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		<title>Garmin finally fixes map update bug affecting newer premium watches</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/13/garmin-express-map-bug/</link>
					<comments>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/13/garmin-express-map-bug/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Jun 2026 13:40:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[garmin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartwatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wearables]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firmware update]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smartwatch]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594734</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Garmin Express 7.29.0 for Windows appears to have fixed a bug that stopped some newer Garmin watches from properly accessing</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/13/garmin-express-map-bug/">Garmin finally fixes map update bug affecting newer premium watches</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Garmin Express 7.29.0 for Windows appears to have fixed a bug that stopped some newer Garmin watches from properly accessing map and software updates. The issue affected models including the fēnix 8, Forerunner 970, Enduro 3, tactix 8 and D2 Mach 2 Pro, with users seeing the same refresh screen instead of the usual update options.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Garmin Express 7.29.0 fixes the issue</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The fix appears to be Garmin Express 7.29.0 for Windows. Users who had been stuck with the problem are now reporting that their watches sync again, map management opens properly and updates can be installed as expected.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The bug was not that Garmin Express failed to detect the watch. That is what made it more annoying. The watch appeared as connected, but the top update panel did not load correctly. Instead of showing software or map options, Garmin Express kept showing a generic prompt to refresh and check for updates.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That effectively blocked the normal desktop route for managing maps. On watches such as the fēnix 8 and tactix 8, that is a fairly big miss because maps are a major part of the pitch. Owners were not dealing with an obscure setting. They were trying to use a core maintenance tool on expensive devices.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The problem seems to have started for many after firmware 21.39. Later firmware versions did not clear it for everyone, and Garmin Express 7.28.1 also failed to solve it for affected users. Garmin Express 7.29.0 now looks like the release that actually fixes the Windows side of the problem.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="873" height="1024" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug-873x1024.jpg" alt="Garmin Express bug" class="wp-image-17594736" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug-873x1024.jpg 873w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug-256x300.jpg 256w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug-768x901.jpg 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug-43x50.jpg 43w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Garmin-Express-bug.jpg 1158w" sizes="(max-width: 873px) 100vw, 873px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Keeps asking to refresh&#8230;</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The bug affected several newer Garmin models</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Reports initially centred on the fēnix 8 series, including AMOLED, Sapphire and Pro variants. Other models were later mentioned too, including the Forerunner 970, Enduro 3, tactix 8 and D2 Mach 2 Pro.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A few workarounds did help some people while they waited for a fix. One involved opening Garmin Express first, starting the map update flow, then connecting the watch only when the app asked for it. Others used Map Manager directly on the watch over Wi-Fi.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some users also tried factory resets and clean setups without restoring settings from another Garmin watch. That worked for a few, but it was never a good solution. Resetting a high-end sports watch just to restore map access is too much hassle, especially for anyone with customised data screens, maps and activity profiles.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Update Garmin Express before trying anything else</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Affected users should update Garmin Express for Windows to version 7.29.0 before doing anything drastic. That should be the first step if the app still shows the refresh screen instead of the normal map and software update panel.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Once Garmin Express is updated, reconnect the watch and try map management again. Hopefully, it should finally restore normal map and update access.</p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/13/garmin-express-map-bug/">Garmin finally fixes map update bug affecting newer premium watches</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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		<title>The best smartwatch apps for following the World Cup 2026</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/world-cup-2026-smartwatch/</link>
					<comments>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/world-cup-2026-smartwatch/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dusan Johnson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:20:57 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[apple]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garmin]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594727</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The World Cup 2026 is now under way and there are a few decent ways to follow scores, fixtures and</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/world-cup-2026-smartwatch/">The best smartwatch apps for following the World Cup 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The World Cup 2026 is now under way and there are a few decent ways to follow scores, fixtures and standings from a smartwatch. Apple Watch, Wear OS and Garmin users all have options, although the best choice depends on whether you want alerts, a proper app or a live watch face.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FotMob is the easiest all-round pick</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/jo/app/fotmob-football-live-scores/id488575683">FotMob</a>&nbsp;is probably the most practical choice for most football fans. The app has World Cup 2026 support, live scores, match stats, alerts, highlights and Live Activities for Apple Watch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For those with an iPhone, FotMob says users can follow matches from the Lock Screen, Dynamic Island, as well as the Apple Watch, with Live Activities dressed in country colours. It also has updated widgets for the group stage and knockouts.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is also an Android version of <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_GB&amp;id=com.mobilefootie.wc2010">FotMob on Google Play</a>. The listing says the app offers live scores, detailed stats, breaking news and personalised alerts. So that&#8217;s great for users who mainly want reliable football coverage without hunting around for a dedicated tournament-only tool.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The appeal here is simple. FotMob is not just a World Cup app. It is a football app that has been updated for the World Cup, so it should remain useful after the tournament ends.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch.jpg"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="564" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch-1024x564.jpg" alt="World Cup 2026 on smartwatch" class="wp-image-17594729" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch-1024x564.jpg 1024w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch-300x165.jpg 300w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch-768x423.jpg 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch-50x28.jpg 50w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/World-Cup-2026-on-smartwatch.jpg 1187w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Apple Watch users have a few other solid routes</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple Watch users can also use&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/apple-sports/id6446788829">Apple Sports</a>. Apple says the app can show live scores and play updates on Apple Watch through Live Activities, as long as the user has iOS 18 and watchOS 11 or later.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That makes Apple Sports a good low-friction option if you already live inside Apple’s ecosystem. It is not as football-focused as FotMob, but it does the basic live score job cleanly.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/onefootball-live-soccer-scores/id382002079">OneFootball</a>&nbsp;is another option. Its App Store listing includes Apple Watch support and World Cup 2026 coverage, with live scores, goal alerts and match results.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For iPhone users, the choice probably comes down to how much detail they want. Apple Sports is cleaner and more minimal, FotMob gives you deeper football coverage and OneFootball sits somewhere between live scores, alerts and football news.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wear OS has apps and watch faces</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wear OS users have two different routes. They can install a football scores app such as the above mentioned FotMob. They could also opt for <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?hl=en_GB&amp;id=com.sofascore.results">SofaScore</a>, or go for a World Cup watch face.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">SofaScore’s Google Play listing says the app is optimised for Wear OS smartwatches. It covers live sports scores and detailed statistics, so it is worth a look if you prefer a broader sports app rather than a football-only one.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The more interesting Wear OS option is&nbsp;<a href="https://www.androidauthority.com/facer-citizen-kick-it-world-cup-wear-os-watch-face-3676740/">Kick It</a>, a free World Cup watch face from Facer and Citizen. It pulls tournament data onto the watch face, including live scores, standings, team records and match status.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There are limits. Kick It currently works for users in the US, Canada, Japan and the UK on watches running Wear OS 6, with an EU launch planned. So it looks useful, but it will not be available to every Wear OS owner.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">If your watch supports it, the benefit is obvious. You do not need to open an app just to see what is happening. The score sits on the face itself.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Garmin users get a dedicated World Cup face</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Garmin owners should look at&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.garmin.com/de-DE/apps/5eef51a2-f715-4784-917d-0e34dd565eb4">WC2026 Live Pro</a>&nbsp;on Connect IQ. It is a watch face rather than a normal app, but it is built specifically for the 2026 tournament.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-1024x1024.jpeg" alt="Garmin World Cup 2026 watch face" class="wp-image-17594728" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-1024x1024.jpeg 1024w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-300x300.jpeg 300w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-150x150.jpeg 150w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-768x768.jpeg 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d-50x50.jpeg 50w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/aca08945-0131-47d5-ac39-ebb52d554c5d.jpeg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The face shows live scores, daily fixtures and group standings directly on the watch. It also adjusts kick-off times to the local time zone, which is handy for a tournament spread across multiple time zones.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is also a favourite team feature. That lets the watch keep your chosen team more visible, even when it is not playing that day.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is probably the neatest setup for Garmin users because it uses the watch face itself instead of relying on phone alerts. The trade-off is that it is more specialised than FotMob or SofaScore, so its usefulness will drop sharply once the tournament ends.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The official FIFA app is still worth having</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The official <a href="https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/fifa-world-cup-2026/id6476561442">FIFA World Cup 2026 app</a> is also worth a look. It covers fixtures, schedules, live scores, stats, line-ups and real-time updates. But be warned &#8211; the software is very poorly rated by users with 2.1 stars out of a possible 5.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Or you could opt for <a href="https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/flashscore-live-scores-news/id766443283?l=en-GB">Flashscore</a>. Which has live World Cup results, match updates, stats and group standings.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For the watch, though, I would narrow it down. Apple Watch users should start with FotMob or Apple Sports. Wear OS users should look at FotMob, SofaScore or Kick It if their watch supports it. Garmin users have the cleanest tournament-specific option with WC2026 Live Pro.</p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/world-cup-2026-smartwatch/">The best smartwatch apps for following the World Cup 2026</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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		<title>Telegram app returns to Wear OS and Apple Watch</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/telegram-ios-wearos/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:31:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594718</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Telegram has returned to smartwatches with official apps for Wear OS and Apple Watch. The update brings back first-party watch</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/telegram-ios-wearos/">Telegram app returns to Wear OS and Apple Watch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Telegram has returned to smartwatches with official apps for Wear OS and Apple Watch. The update brings back first-party watch support and gives users more than just basic phone notifications.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Apple Watch support first arrived back in 2015. That early version belonged to a very different smartwatch era, when third-party watch apps were still finding their feet and most messaging tools on the wrist felt fairly basic. The app was later dropped out of view leaving users without software for years. As far as Wear OS, Telegram removed its support for that operating system in 2021.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This new release closes that gap on both sides. </p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What the new Telegram watch apps can do</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new watch apps give users direct access to chats from the wrist. That means you can open Telegram on Wear OS or Apple Watch, browse conversations, read longer messages and check shared media without waiting for a phone notification to appear.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Voice messages are part of the package too. That is useful for Telegram because many conversations on the service are built around group chats, media sharing and quick voice notes rather than simple one-line replies.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://telegram.org/file/400780400543/3/ULi0Z_FkdLQ.2273528.mp4/17dc71684a4e5706f4"></video></figure>



<div style="height:12px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The apps also support replies from the wrist, either by text or voice. So the feature set is quite comprehensive.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">What&#8217;s worth noting, there are some differences between platforms at launch. Wear OS users can mute and pin chats, as well as delete messages from the watch. Apple Watch users, on the other hand, get location viewing and sticker support.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Telegram says the missing tools should come to each platform in the next update. For now, the two versions overlap on the main features but differ on some controls.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-video"><video controls src="https://telegram.org/file/400780400335/3/DThvqAAnK7I.2306223.mp4/2fc8d3d620c956a011"></video></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why this is better than notifications</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Telegram alerts could already appear on smartwatches through the phone’s normal notification system. That is useful for quick glances, but it only reacts to incoming messages.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new apps change the interaction. Users can open Telegram directly on the watch, go into chats, check older messages, view shared media and listen to voice notes without waiting for a fresh alert.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That makes the watch more useful for sorting small Telegram interactions. You can see whether a message needs a reply, send a short voice or text response and leave the longer stuff for the phone.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It also avoids the biggest limitation of notification-only use. If the alert is dismissed or buried, you are not stuck going back to the phone just to find the conversation again.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For a messaging app built around busy group chats, voice notes and shared media, that is a better fit for the wrist. The watch still stays in its lane, but Telegram now gives it enough to do that the app feels worth keeping there.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Source: <a href="https://telegram.org/blog/watch-apps-and-more">Telegram</a></p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/12/telegram-ios-wearos/">Telegram app returns to Wear OS and Apple Watch</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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		<title>Amazfit Helio Strap firmware targets workout duplication and heart rate accuracy</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/11/helio-strap-update-june-2026/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 17:01:49 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartwatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wearables]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zepp health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Firmware update]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smartwatch]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594712</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Amazfit Helio Strap has received firmware version 3.18.0.1, a small 3.68MB update focused on workout tracking rather than new features.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/11/helio-strap-update-june-2026/">Amazfit Helio Strap firmware targets workout duplication and heart rate accuracy</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Amazfit Helio Strap has received firmware version 3.18.0.1, a small 3.68MB update focused on workout tracking rather than new features. The main changes are a fix for duplicate activity records when a watch is already tracking a session, plus tweaks to the heart rate monitoring algorithm.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What changed</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It has been a while since the Helio Strap last received a firmware update, so this one is worth noting. Version 3.18.0.1 is not trying to turn the device into something new. It looks more like a tidy-up release aimed at making the strap behave better inside the wider Amazfit ecosystem.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The first change is probably the more useful one. Zepp Health says the Activity Detection feature has been optimised so the Helio Strap will no longer create duplicate activity records when your watch is already tracking a workout. That sounds like a niche fix until you actually run into it. Then it becomes exactly the sort of thing that makes post-workout data messy.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Helio Strap sits in a slightly unusual place. It is not a watch. It is not a screen-first wearable. It works best as a lightweight fitness strap that feeds data into the Zepp Health app and can sit alongside a more capable Amazfit watch. That makes clean workout handling important. Users do not want two versions of the same session fighting for attention inside their history.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This update should help people who use the Helio Strap with an Amazfit watch rather than as a standalone tracker. If the watch already records the run, ride or gym session, the strap should now avoid generating a separate duplicate activity record from its own detection system.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This also suggests Zepp Health is still tuning how the Helio Strap behaves in a multi-device setup. That is where the product needs to be reliable. A strap like this does not win people over with a big display or rich on-device features. It needs to disappear into the background and record the right data at the right time.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Heart rate tracking also gets attention</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The second listed change is an optimisation to the heart rate monitoring algorithm. Zepp Health says this should improve heart rate tracking accuracy, though the release notes do not give extra detail on what has changed.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">It will be interesting to see whether the update improves higher-intensity exercise tracking. Optical heart rate sensors can struggle when movement, strap tension and sweat all get involved. The Helio Strap has a simpler job than a smartwatch in some ways because it does not have to manage a screen-heavy experience. But it still lives or dies by whether people trust the numbers.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="577" height="1024" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-577x1024.jpeg" alt="Helio strap update june 2026" class="wp-image-17594713" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-577x1024.jpeg 577w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-169x300.jpeg 169w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-768x1364.jpeg 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-865x1536.jpeg 865w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-1153x2048.jpeg 1153w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026-28x50.jpeg 28w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Helio-strap-update-june-2026.jpeg 1280w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 577px) 100vw, 577px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Worth installing</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The final note simply says other known issues have been fixed. That is the usual catch-all line in firmware updates, but the two named changes are enough to make version 3.18.0.1 worth installing.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">All things considered, this is a maintenance release with one very practical fix. But for anyone using the Amazfit Helio Strap alongside a watch, removing duplicate workout records should make the experience cleaner straight away. As always, different regions may receive the update at different times. We have reports of those in the UK and a few other countries already receiving the new firmware.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In other news, the company is working on the gen 2 device. We recently spotted the <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/28/amazfit-helio-strap-2-fcc/">FCC regulatory filing</a> for that one and expect a launch in the second half of the year.</p>



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		<title>Suunto Core 2 appears in another certification database</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/10/suunto-core-2-filing/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ivan Jovin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:19:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[latest news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartwatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[suunto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smartwatch]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594699</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Suunto Core 2 has appeared in another certification database, adding a fresh pre-launch marker for the unreleased outdoor watch. The</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/10/suunto-core-2-filing/">Suunto Core 2 appears in another certification database</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Suunto Core 2 has appeared in another certification database, adding a fresh pre-launch marker for the unreleased outdoor watch. The Indonesian e-Sertifikasi listing shows model OW245 as a Suunto Outdoor Watch, matching the model number from the earlier FCC filing.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Another database now shows OW245</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The listing was issued on 4 June 2026 under certificate number 122484/DJID/2026. It names Suunto as the brand, gives OW245 as the model and uses “SUUNTO OW245” as the marketing name.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The device category is listed as Outdoor Watch. That lines up with the FCC material and with the Core 2 identity already shown on the label.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The applicant is PT Indo Arloji Perkasa, with China shown as the country of origin. There is no product image in the database entry and the listing does not reveal additional hardware details.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, it gives us a second certification trail for the same model. That usually means the device is moving through regional approval ahead of launch, rather than sitting as a forgotten internal filing.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="866" height="121" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Suunto-Core-2-filing.png" alt="Suunto Core 2 filing" class="wp-image-17594702" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Suunto-Core-2-filing.png 866w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Suunto-Core-2-filing-300x42.png 300w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Suunto-Core-2-filing-768x107.png 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Suunto-Core-2-filing-50x7.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 866px) 100vw, 866px" /></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The FCC filing already told us more</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/04/27/suunto-core-2/">earlier FCC filing</a> remains the stronger source because the label included the Core 2 name directly. It also gave away the most interesting hardware clues.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The CR3032 battery points to a replaceable coin-cell setup rather than a rechargeable smartwatch design. That makes Core 2 feel much closer to the original Core than to watches such as Suunto Race or Vertical.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Bluetooth LE adds the modern layer. That could mean app pairing, firmware updates, settings sync or basic data transfer. It does not automatically turn Core 2 into a full smartwatch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The 100m water resistance is also useful. It suggests Suunto wants this to feel like a proper outdoor watch, not just a nostalgic Core reissue with a new name.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="616" height="589" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Suunto-Core-2.png" alt="Suunto Core 2 label" class="wp-image-17593541" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Suunto-Core-2.png 616w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Suunto-Core-2-300x287.png 300w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Suunto-Core-2-50x48.png 50w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 616px) 100vw, 616px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">From earlier FCC filing</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This looks like a proper Core revival</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The new Indonesian listing does not change the basic picture. It reinforces it.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Core 2 now looks like a modern version of Suunto’s old outdoor tool watch. The formula appears to be replaceable battery, rugged build, Bluetooth support and outdoor-first positioning.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The big unknown is timing. The FCC confidentiality period pointed toward September 2026 as a possible key date, unless Suunto launches before then or extends the hold. The Indonesian certification now gives us recent movement in early June, which keeps the launch trail alive.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There is still plenty we do not know. The listing does not confirm pricing, case size, display type or exact feature set. But the model number now appears in more than one place and the product category remains consistent.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph"><em>This article originally appeared on Gadgets &amp; Wearables, the first media outlet to report the story.</em></p>



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		<title>Amazfit is no longer just the cheaper smartwatch brand</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/10/amazfit-pricing/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:06:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Amazfit is no longer just playing the cheap smartwatch card. Zepp Health’s latest investor comments show a brand that now</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/10/amazfit-pricing/">Amazfit is no longer just the cheaper smartwatch brand</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Amazfit is no longer just playing the cheap smartwatch card. Zepp Health’s <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/zepp-health-2026-devices/">latest investor comments</a> show a brand that now wants to sit higher up the wearable market, without completely walking away from the value end.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The numbers explain the shift. Zepp Health said its average selling price rose by more than 20% year-on-year, helped by stronger demand for higher-end Amazfit models. That is a big change for a brand that built much of its reputation on undercutting Garmin, Fitbit and Apple Watch.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The price ceiling has moved</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Now make no mistake &#8211; Amazfit still sells plenty of affordable watches. But the top of the range now looks very different. T-Rex 3 Pro comes in at around $399. The recently launched T-Rex Ultra 2 pushes that further to about $549.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That still keeps Amazfit below the obvious premium rivals. Apple Watch Ultra 3 starts at $799, while Garmin Fenix 8 commonly sits around the $999 level before discounts. So Amazfit is not trying to match Garmin or Apple on price. Which is a good thing. If Amazfit can offer enough of the same outdoor and training appeal for less money, the higher pricing still works.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">T-Rex is doing the heavy lifting</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The T-Rex line is the obvious place to test this. Outdoor watches already carry higher price expectations because buyers care about battery life, materials, GPS, maps and durability. A higher-priced T-Rex makes more sense than a much more expensive Bip or Active watch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Despite the price hike, Zepp Health said the more expensive T-Rex models accounted for nearly half of T-Rex family unit sales in March and April. That suggests buyers are not just looking at Amazfit because it is cheap. Some are now choosing the more expensive versions inside the range.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company also said it has more T-Rex family products lined up for 2026, so this does not look like a single premium experiment. <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/03/20/amazfit-a2564/">Falcon 2</a> could be part of that push if it lands later this year, and that would likely move the price ceiling even higher.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The same shift shows up elsewhere. Balance 3 and Balance Ultra lean into HYROX, recovery, readiness and hybrid training. Cheetah 2 Pro and Cheetah 2 Ultra take the pitch into running, with Zepp Coach, training plans, recovery insights and third-party platform links.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Value is still the safety net</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zepp Health is not abandoning cheaper models. Active Max, Active 3 Premium and Bip Max still keep Amazfit tied to the value side of the market. That gives the brand useful cover. It can chase higher margins with T-Rex, Balance and Cheetah, while still keeping entry-level buyers in the ecosystem.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The risk is confusion. Amazfit used to be easy to understand. It meant long battery life, lots of features and lower prices. Now the message is broader. Some models still fit that old formula. Others are trying to compete with proper sports watches.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But that may be exactly where Zepp Health wants to land. Amazfit does not need to become Garmin. It just needs enough buyers to see a $549 Amazfit as a credible alternative to an $799 or $999 watch.</p>



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		<title>Wear OS 7 appears ready for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/wearos-7-pixel-watch/</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:36:44 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Wear OS 7 now looks close to landing on Pixel watches, with Verizon support pages showing the update for Pixel</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/wearos-7-pixel-watch/">Wear OS 7 appears ready for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wear OS 7 now looks close to landing on Pixel watches, with Verizon support pages showing the update for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3. That is a pretty strong hint that Google is preparing the wider rollout, even if the company has not made a noisy public announcement around it yet.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Verizon appears to have jumped early</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Carrier support pages are not always exciting reading, but they can be useful when they reveal software details before the official marketing machine catches up. In this case, Verizon has published update pages for Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 that specifically mention Wear OS 7.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For <a href="https://www.verizon.com/support/google-pixel-watch2-update/">Pixel Watch 2</a>, Verizon lists the update as System Update 20. For <a href="https://www.verizon.com/support/google-pixel-watch-3-update/">Pixel Watch 3</a>, it appears as System Update 9. Both pages show the same software version, CP2A.260603.001, along with the June 2026 Android security patch.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The language around the update stays fairly plain. Verizon says the software brings the latest Wear OS 7 update, the latest Android security patch and performance and stability improvements.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This fits the Wear OS 7 timeline</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google already detailed <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/19/google-wear-os-7/">Wear OS 7 earlier this year</a>, so the update itself is not a surprise. The timing is the interesting part. A June 9 carrier listing suggests the Pixel Watch rollout may be at the final preparation stage, or already staged for some users depending on region, model and carrier.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Wear OS 7 has always looked like a cleaner platform update rather than a dramatic redesign for the sake of it. The useful parts sit around battery efficiency, smarter watch interactions, better app behaviour and tighter links between Android phones and Wear OS watches.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">One of the bigger background changes is the move to Android 16 under the hood. That should give Google and developers a more modern base to work from, even if users mostly notice the surface-level features first. The best updates to a smartwatch often feel boring at first, then prove themselves through better consistency over time.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google has also talked about battery gains with Wear OS 7. The company previously suggested that supported devices could see improved efficiency, which would be welcome on Pixel Watch hardware. Battery life has never been the Pixel Watch line’s strongest selling point, so even smaller gains could make the daily experience less annoying.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The sensible caveat is that carrier pages do not always mean every user gets the update instantly. Pixel Watch updates can roll out in stages, so one owner may see it before another. Region, carrier and model can all affect timing.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, the signs now look solid. Verizon has published the details, the software version is consistent across the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Watch 3 pages and the date lines up with a likely June software release window. Pixel Watch owners should probably start checking the system update screen over the next few days.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">via <a href="https://www.droid-life.com/2026/06/09/wear-os-7-update-ready-for-pixel-watches/">Droidlife</a></p>



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		<title>Fitbit Air on the ankle delivers a surprisingly solid 5K run result</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/fitbit-air-vs-garmin-run-test/</link>
					<comments>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/fitbit-air-vs-garmin-run-test/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:38:43 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[fitbit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[garmin]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>I strapped Fitbit Air to my ankle for a 5K run and left it to detect the workout automatically, without</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/fitbit-air-vs-garmin-run-test/">Fitbit Air on the ankle delivers a surprisingly solid 5K run result</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">I strapped Fitbit Air to my ankle for a 5K run and left it to detect the workout automatically, without opening the smartphone app or manually starting a session. The result was more interesting than I expected, with distance close to a Garmin Forerunner and ankle-based heart rate tracking that looked far better than the summary stats first suggest.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That is not how most people test a fitness tracker. It is also exactly why I found the result useful. If a device can produce decent data in a messy real-world setup, that tells us something about how flexible the hardware might be.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This follows my earlier <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/29/fitbit-air-vs-garmin/">Fitbit Air vs Garmin 5K test</a>, where the screenless tracker came very close when the run was started properly from the phone. For this follow-up, I wanted to make life harder for it. I wore it on my ankle and did not start anything manually.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The distance result was solid</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">My Garmin Forerunner recorded the run at 5.01 km. Fitbit Air logged 5.16 km, which puts it around 150 metres higher over the run. That is not perfect, but for an automatically detected run from the ankle, I would call it a surprisingly decent result.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Garmin used GPS. Fitbit Air, on the other hand, had to rely on its own motion data and whatever context it could pull together in the background. The important part is that it did not drift wildly. It recognised the session as a run and landed close enough to be useful for casual tracking.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That makes the result more interesting than a simple wrist-to-wrist test. Ankle wear changes the movement pattern completely. The device has to deal with sharper leg motion, higher impact and a position it probably was not designed around as its main use case.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Google only talks about wearing the tracker on the wrist. In practice, though, it can also be worn on the upper arm or even the ankle. I have worn it like this 24/7 for the past week and the only real difference I have noticed is shorter sleep tracking. My guess is that I move my legs more than my arms during sleep, so the tracker may be reading some of that movement as wake time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="473" height="1024" data-id="17594683" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562-473x1024.jpeg" alt="Fitbit Air vs Garmin" class="wp-image-17594683" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562-473x1024.jpeg 473w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562-139x300.jpeg 139w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562-23x50.jpeg 23w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6562.jpeg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="473" height="1024" data-id="17594679" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563-473x1024.jpeg" alt="Fitbit Air vs Garmin" class="wp-image-17594679" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563-473x1024.jpeg 473w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563-139x300.jpeg 139w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563-23x50.jpeg 23w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6563.jpeg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></figure>
<figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption">Fitbit Air data for 5K run</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The average heart rate needs context</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But what about heart rate during the 5K. Well, at first glance, the heart rate comparison looks weaker. The Garmin reported an average heart rate of 144 bpm, while Fitbit Air showed 132 bpm. Taken alone, that looks like a fairly large gap.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">But the chart tells a better story. Fitbit Air appears to have started tracking too early and ended too late. Those low heart rate sections at the beginning and end pulled down the average. During the actual running portion, the heart rate trace looked much closer to the Garmin result.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The max heart rate makes the point even clearer. The Garmin recorded 161 bpm, while Fitbit Air reached 160 bpm. That is only 1 bpm apart, which is a strong result for a tracker worn on the ankle during a run.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This was probably the most interesting part of the test for me. Optical heart rate from the ankle sounds like something that should struggle. In this run, it looked surprisingly stable once the effort started properly.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="473" height="1024" data-id="17594681" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559-473x1024.jpeg" alt="Fitbit Air vs Garmin" class="wp-image-17594681" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559-473x1024.jpeg 473w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559-139x300.jpeg 139w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559-23x50.jpeg 23w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6559.jpeg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="473" height="1024" data-id="17594680" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560-473x1024.jpeg" alt="Fitbit Air vs Garmin" class="wp-image-17594680" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560-473x1024.jpeg 473w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560-139x300.jpeg 139w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560-23x50.jpeg 23w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6560.jpeg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561.jpeg"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="473" height="1024" data-id="17594682" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561-473x1024.jpeg" alt="Fitbit Air vs Garmin" class="wp-image-17594682" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561-473x1024.jpeg 473w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561-139x300.jpeg 139w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561-23x50.jpeg 23w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/IMG_6561.jpeg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 473px) 100vw, 473px" /></a></figure>
<figcaption class="blocks-gallery-caption wp-element-caption">Garmin data for same 5K run</figcaption></figure>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Auto-tracking is the weak link</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The main issue was not that Fitbit Air failed to detect the run. It did detect it. The issue was that it wrapped too much time around the actual workout.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The Garmin recorded 28 minutes and 33 seconds for the 5K. Fitbit Air showed 35 minutes and 48 seconds. That extra time changes the whole summary. It makes the average pace look much slower and it drags down the average heart rate.</p>



<div style="display: flex; justify-content: center; margin: 30px 0;">
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      <h3 style="margin: 0 0 10px;">Fitbit Air*</h3>
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<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This is where Google Health needs better editing tools. There is currently no option to trim the run afterwards. I could view the activity, but I could not cut off the early and late sections that should not have counted as part of the workout.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That limitation is annoying because the raw tracking looked better than the final numbers imply. Strip away the extra time and Fitbit Air would probably get much closer on average heart rate. The problem is that the app does not let me clean up the session.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A useful result with a clear caveat</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">This test does not prove that Fitbit Air is a replacement for a running watch. It also does not prove that ankle-based heart rate will hold up in every workout. Intervals, hills and faster changes in effort could expose weaknesses that a steady 5K does not show.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Still, I came away encouraged. Fitbit Air got the distance close, detected the run automatically and matched the Garmin’s peak heart rate almost exactly. For a screenless tracker worn on the ankle and left to work passively, that is a better outcome than I expected.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The lesson for me is that Fitbit Air’s hardware may be more capable than the app summary suggests. The sensor performance looks promising, but the automatic tracking window needs more control. A simple trim option in Google Health would make a big difference here because it would let me remove the dead time and keep the useful part of the workout.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For now, this makes Fitbit Air look like an interesting passive fitness tracker rather than a precision running tool. It can capture the run and the ankle heart rate result looks genuinely useful. But if Google wants this kind of device to be trusted for workouts, post-run editing needs to catch up with the hardware.</p>



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		<title>Pebble Round 2 delay pushes shipping into July</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/pebble-round-2-shipping/</link>
					<comments>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/pebble-round-2-shipping/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Marko Maslakovic]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:49:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pebble]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Pebble Round 2 is now in beta testing, but mass production has not started yet. Eric Migicovsky says shipping is</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/pebble-round-2-shipping/">Pebble Round 2 delay pushes shipping into July</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pebble Round 2 is now in beta testing, but mass production has not started yet. Eric Migicovsky says shipping is still expected to begin in July, with all preordered units planned to go out by September.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That is not a huge delay, but it does change slightly the shape of the launch. The revived Pebble project now looks like it is choosing a cleaner production run over rushing the first watches out the door.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pebble Round 2 is close but not in mass production yet</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Migicovsky posted the update after reviewing the latest pre-production samples in China. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="550" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Quick <a href="https://x.com/Pebble?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pebble</a> Round 2 update &#8211; we’re making progress but not in mass production (MP) yet!<br><br>TLDR<br>&#8211; Currently in beta testing (In US? Apply here to join <a href="https://t.co/0ibw8RHCX8">https://t.co/0ibw8RHCX8</a>) <br>&#8211; On track to start shipping Pebble Round 2 watches in July<br>&#8211; Current plan is to be finished shipping… <a href="https://t.co/iQVIMl0Op9">pic.twitter.com/iQVIMl0Op9</a></p>&mdash; Eric Migicovsky (@ericmigi) <a href="https://x.com/ericmigi/status/2063991523910291490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 8, 2026</a></blockquote><script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div></figure>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">As can be seen, the watch is currently in beta testing, with US users invited to apply. That suggests the hardware is far enough along for real-world use but still not at the point where Pebble wants to press the production button.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For anyone waiting on a preorder, the current plan is for shipping to start next months Pebble expects to finish shipping all preordered Round 2 units in September, so this will not be a single big launch wave where everyone gets a tracking number at once.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The delay comes down to a case detail</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The reason for the hold-up is not software, battery life or a major hardware redesign. Migicovsky says the latest sample had a cosmetic issue near the lugs, caused by a CNC milling step close to where the strap connects to the watch case.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">That may sound minor, but on a watch like the Round 2, the case finish does a lot of the heavy lifting. This is not a thick outdoor watch where a tiny mark disappears into the overall chunkiness. It is a small round smartwatch with a simple design, so visible case details stand out quickly.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pebble is now modifying the metal-injection-moulding tooling to avoid that CNC cut. In plain English, the company wants to fix the production process rather than accept a mark that would probably annoy buyers the moment they noticed it.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leather straps are coming too</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">There was also a smaller accessory update. Black and brown leather straps will be available as add-ons for Pebble Round 2.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The watch already has a clean circular case and the sample shown in the update looks more like a simple everyday watch than a gadget trying too hard. Leather straps should push it further in that direction.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">This still looks like a careful relaunch</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">A small manufacturing issue has appeared, the tooling needs tweaking and shipping shifts into July. That is not dramatic, but it is exactly the kind of thing that happens when a small hardware project gets close to production.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Pebble could have framed this more aggressively and promised everything was fine. Instead, Migicovsky showed the problem, explained the fix and gave a clearer shipping window. For a preorder product, that sort of visibility helps more than pretending the schedule never moved.</p>



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		<title>Amazfit 2026 roadmap points to more T-Rex models and next-gen Helio Strap</title>
		<link>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/zepp-health-2026-devices/</link>
					<comments>https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/zepp-health-2026-devices/#respond</comments>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Ivan Jovin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:18:39 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[smartwatch]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wearables]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[zepp health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Smartwatch]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://gadgetsandwearables.com/?p=17594619</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Zepp Health has already pushed out a busy run of Amazfit devices in 2026, but the company is not finished</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/zepp-health-2026-devices/">Amazfit 2026 roadmap points to more T-Rex models and next-gen Helio Strap</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Zepp Health has already pushed out a busy run of Amazfit devices in 2026, but the company is not finished yet. Its earnings comments point to more launches this year. We are expecting additional T-Rex family products and a next-generation Helio Strap in the second half.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A launch-heavy first half</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Active Max, Active 3 Premium and T-Rex Ultra 2 were named as key contributors to first-quarter growth. Balance 3, Balance Ultra, Cheetah 2 Pro, Cheetah 2 Ultra and Bip Max also appear in the company’s product commentary.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Some launches sit at the value end, while T-Rex Ultra 2 pushes higher with its Grade 5 titanium build. Balance 3 and Balance Ultra carry the newer hybrid training message, with HYROX, recovery and readiness moving closer to the centre of the brand. The Cheetah 2 line takes that into running, with marathon, trail and mountain use tied into Zepp Coach, training plans and recovery tools.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The interesting part is what comes next. Zepp Health said 2026 would likely bring around the same number of launches as 2025, or slightly more. With 2025 put at around nine products, the remaining launch list may now be fairly short. Basically, here they have confirmed what they said in the last quarter.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">T-Rex may not be done yet</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The T-Rex line could be an area to watch. Zepp Health talked up the performance of its Adventure series and said the T-Rex family had helped lift average selling prices and improve the overall product mix.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Last quarter, management referred to “some of the new products also in the T-Rex family lined up in 2026.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“we have launched the T Rex 3 Pro and we have also launched the T Rex Ultra 2 in February. Right. And then we have some of the new products also in the T Rex family lined up in 2026.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The company is not only launching more hardware, it is trying to push Amazfit further upmarket. Premium models are taking a larger share of sales, which suggests buyers are becoming more comfortable moving higher up the range.&nbsp;For example, the premium T-Rex models priced at $399 and $549 accounted for nearly half of total T-Rex family unit sales in March and April.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A new Helio Strap is in the works</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Another direct hint concerns Helio Strap. Zepp Health had said earlier the current Helio Strap performed very well in 2025 and may have been one of the most popular products in its price range within the company’s portfolio.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">“On the Helio strap, on the other hand, we&#8217;re also working on the next generation of those as we speak. So stay tuned for the second half of this year.”&nbsp;</p>
</blockquote>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">In fact, a few weeks ago we spotted the <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/05/28/amazfit-helio-strap-2-fcc/">first reference to the next gen device</a> in the FCC database. So that one should clearly drop soon.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The ring question remains open</h2>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">For now, the strap looks much more concrete than the next version of the company&#8217;s smart ring. To remind, Zepp Health is still in dispute with Oura and there&#8217;s a <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2025/11/19/amazfit-helio-ring-oura/">legal battle going on</a> in that space.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">The broader HYROX partnership also leaves room for Zepp Health to move beyond watches and straps over time. The company mentions categories such as smartwatches, rings, cameras, glasses and straps in the partnership language. But that should not be treated as confirmation that all of those products are coming soon.</p>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">So what are we to make of all of this? Zepp Health has already launched a large chunk of its 2026 hardware, but the year is not done. More than nine launches now looks likely, more T-Rex family products may be in the pipeline and a next-generation Helio Strap looks like the clearest second-half device to watch.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p class="wp-block-paragraph">&#8220;Looking ahead to 2026, we remain focused on strengthening our premium product lineup, expanding our ecosystem through AI driven training, insights and performance technologies, and deepening our engagement with performance focused communities.&#8221;</p>
</blockquote>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results-683x1024.jpg" alt="Zepp Health q1 2026 results" class="wp-image-17594639" srcset="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results-200x300.jpg 200w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results-33x50.jpg 33w, https://gadgetsandwearables.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Zepp-Health-q1-2026-results.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px" /></figure>



<div style="height:14px" aria-hidden="true" class="wp-block-spacer"></div>



<p class="wp-block-paragraph">Source: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/news/26/06/53049737/full-transcript-zepp-health-q1-2026-earnings-call">Earnings call transcript</a> (Q1 &amp; Q2)</p>



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<p>The post <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com/2026/06/09/zepp-health-2026-devices/">Amazfit 2026 roadmap points to more T-Rex models and next-gen Helio Strap</a> appeared first on <a href="https://gadgetsandwearables.com">Gadgets &amp; Wearables</a>.</p>
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