on the wrist, rather than relying only on traditional full-screen Tiles.

Gemini gets a gesture fix

Google says Raise to Talk with Gemini now uses an improved gesture model. That should make wrist activation more accurate and reduce failed or accidental triggers.

This is not the wider Gemini Intelligence rollout Google has discussed elsewhere. It is a specific fix for how Gemini activates on the watch.

Media routing moves to the watch

Remote Media Routing lets users switch audio and video output devices from the watch. That includes Bluetooth headphones, Google Cast devices, smart displays and compatible speakers.

The feature uses the paired Android phone, but the controls now sit on the wrist. That should make it quicker to move playback between devices.

Contacts, Messages and Emergency Sharing

Wear Contacts gets a refreshed Material 3 layout. Contact cards now show larger photos and quick action buttons, while favourite contacts get a new layout.

Search also improves. Keyboard and voice search are now available directly from the contact list screen, so users no longer need to jump through Recent Contacts first. Messages gets a three-button layout designed to make common actions easier to reach.

Google has also integrated Loss of Pulse Detection, Fall Detection and Car Crash Detection with Emergency Sharing. Supported Pixel Watches and Pixel Phones can automatically notify emergency contacts when a serious incident is detected.

That change does not appear to remove any existing safety features. Instead, Google is bringing them together under a single emergency framework.

The official Google Blog has the detailed change-log.

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Hyrox is the main story

The biggest addition is HYROX support. The update adds an official HYROX workout library in the Zepp Health app, with templates that can sync to the watch for dedicated training sessions.

That gives Cheetah 2 Ultra owners a more structured way to prepare for the race format. Instead of treating HYROX as a generic workout, the watch can now work around the specific demands of the event.

HYROX Virtual Pace is probably the most interesting part. The feature generates a race strategy based on the conditions of the competition venue, then lets users adjust target times for each segment and see whether they are ahead or behind during the session.

Zepp Health has also added HYROX simulation training. This supports full race, half race, first half, second half and custom modes, which should help users practise parts of the format without always committing to a complete race simulation.

On this topic, earlier today Zepp Health held an event ahead of the HYROX World Championships in Stockholm. It showcased the new hybrid training system, along with the newly launched Amazfit Balance 3 and Ultra.

HybridCharge gets smarter

The update also brings a fully upgraded version of HybridCharge. This builds on the original BioCharge concept with more advanced calculation logic and intelligent scheduling. The point is to make the score adapt better to different sports and daily scenarios.

There is also a wording change around recovery. The watch now refers to “recommended rest time before your next high, medium or low intensity workout”, which is clearer than a simple full recovery time label.

Navigation gets a small visual upgrade

Route preview has been added to navigation. When selecting a route, the watch now shows a preview image on the workout preparation page before the activity starts.

That should help avoid loading the wrong route, although early user feedback in the Reddit thread sounds lukewarm. One user said the feature does not get in the way, but also described it as not especially useful.  

The map scale display has also been improved during activities and inside the Map app. New scale levels include 75 metres, 200 metres, 750 metres, 2 kilometres and 8 kilometres, with imperial equivalents also added.

Topographic map display gets some attention too. The update improves how the background looks when map resources have not been downloaded and adjusts the display hierarchy of some map points.

Zepp OS 6 appears to be part of the package

The update also improves status indicator behaviour. After briefly appearing on the watch face, indicators now sit more consistently in the status area at the bottom centre of the Control Centre.

Zepp Health says it has also improved the fluidity and performance of certain applications. That is vague, but these small speed and interface fixes often make a watch feel better after a few days of use.

Finally, Zepp OS 6 is also part of the package. Which means Cheetah 2 Ultra has joined Balance 3 and Balance Ultra as the only Amazfit device to feature the latest version of the operating system. Other devices are due to join this list soon. According to the schedule, Bip Max should be next.

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The calorie claim is the story

The calorie tracking system relies on bioelectrical impedance data to estimate calorie intake from changes in the body after eating. So nothing for you to enter, it is all automatically calculated for you.

The watch does not identify food on your plate or instantly know what you ate. It tries to estimate absorbed calories after the body reacts to food, which means the result is more of a delayed estimate than a live meal counter.

Sharp says the watch can compare calorie intake with calorie burn, then show whether the user is drifting into surplus or deficit. At least that’s the idea. Most people do not want to weigh food or manually enter every snack.

This brings GoBe back into the conversation

GoBe also promised automatic calorie intake tracking through the body rather than through manual logging. Sharp’s watch uses the same broad concept, but places it inside a more normal-looking smartwatch with Sharp branding and a broader health app around it.

That makes Karada Mate Watch more interesting than GoBe in one sense. It has a better chance of looking like a regular wearable rather than a single-purpose gadget with a strange claim attached.

Still, the same caution applies. This should not be treated as a precise calorie counter until independent testing proves it.

Sharp also makes the wear requirement clear. Users need to wear the watch for 22 to 23 hours per day for calorie intake and calorie burn tracking. That is a big ask, especially when battery life is listed at around 2.5 days.

The watch specs are fairly normal

The rest of Karada Mate Watch looks like a standard health smartwatch. It has a 1.32-inch OLED display with 466 x 466 resolution, always-on display support, GPS, optical heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, bioelectrical impedance, motion sensors, barometer, compass and light sensor.

The body measures around 42 x 42 x 9.4mm, with a listed weight of about 33 grams. Sharp uses stainless steel, Gorilla Glass 5 and standard 20mm straps, so the design sounds more wearable than the calorie claim might suggest.

Water and dust resistance also look decent. Sharp lists 5ATM, IPX8 and IP6X, and says the watch can be washed with domestic foam-type hand soap under its stated conditions.

The price is ¥59,400 in Japan. That puts it well above basic fitness trackers, so the automatic calorie feature needs to carry the pitch.

The ring plays a different role

Sharp also announced Karada Mate Ring, model MH-R01. This is not the calorie-tracking device. It is the easier, lower-maintenance wearable for sleep and baseline health tracking.

The ring uses sensing technology from SOXAI, the Japanese smart ring company. It tracks heart rate, SpO2, skin temperature, activity and sleep, with data shown in the Karada Mate app.

The hardware looks competitive on paper. Sharp lists a titanium exterior, Duratect coating, 6.7mm width, 2.8mm thickness and a weight of 2.1 to 3.1 grams depending on size. Battery life is up to 14 days, which is far stronger than the watch.

The ring costs ¥41,800 in Japan and comes in gold and silver. Sizes run from 4 to 13.

The important point is that Sharp has split the roles clearly. The watch carries the unusual HEALBE calorie feature. The ring handles the familiar smart ring job of continuous tracking, especially sleep.

Sharp’s move into wearables is interesting because it does not start with another sports watch or another sleep ring clone. It starts with a risky nutrition claim and a companion ring that makes the Karada Mate brand feel more like a small ecosystem.

The post Sharp’s first smartwatch revives the automatic calorie tracking debate appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.