The key thing to know is that Zepp Health calls all of this “route planning,” but it’s really a mix of different tools. Once you understand how they fit together, the whole system becomes a lot easier to use – and much less frustrating to find in the menus.

What route planning means on Amazfit

At its core, route planning on Amazfit is about following a predefined path during an outdoor activity such as running, hiking or cycling. The watch shows your position relative to that path using GPS and onboard maps where available.

There are three ways routes enter the system:

1. The first is importing an existing GPX file created in third party platforms.
2. The second is creating a route inside the Zepp Health app by generating a drawing directly on a map.
3. The third is creating a route on the watch itself, typically as a round trip route generated from your current location.

Not every Amazfit watch supports all three. Older and simpler models focus on route import and navigation. Newer outdoor watches extend this with app based planning and on watch route creation.

How route import works

Route import was the first navigation feature on Amazfit watches, and it’s still the most widely supported across the current lineup. It follows a structured process that works well for planned activities where the route is already available.

Most users start with a GPX file, though the Zepp Health app also accepts TCX and KML formats. These files typically come from third party mapping tools or get shared directly from other runners or cyclists.

After saving the file to the phone, the next step is to open it using the phone’s “Open with” menu and choose Zepp Health. That launches the app and begins the import. The other option is to send it from the third party app to Zepp Health.

The app shows the route on a map, along with total distance, elevation gain and a full elevation profile. Even if the phone’s file browser can’t preview the file, the Zepp Health app still recognises it. Once reviewed, the user can save the route to the My Route section inside the app.

There’s also another way to build a route. From the Workout History section, the user can open a completed activity, tap the menu icon and select Save Track. This turns a past session into a reusable route.

After saving, the user sends the route to the watch. In any supported outdoor workout mode, the navigation settings link to the My Route list. From there, the user picks the route and loads it before starting the activity. The watch then uses that route to guide the user during the workout.

Creating routes in the Zepp Health app

App based route planning eliminates the need to search for GPX files or rely on third party platforms. It was introduced for the first time in Amazfit watches only a few months ago.

With this option everything happens inside the Zepp Health app, using built-in mapping tools that sync directly to the watch. A growing number of Amazfit watches supports this option via recent firmware updates.

To begin, open the Zepp Health app and tap Workout at the bottom of the screen. Navigate to More and select Create Route. The app first asks for the workout type, which determines where the route will appear on the watch.

After the map loads, tap to set a starting point. Each subsequent tap adds a new segment, allowing you to build the route point by point. It’s a quick way to create loops, out-and-back courses or improvised routes without needing external tools.

A vertical toolbar runs down the left side of the screen. It includes options like map layers, compass and scale, return to current location, planning settings, route tools and search. These become more useful when building longer routes or exploring less familiar areas.

Once the route is created, you can add waypoints. This option becomes available only after the main path is in place. Waypoints are added by tapping a location along the route, naming it, selecting a location type, and saving. They’re useful for flagging water stops, major turns or landmarks along the way.

After planning and waypoints are complete, tap Save Route. The app assigns a default name based on the region and workout type, but you can rename it. Routes remain fully editable. You can open any saved route to adjust the path, add or remove waypoints, or send it to your device. Additional options in the top right corner include sharing and deleting.

All saved routes appear under Workout → More → My Route. From there, you can manage the list, edit individual routes, view waypoint details or sync routes to the watch. Deletion is handled either through the menu or by swiping left on a route entry.

Once synced, the route appears on the watch under the same workout type selected during creation. Open the workout, go to Settings → Navigation → My Route, choose the route and start the activity. From that point on, it behaves just like an imported GPX track, guiding you with a map line or breadcrumb view depending on the device.

Creating routes directly on the watch

Finally, we get to on-watch route planning. This is the newest addition to Amazfit’s navigation features, available on select higher-end models such as the T-Rex 3 Pro and Balance 2. It focuses on speed and convenience, letting users build a route directly from the watch without needing the app or any advance setup.

The most common option is round-trip route creation:

• Open the map view on the watch and wait for GPS to lock.
• Press the main select button to open the Navigation menu.
• Choose Create Round Trip Route.
• Set the workout type, target distance, and preferred direction if needed.
• The watch then generates a loop based on known paths and map data.

After generating a route:

• You can start the workout immediately, or
• Save it under My Route for later use.
• To delete a saved route, open it, swipe up and tap Remove.

Waypoint-based navigation is also available:

• Tap any point on the map after GPS locks.
• Choose either:
  • Straight line navigation – draws a direct line to the target.
  • Route navigation – calculates a proper path using map data (with a max range limit).

You can also store and reuse saved locations:

• Go to Navigation → My Location.
• Save your current position for later use.
• Use saved points with either straight line or route navigation.
• To remove a saved location, open it, swipe up, and confirm deletion.

During navigation:

• The watch tracks how closely you follow the route.
• If you drift more than 500 meters off course, it automatically triggers route recalculation.

This setup is ideal for quick, unplanned outings or exploring unfamiliar areas without needing your phone. It trades some precision for speed, but it’s a useful feature when you just want to get moving.

Using a route during an activity

Once a route is on the watch, the actual usage is consistent regardless of how it was created.

You start by opening the relevant outdoor workout, then go into the workout settings and select Navigation, followed by My Route. After choosing a route, you start the activity as usual. From that point on, the watch uses GPS to track your position and displays it relative to the planned course.

On watches with offline maps, the route appears overlaid on mapped paths, roads or trails, which makes it easier to understand where you are heading. On simpler models, navigation relies mainly on a route line and your position marker. The core experience is still the same, but the amount of visual context varies by device.

Some Amazfit watches provide alerts or visual cues when you drift away from the planned route, which is useful during longer runs or hikes when attention drops. Many models also include a return option, allowing you to navigate back to the starting point either by retracing your recorded path or by following a straight line back.

This final step is where route planning turns into navigation. Once the workout begins, the earlier planning choices fade into the background and the watch simply guides you along the course you set.

Which Amazfit watches support route planning

Route import and navigation are supported on a wide range of Amazfit watches, particularly outdoor and performance focused models such as the T Rex series, Falcon, Cheetah models, GTR 4, GTS 4, Balance and newer Active and Bip devices.

App based route creation generally appears on watches that support navigation and receive newer Zepp Health app features.

As mentioned, on watch route creation is currently reserved for models with offline maps and stronger navigation tools, including newer T Rex variants and Balance generation watches. The Balance 2 was just recently added to this list.

Of course, support depends on both the watch firmware and the Zepp Health app version. So make sure you are on the latest version of both.

Why it works well when set up properly

Route planning on Amazfit is not about replacing dedicated bike computers or high end navigation watches. It focuses on covering the common use cases without adding friction.

The key is knowing which entry point fits your situation. GPX import works for planned routes. App creation works for quick planning. On watch generation (on supported devices) works for spontaneous sessions.

Once that clicks, route planning becomes a practical tool rather than a feature you try once and forget.

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So what actually is this?

Put simply, Fitness Coach has been designed to bring a more guided and personalised training experience to Garmin devices. It blends structured cardio and optional strength workouts with real-time adaptation based on your health data.

Before diving into the feature, it’s worth noting that we’ve already covered several other key tools introduced in Beta version 21.12. These include Garmin’s Sleep Alignment and Optimal Sleep Window tools, as well as the new Battery Manager feature. It is quite a big update.

How to use Fitness Coach

Unlike Garmin’s older Coach offerings that were built around specific sports like running or cycling, Fitness Coach is aimed at general fitness improvement. The system takes into account your daily metrics such as heart rate, heart rate variability, stress, sleep quality, and training load, and then serves up the most appropriate workout for that day.

Missed a session? No problem. Played tennis instead of doing your scheduled run? No sweat. Fitness Coach adjusts accordingly.

You start by picking the “Improve Fitness” path in the Garmin Connect app. After a short setup questionnaire, the system builds a weekly schedule of adaptive workouts. These workouts vary in type and intensity, focusing on outcomes like endurance, cardio performance or recovery.

The sessions are heart rate-based, so you’ll see clearly which zone to stay in. This is one of the more practical aspects of the feature. Rather than prescribing a fixed pace or rep count, it adapts to how your body is responding day to day.

Types of cardio workouts you’ll get

Most plans centre around cardio, with workouts like Basic Endurance, Cardio Fitness, along with VO2 Max Boost. Each serves a distinct purpose.

Endurance sessions help you build a foundation through longer, steady workouts. Cardio Fitness takes that up a notch with efforts that are “comfortably hard.” VO2 Max Boost is where things get intense, with high-effort intervals that push your upper aerobic limits.

Then there’s Cardio Capacity, which helps you operate near your lactate threshold. These sessions are tough but manageable and are typically interval-based.

If you’re not up for intensity, the system can prescribe Recovery Workouts. These low-effort sessions help you stay active without stressing the system, ideal after bad sleep or on the tail end of a tough week.

Strength training is also part of the plan

Cardio might be the focus, but you can also enable strength training when setting up the plan. You choose between bodyweight-only workouts or gym-based routines using equipment like kettlebells, dumbbells, cable machines and Swiss balls. Expect about two strength sessions per week, targeting either full-body development or core-specific work.

This makes Garmin Fitness Coach a more balanced program. It doesn’t neglect the importance of muscle conditioning alongside cardiovascular performance, something many generic fitness plans overlook.

Supported activities and flexibility

Fitness Coach lets you complete workouts in any compatible activity profile. In total the workout guidance ranges across 26 activity types. So if you’d rather use an elliptical, go for a hike, or walk hills instead of running, you can do that.

The system recognises that effort and heart rate are more important than the exact sport. But it also gives guidance if your activity type might not be sufficient to hit the right training intensity.

This flexibility means the program suits a broader audience. Whether you’re new to fitness or someone maintaining a long-term habit, the system adapts without needing you to micro-manage your sessions.

If you’re on the Beta programme and have one of the above mentioned watches, the feature can be accessed under Garmin Coach in the Training & Planning section of Garmin Connect. From there, just select the Improve Fitness option and go through the onboarding.

Fitness Coach is free to use, which is good news considering how much Garmin has started locking features behind paywalls. We’re always a bit wary of what might end up restricted down the line. But right now, if you’ve got a compatible watch, you’re good to go without paying extra.

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Garmin goes deeper on sleep timing, not just sleep tracking

Garmin already offers a fairly comprehensive set of sleep features. Its watches track sleep stages, score your nightly rest, and suggest how much sleep you need based on your recent activity. The new alignment and optimal window tools build on that foundation by shifting the focus from quantity to timing.

This feature set is built around one central idea. We have an internal clock that governs when we naturally feel alert or sleepy. Garmin now tries to identify this circadian rhythm and compare it to your actual sleep habits. The goal is to uncover whether your lifestyle and biological rhythm are in sync.

Essential reading: How to use Garmin’s new Battery Manager on Fenix 8 and Enduro 3

Most people sleep based on external cues like alarms or work shifts. This often leads to a mismatch between their schedule and what their body prefers. That gap is sometimes called social jet lag. It can leave you feeling drained even after a full night of sleep. Garmin’s sleep alignment feature is designed to detect that misalignment and help you gradually shift toward a better rhythm.

What these two features actually do

Garmin splits this into two related tools. Sleep alignment shows how closely your actual sleep matched your inferred biological preference. The optimal sleep window is the guidance system. It suggests when you should ideally go to bed and wake up.

One tells you how you did. The other tells you what to aim for.

Over time, the watch generates a consistent timing band. This might be something like 22:10 to 06:10. That window becomes your baseline. If your sleep falls within it, alignment is high. If you regularly go to sleep outside of it, your alignment score drops. Garmin does not publish its exact method, but various clues suggest it uses multi-day inputs and resists sudden shifts.

It takes about three weeks to establish a baseline. Once enough data has been collected, the watch starts displaying both your actual sleep window and your inferred optimal window. When the two lines overlap, your alignment is good.

This is not a rigid coaching system. If your body clock wants you asleep at midnight but your life demands 6 a.m. wakeups, the system doesn’t scold you. It simply shows where the difference lies. Garmin encourages users to shift slowly, 15 minutes at a time, if they want to improve alignment.

The system does not respond instantly to travel, late nights or changes in schedule. Instead, it adapts slowly to reflect long-term physiology, not just clock time.

Garmin’s model likely uses your recent sleep, activity and a combination of physiological inputs to arrive at these metrics. Skin temperature typically drops before sleep and rises before waking. HRV fluctuates across the day and can indicate stress or recovery. Activity levels also shift the body’s need for rest. All of this contributes to how the watch identifies your preferred rhythm.

Where to find the data

On the watch, sleep alignment appears in the Sleep glance. The recent Beta 21.12 firmware release adds this to the Fenix 8 series, Enduro 3, Fenix E and Tactix 8. The Beta 16.11 for the Forerunner 970 and 570 also brings this feature.

In addition to the glances, you will see optimal sleep window guidance in the morning report. And, of course you can find some of this info in Garmin Connect.

Some Venu 4 users report that sleeping within the suggested window results in more stable HRV and better Body Battery recharge. Others have noticed no major impact, particularly if they already had good sleep habits. It is likely that the feature offers the most value to those with inconsistent sleep timing or irregular schedules.

There’s nothing particularly novel about these new features. Whoop, Ultrahuman, RingConn and a few other brands have had them for a while. It’s good to see Garmin closing this gap. Hopefully, the company will bring the new sleep tools to other older watches as there is nothing special here needed as far as sensors.

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Looking back at last year’s fitness data can tell you a lot about what worked and what didn’t. It’s a smart way to spot habits, track progress and set better goals going forward. With the New Year approaching, that kind of insight is more useful than ever.

And don’t forget – resolutions often fall apart by February! To avoid that, pick goals that line up with what your data shows. If consistency was an issue, aim for smaller wins. Focus on one metric like daily steps or resting heart rate, then build from there. Check in every month and let the numbers guide you.

Viewing summary stats in Garmin Connect

The Garmin Connect website is great and provides far more access to your data than the watch or the Connect smartphone app. It is also easier to navigate and find things.

A feature that is a little diffficult to find, however, is the past year summary. Similar to what is available with other brands, Garmin also provides this overview. But few people are aware of it.

After you’ve logged into the web dashboard, navigate to the Reports tab on the Garmin Connect website. At the bottom of the menu, you’ll see a Progress Summary option. It’s right at the bottom.

This opens up a new page where you can view an overview for the previous year, month, week, and previous years. Select a time period from the available options.

Then you’ll need to select how to group the data. There are time options, along with activity and event. A useful one is “Group by Year”. This provides an excellent overview of your long-term progress. .

There’s also the option to choose a specific activity. Most of the data that you get as a post-activity summary, appears in these tables. If you choose “All Activities” you’ll only get the headline stats.

The feature provides lots of data, allowing you to easily check your summary stats. Here’s a yearly overview of my running activity. Scroll left-right to navigate through the various statistics.

On the right-hand side of the page, you’ll find a “customize” drop down list. This allows you to select which data shows for a selected table. Next to this is a self-explanatory “Export to CSV” option.

We hope this information is useful to some readers who may have previously been unaware of this option. Check out your annual fitness stats as they will provide useful information about your physical activity and progress. And they will help to keep you motivated.

Don’t freak out, for example, if you notice your average resting heart rate slowly creeping up in the second half of the year – it might coincide with a busy work season or less workout time. Comparing the first half of the year to the second half can help you spot patterns, like a slump in your average weekly running mileage during winter months or a jump in steps when the weather got warmer. Little things like this give you an idea of where to focus your energy next year. It’s all about turning that big block of year-long data into relatable action steps.

What about steps, sleep and other data?

Diving into your exercise statistics is just the beginning. The great news is that Garmin Connect also allows you to view annual summaries of various health metrics, including steps, intensity minutes, average resting heart rate, stress levels, sleep duration, and more. The key is knowing where to find this treasure trove of data.

To access this comprehensive information, head back again to the Reports section. But instead of selecting Progress Summary, navigate to Health and Fitness. Here, a dropdown list presents various metrics for you to explore.

Let’s take steps as an example. Upon selecting this metric, a new screen appears, offering options to view daily, 7-day, 4-week, and 1-year totals. Opt for the yearly summary to get a broad view of your activity. If you’re curious about past years, simply use the calendar arrows to navigate backward.

When you look at your Garmin’s 12-month summary, you’re not just looking at stats- you’re basically getting the big-picture story of your entire year. Think of your average resting heart rate over that period as a window into how well you handled stress or recovered from workouts on a broad scale, rather than in isolated chunks. Your year-long step count can show how consistent (or not) you’ve been with daily movement, beyond the inevitable off-weeks or holidays.

So as you can see, there’s no need to pay extra to see your annual Garmin stats. But you do need to know where to look for them.

Seeing these numbers add up over a whole year is a reality check: it lets you see how small decisions, like taking the stairs more often, pile up into real changes over time. Armed with this data, you’re now ready to set ambitious yet attainable goals for 2026 and see them through!

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Why you might want to downgrade

Now, why would you want to downgrade? Well, there are several reasons why a downgrade could come in handy.

Sometimes, a new update can introduce bugs or minor glitches that weren’t present before. You might notice changes in GPS accuracy, reduced battery life, or quirks in the way buttons respond. For example, after the latest firmware release, some Suunto Race 2 users have reported issues with the top right button not registering properly. It still works, but only after several presses.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Suunto has already acknowledged the issue and confirmed that it’s caused by the new firmware. The company has said a fix will arrive in an upcoming software update. In the meantime, users can roll back to the previous version to restore proper button functionality.

How to downgrade your Suunto watch

Suunto makes the process surprisingly straightforward. But you need to know where to look.

You can revert to an earlier software version directly on the watch without needing a computer or special tools. The instructions are simple enough for anyone to follow. I will use Race 2 as an example.

Long press the middle button to enter Settings, then select General and choose About. Scroll all the way down until you reach the end of that menu. Once there, long press the lower button to open an additional interface. Scroll again and select “Select OTA pkg.” You’ll see both your current and previous firmware versions listed. Choose the older version, and your watch will automatically install it.

I’ve posted a video showing the process below.

It’s also recommended to perform a hard reset once the downgrade is complete. This ensures that the system loads properly and that any leftover data from the previous software is cleared.

A rare bit of flexibility

The ability to downgrade isn’t common in the smartwatch world. Most companies only allow upgrades, meaning if an update introduces problems, users are left waiting for the next patch. Suunto’s approach gives owners more control over their devices and a way to fix temporary issues without relying entirely on new releases.

For now, rolling back the firmware is the best workaround for Race 2 owners dealing with the button glitch. The next update should permanently resolve the problem, but it’s reassuring to know there’s an easy fix in the meantime.

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A flashlight that shines forward

This is the first time Suunto has added a dedicated flashlight to one of its watches. Unlike the typical screen-as-flashlight approach, as you might find on Race 2, Vertical 2 uses actual LEDs housed in the top edge of the case.

The result is a beam that shines away from your wrist, so you get proper illumination ahead while still being able to glance down at your workout screen or time display. It’s a simple thing, but that forward projection makes a big difference when you’re moving around in the dark.

It’s not just for athletes. The flashlight makes itself useful in everyday situations too. Whether it’s finding your way to the bathroom at night, looking for something under the sofa or navigating a campsite after sunset, having light on your wrist means one less thing to fumble for. It becomes one of those features you don’t plan for but end up using often.

Garmin is amongst the first to offer a flashlight with this feature. Zepp Health recently followed with Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro. Now Suunto is getting in on the fun.

How to switch it on

The fastest way to turn on the flashlight is by using the buttons, but you need to set up a shortcut first. You can assign it to either the top or bottom right-hand button. Just pick flashlight from the list of customisation options. I set mine to the bottom button, so a long press brings up the full screen light interface.

You can also find it by going through the menu. Scroll to the Control Panel widget and the flashlight toggle is in there. But let’s be honest, no one wants to dig through menus just to turn on a light. Setting up the shortcut is definitely the better way.

Bright enough for short-range use

Once you’re in, you can cycle through four white brightness levels. It starts at 50% and then you can cycle in increments of 25% by tapping the top or bottom button.

Continue tapping to switch to red mode. It is is slightly brighter than what you’ll find on a Garmin watches, which makes it a bit more useful when you’re trying to preserve night vision but still want to see where you’re going.

Suunto also includes flashing and pulsing options for safety use. This includes a SOS signal and a red Alert. These aren’t just throwaway features. They’re bright enough to be visible at a distance, so they could come in handy if you need to signal someone or be seen in a low-light environment.

Finally, there’s also a breathing mode. Which can be used as a meditation tool.

The controls are pretty straightforward. The light stays on until you manually turn it off.

There has been some discussion on social media as to the strength of the light. One users says “it shines a dim moonlight’s worth of light”.

You can’t really compare a LED flashlight on a watch with a headlamp. Having tested other watches with this feature, I actually found beam strength and spread to be good for a wrist light. For around-camp tasks, walking at night or getting through a power cut, it more than holds its own.

Worth noting is that the watch remains fully usable while the flashlight is on. This means you can track a workout or check metrics without needing to angle your arm toward the path.

A few quirks to iron out

There are some minor limitations worth calling out. For one, the flashlight UI doesn’t exit automatically when you turn the light off. You’ll have to manually back out of the screen, which feels unnecessary.

There’s also room for improvement in how the light integrates with activities. Ideally, you’d be able to activate it from any screen without interrupting your session. That’s not currently the case.

If you are in the middle of a workout, you will need to back out of the activity screen before you can get to the flashlight. This could be a problem if you need quick access in the middle of a trail run or hike.

It’s also a bit annoying that the flashlight always defaults to the same brightness mode when activated – 50%. If you prefer a specific setting, like the red light for night use, you’ll need to reselect it every time. There’s no memory of your last-used mode.

A handy addition to a rugged watch

Overall, the flashlight on the Suunto Vertical 2 is more than a novelty. It’s a well-executed feature that proves genuinely useful.

Once you get used to having it, you’ll probably reach for it more often than expected. It works best as a convenience light rather than something you’d rely on for long night hikes, but within that range it performs well. It also helps that it’s built into an already rugged device, so you’re not worried about it breaking or draining battery excessively.

This isn’t the kind of feature that will sell a watch on its own. But it’s exactly the sort of thing that turns a multisport device into a reliable everyday tool.

Suunto Vertical 2 can be purchased from the company’s website or Amazon.

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In this article, we walk you through how to upload and delete audio files on the T-Rex 3 Pro using the Zepp Health app, along with some tips on playback and wireless transfers.

Uploading music from your phone

The process starts in the Zepp Health app. Once your T-Rex 3 Pro is paired, open the app and head to the ‘Device’ tab. Scroll down the list until you find the music app. Tap on that and you’ll be taken to the upload interface.

Hit the ‘Upload Music’ option and you’ll see a list of audio files stored on your phone. Select one, such as a podcast or song, and tap ‘Open’. The upload to the app is nearly instant. For a 15 megabyte file, it takes only a few seconds. A typical song is less than 5MB.

There’s also another option tucked away at the bottom called “Use other import methods”. This just explains how to use external apps to send files to Zepp. You do this by choosing “Copy to Zepp” in the share options of whichever app you’re using. That adds the audio file to your Zepp Health app, ready for transfer.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Now you’re ready to send the file over to the T-Rex 3 Pro. Tap on ‘Uploading’ and the app will prompt you to join a special Wi-Fi network. This establishes a direct wireless link between your phone and the watch, where the latter acts like a hotspot. You must accept this or the transfer won’t go through.

If this step fails, you can manually connect to the Wi-Fi network by going into your phone’s settings and selecting the one that popped up earlier. This establishes the required link with the watch. Once connected, the transfer resumes. It’s fast. A typical 4 megabyte music file takes less than ten seconds to move over.

Managing and playing music on the watch

Once the file transfer is complete, you’ll get a confirmation on the watch screen. Open the music app on the T-Rex 3 Pro and scroll to the “My Playlists” section. Your transferred file should show up under “All Music”.

From here, you can tap to play. The built-in speaker does a decent job – as shown in the video below. It’s loud enough for casual listening and even podcasts come through clearly. If you prefer headphones, the T-Rex 3 Pro lets you pair Bluetooth audio devices. That makes it usable on a run or in the gym without relying on your phone.

You can also switch between music stored on the watch and music playing from your phone. This option appears under “Audio Control” and gives you a quick toggle between sources.

To delete a track, head back into the music app, open the selection tool, and tap the file you want to remove. A three-dot menu appears at the bottom, offering a delete option. Confirm the deletion and the song vanishes from the list.

It works surprisingly well

The overall process is very smooth. Uploading music or podcasts takes little time, and playback is solid whether you use the onboard speaker or Bluetooth headphones. The interface is clean enough that even if you only use it occasionally, you’ll know what to do.

If you’re someone who runs without a phone or prefers to leave it behind at the gym, this gives the T-Rex 3 Pro an edge over its predecessor. The fact that Zepp Health finally added speaker support makes the music feature more usable.

I’ve just posted a full review of the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro, covering all the new hardware, tracking upgrades and daily use impressions. If you’re considering picking one up or just want to know what else it can do, make sure to check that out.

View Amazfit T-Rex 4 Pro on Amazfit / Amazon.

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Unlike screen-based flashlight apps, this LED points forward. That means the beam shines ahead while you can still view the watch face. It’s ideal when you need to see where you’re going and still want glanceable access to the time or your workout data. The watch stays visible and functional without needing to twist your wrist in awkward angles just to get some light on the path.

It’s especially handy in outdoor situations like trail running before sunrise or setting up camp after sunset. You might not always have a headlamp on hand, but this is already strapped to your wrist. When you’re hiking in low light, it gives just enough visibility to check your footing or follow a trail marker without stopping or unpacking gear.

It also proves useful in everyday moments. You can use it to find your keys in a dark hallway, check under the sofa, or navigate your house during a power cut without fumbling for your phone. A popular use case is those nightly toilet trips. The flashlight is helpful when you want minimal disruption, whether you’re moving around at night or trying not to wake someone.

How to activate

There are a few different ways to activate it. The easiest is a long press on the top left button. Once it’s on, use the upper and lower left buttons to cycle through the available modes. You can also swipe down from the home screen and tap the flashlight icon. When the light is on, a visual indicator appears on screen, and you can toggle it directly from there too.

Several different modes

The flashlight includes three white brightness levels, a red light mode, SOS flashing, and a Boost Mode. The main white LED goes up to 200 lux, which is more than enough for navigating in the dark or finding something under a bed. If you need extra power, Boost Mode ramps the brightness to 300 lux for up to 30 seconds. After that, it switches off automatically and requires a short cooldown before it can be used again.

The red light is less intense but perfect for moving around in low light without fully waking your eyes – or anyone else’s. It’s a nice touch for early risers or late-night campers.

SOS mode is also available. It flashes automatically and can be fine-tuned for brightness and color. You can enter this mode through the flashlight settings, and the controls stay consistent with the rest of the watch interface.

Seeing the flashlight in action is the best way to understand how useful it is. Cycle through the low, medium, and high white settings, switch to the red, or activate Boost Mode. The jump in brightness is obvious. Whether you’re outdoors or simply dealing with a power outage at home, this small LED can do more than you’d expect.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

The standard T-Rex 3 doesn’t include any flashlight feature, so this is exclusive to the Pro variant. After using it a few times, it becomes clear why many Garmin users already swear by this kind of setup. It’s not about novelty. It’s about having the right tool on your wrist when you need it.

Here’s a video we recorded demonstrating the flashlight.

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The post A closer look at the flashlight on the Amazfit T-Rex 3 Pro appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.

I recently posted my reviews of both OnePlus Watch 3 models, the larger 47mm and the newer 43mm. Both are solid smartwatches and probably among the better Wear OS options you can buy right now.

One of the features that gets advertised is offline music support. That’s technically true, but only if you’re willing to put in some extra effort. There’s no out-of-the-box way to drag and drop your MP3s or sync albums from your phone.

The missing music transfer option

There’s no menu item on the watch. Nothing in the OHealth app. I spent more time than I’d like to admit looking for it, and I can confirm it just doesn’t exist.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

You can’t upload or transfer audio files through the official channels. And this isn’t new. It was the same situation with the OnePlus Watch 2. Those with a long-term memory will note that the original OnePlus Watch actually did have proper music transfer support through the oHealth app. But for some reason that feature didn’t carry over.

It’s likely OnePlus assumed most users would be fine with Spotify or YouTube Music. Both run natively on the watch and support offline playback if you’re a subscriber. But if you’ve got a folder of MP3s or a favourite podcast that’s not available on those platforms, you’ll need another approach.

The workaround that actually works

Luckily, there’s a way around it. Since it’s a Wear OS watch, you can just install a proper third-party app from the Play Store. I tried Wear Casts, and it did exactly what I needed.

You start by installing the app on your Android phone. Once it’s set up, it pushes a companion app to your OnePlus Watch automatically. From there, you’ve got a few options. You can browse for podcasts, load your own MP3s, or queue up specific files. Once selected, they first download to the phone, then get transferred to the watch. The whole thing is surprisingly smooth.

Your watch will ask for permission the first time it tries to accept files. Just confirm the prompt and everything moves over without any issues. Playback works fine too, either over the built-in speaker or paired Bluetooth earbuds. You even get some scrubbing and skip controls, depending on the file type.

Not ideal, but not a dealbreaker

This isn’t the most intuitive setup, and I do wish OnePlus made it easier. Having the storage there but hiding the tools feels like a missed opportunity. Still, with a bit of tinkering, you can get proper offline playback going.

I wouldn’t say this takes anything away from the watch experience. Most people probably stream their audio anyway. But if you’re the kind of person who likes having control over your files or listens to stuff that isn’t easily found on streaming services, it’s worth taking a few minutes to set up Wear Casts or something similar.

And once it’s there, it just works.

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The watch was launched only a few weeks ago, and it’s already shaping up to be one of the best Wear OS watches in 2025. It combines a refined design with a vibrant AMOLED display and a battery that easily lasts several days—something you don’t often get with Wear OS devices. It also brings an impressive health and fitness toolkit, with ECG being one of the headline features where available.

My full review of the watch is coming in the next few days.

Where you can use ECG

Every OnePlus Watch 3 ships with ECG hardware built in. But the software side is restricted based on your location. If you’re in a supported region, the ECG app will just show up. If not, it stays hidden, and there’s no workaround.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

OnePlus confirmed this in their support replies, saying it doesn’t matter where the watch was purchased—it only matters where you’re using it. So someone who bought the watch in the US but travels to France will be able to use the ECG feature while they’re there.

You can check the official list of supported countries on the company’s website.

If you’re in a supported location and the app isn’t visible, try restarting your watch. In most cases, though, it should be active by default.

Taking a measurement

Once the ECG app is live on your watch, the whole process takes less than a minute. Tap on the app, then place one finger gently on the lower physical button. No need to press it—just make contact. Keep your wrist flat on a table or desk and stay as still as possible.

As soon as your finger touches the button, the app jumps into action. You’ll see a live ECG waveform scroll across the screen, along with your heart rate ticking away just below it. It’s surprisingly calming to watch, especially if you’re used to staring at static health numbers.

The scan lasts 30 seconds. If your finger is not in place correctly for this entire period, the reading may restart. When it’s done, you’ll get a result. If it says “Sinus rhythm,” your heart rhythm is within the normal range. You’ll also see your average heart rate during the test and a short explanation of what that result means.

If you felt anything unusual—like dizziness or fatigue—you can add that to the reading using a list of common symptoms. That data gets saved and can be helpful for spotting patterns over time.

For a closer look, head to the OHealth app on your phone. It stores each ECG scan and lets you swipe through the full waveform. The presentation is clean and clear, so even if you’re not a health expert, you’ll still understand what you’re seeing.

It’s a simple feature, but nicely done. Just you, your watch, a finger on the button, and a moment of stillness. No wires, no prep, and no guesswork.

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The post OnePlus Watch 3 ECG: regional availability & how to take a reading appeared first on Gadgets & Wearables.