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Smart ring vs smartwatch: Which fitness tracking wearable is best for you?

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Smart rings vs. smartwatches: which is the best choice? As smart rings become more popular and enter the public consciousness, many people are asking this question. but there’s no straightforward answer. Both devices serve similar purposes, but are made for different people with different preferences. In this guide, I’ll help you decide which is right for you.

Many tech reviewers have suggested that smart rings could signal the end of smartwatches. But based on my extensive testing of the best smart rings, I can confidently say they won’t suit everyone. While it might seem that wearing a tracker on your finger could be more comfortable and convenient, this isn’t always the case. You’ll also need to consider accuracy, design, price, and tracking features.

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Wear OS smartwatch market share to grow in 2024, thanks to Samsung

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There’s some good news for Samsung and the Wear OS segment overall. A new report indicates that sales of Wear OS-based smartwatches will improve considerably this year. This will come at the expense of Apple’s WatchOS, which is quite interesting.

Wear OS smartwatches sales to increase in 2024

According to a new report from Counterpoint Research, Wear OS’s market share will increase by 6 percentage points to 27% in 2024. Last year, Wear OS’s market share was 21%, while watchOS’s was 53%. This year, Wear OS seems to be attracting more users as more Android users find premium smartwatch experiences.

Wear OS Smartwatch Market Share 2023 2024 Counterpoint Research

Wear OS sales are estimated to improve by 37% compared to 2023, which is a great sign for the whole Wear OS market. After years of bad performance and glitchy software, Fossil was forced to leave the Wear OS (and the whole smartwatch) market. Samsung worked with Google to launch Wear OS 3, which brought new life to the operating system and gave it the much-needed stability and marketing. Google has also been actively adding more features to Wear OS and managing to bring more apps.

Google also launched its own smartwatch, the Pixel Watch. Recently, OnePlus, OPPO, and Xiaomi started making smartwatches based on the Wear OS platform. They, along with Samsung, will help grow the Wear OS market. This could help improve the overall experience for Android users and the quality of the Android ecosystem. However, wear OS still needs some improvements, especially in terms of battery life and integration with Android smartphones, Google TV devices, and wireless earbuds.

Anshika Jain, Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, said, “Just as in the case of smartphones, where there is a shift toward premium devices in consumer buying patterns, we are witnessing that first-time smartwatch users or upgraders in the Android camp are now looking for a much better user experience and are willing to spend more when going for their next purchase. Due to this, we expect greater adoption of Google’s Android Wear (Wear OS) since these devices provide a robust third-party app experience, Google AI assistant, and precise health tracking, customization, and battery optimization.

You can watch our review of the best Samsung smartwatch right now, the Galaxy Watch 6 Classic, in the video below.

Join SamMobile on Telegram and WhatsApp to get instant Samsung news updates, in-depth reviews of Samsung devices, and more.

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What does VO2 Max mean on your smartwatch?

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If you like to dig deeper into the stats on your best smartwatch, there’s a strong chance you may have come across one called VO2 Max. It can be called something different on different smartwatches. On the Apple Watch, it’s known as ‘cardio fitness’, while on Fitbits, it’s referred to as your ‘cardio fitness score’.

VO2 Max is a fitness metric that has been around for some time, but if you’ve been grappling with what it actually is, what it tells you, and whether you should care about it, we’re going to clear things up for you here. This is the lowdown on the key fitness metric, and why it might be something you should take more notice of.

 What does VO2 Max stand for? 

Firstly, let’s break down what VO2 Max actually stands for. It’s defined as the maximum (Max) rate (V) of oxygen (O2) your body absorbs during exercise. 

Garmin smartwatches with VO2 Max readings on a pair of trainers

(Image credit: Future)

What does VO2 Max actually mean? 

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Computers

OnePlus Watch 2 Review: A 3-Day Battery Smartwatch

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I will note that OnePlus isn’t the first company to try a novel approach to solving smartwatch battery life. Mobvoi’s TicWatch Pro series has long used dual-display technology to conserve battery life, providing similar results to OnePlus. But that watch is bulkier, the software feels clunkier, and the company’s update policy is spotty.

Speaking of, OnePlus is promising two Wear OS updates and three years of security updates. That’s similar to what Google offers for its Pixel Watch lineup, but paltry compared to what you’ll get from Samsung, which promises four Wear OS updates and five years of security updates for its Galaxy Watch6 series. What OnePlus offers here is decent, but it would be nice to see it match Samsung so you can enjoy the watch—with new features, security patches, and bug fixes—for as long as possible.

One of my favorite parts of the OnePlus Watch 2 is the fact that you only need to deal with one app. No need to have two separate apps for the watch’s functions and to access health and fitness data like with its competitors. Everything is managed in OnePlus Health (OHealth). But health and fitness is where the compromises start to creep in.

Puzzling Health

Digital wristwatch on yellow surface beside a mobile phone in a yellow case with the screen displaying a health app

Photograph: Julian Chokkattu

I like how everything is laid out in accessible tiles in OHealth, and you can click on them to access more information, but the app has some quirks. For starters, and you’ll see this in the picture above, there are some design issues, like words running into each other (see the step count goal). There are also missing health features like an electrocardiogram, skin temperature sensing, period tracking, and fall detection. All of these are on similarly priced competitors, but the quality of the information available is really the issue.

The discrepancies largely stems from step count and distance traveled. Wearing the Pixel Watch 2 on my other wrist, I noticed a big difference in these two metrics, with the OnePlus Watch 2 frequently undercounting, sometimes by 2,000 or 3,000 steps. On February 29, I traversed around Barcelona, sightseeing, and the Pixel Watch 2 says I walked 12.35 miles with 25,000 steps. OnePlus’s watch says it was 5.82 miles with 24,000 steps. With rudimentary estimates, 25,000 steps equates to roughly 12 miles, so there’s clearly some issue here with the OnePlus.

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Why naked running (without a smartwatch) is actually good for you

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You get home from a run and automatically press save on your best smartwatch or best running watch. Before jumping in the shower you check the run has uploaded to Strava and pool over the stats. What was my average pace? Have I bagged a segment course record? What was my maximum cadence and heart rate? How much did I slow down on the hill?

The performance self-analysis begins in earnest and before you know it, you’ve forgotten to stretch, eat something, or reflect on how you actually feel. Instead, you are busy planning how to better your stats on your next run.

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News

OnePlus Watch 2 smartwatch gets official

OnePlus Watch 2

OnePlus has launched its latest smartwatch, the OnePlus Watch 2, this latest offering from OnePlus is designed to cater to the needs of tech-savvy individuals who do not want to compromise on style, durability, or performance. Let’s delve into the specifications and features of the OnePlus Watch 2 to understand what sets it apart in the crowded smartwatch market.

The OnePlus Watch 2 boasts a robust build, combining a sapphire crystal front, a stainless steel frame, and a plastic back. These materials are carefully chosen to offer a premium look and feel while ensuring durability. The watch measures 47 x 46.6 x 12.1 mm and weighs just 49 grams, making it comfortable for all-day wear. It’s designed to be resilient, with IP68 dust and water resistance, MIL-STD-810H compliance for increased ruggedness, and a waterproof rating of 5ATM, allowing it to withstand depths of up to 1.5 meters for 30 minutes.

Featuring a 1.43-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 466 x 466 pixels and a peak brightness of 1000 nits, the OnePlus Watch 2 promises vivid and clear visibility even in bright sunlight. The high pixel density of ~326 ppi ensures that text and images are sharp and easy to read. Protection is provided by sapphire crystal glass, known for its scratch resistance and durability. The always-on display feature is a convenient touch, allowing users to glance at essential information without the need to wake the device.

At the heart of the OnePlus Watch 2 is the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 chipset, built on a 4 nm process for efficient performance. This is complemented by 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, providing ample space for apps and data. The watch runs on Android Wear OS 4, offering a rich ecosystem of apps and seamless integration with Android smartphones.

The OnePlus Watch 2 is well-equipped with a range of connectivity options, including dual-band Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n, Bluetooth 5.0, and NFC for contactless payments. GPS is supported along with GLONASS, GALILEO, BDS, and QZSS for accurate location tracking. The absence of a SIM card slot, radio, and USB port underscores the device’s focus on wireless communication and charging.

A comprehensive suite of sensors, including an accelerometer, gyro, barometer, compass, heart rate monitor, and SpO2 sensor, supports a wide range of health and fitness tracking capabilities.

Powering the OnePlus Watch 2 is a 500 mAh non-removable battery, which is quite sizeable for a device of this nature, potentially offering multiple days of usage on a single charge. The watch supports 7.5W wired charging, enabling quick and convenient power-ups. The OnePlus Watch 2 is available in two stylish color options: Black Steel and Radiant Steel.

Source OnePlus, GSM Arena

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Garmin Forerunner 165 affordable runners smartwatch features

Garmin Forerunner 165 affordable runner and sports watch features explored

The recently launched Forerunner 165 runners smartwatch has been specifically designed to enhance your training without breaking the bank Offering a dedicated companion for runners and sports enthusiasts who are serious about tracking their performance. With a price tag that’s easy on the wallet, the Forerunner 165 offers a suite of features that can rival its more expensive counterparts. Let’s delve into what makes this watch a noteworthy contender in the world of fitness technology.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 is available in two versions: the base model at $249 and the music edition at $299. What sets this watch apart is its AMOLED color touchscreen display, a luxury usually found on pricier models. The display is not only a pleasure to look at with its vivid colors and sharp visuals, but it also enhances the user experience, making interactions with the watch a breeze.

Garmin Forerunner 165 runners watch

When it comes to battery life, the Forerunner 165 impresses with an estimated four days of use, even with the always-on display feature activated. This means less time tethered to a charger and more time out on the track or in the gym. The GPS system is built on Garmin’s robust satellite tracking technology, ensuring accuracy in most conditions. However, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t have the multiband support that some of the high-end models boast. The Garmin Forerunner 165 is a budget-friendly smartwatch designed primarily for runners but suitable for various athletic activities.

Garmin Forerunner 165 runners smartwatch features

Health and fitness tracking is where the Forerunner 165 really shines. It includes comprehensive sleep tracking, heart rate variability (HRV) status, and even monitors your naps. The body battery feature is particularly intriguing, as it monitors your energy levels throughout the day, advising you on the best times to exert yourself or take a rest. For those who like to have their music on the go, the music edition allows you to store playlists and podcasts, providing that extra motivation while you’re working up a sweat. The watch also suggests daily workouts and includes a race calendar, which is perfect for keeping your training on track.

Runners will appreciate the Forerunner 165’s ability to measure running power and dynamics directly from the wrist, giving insights into form and efficiency. While it doesn’t support a multisport mode or power meter sensors, it does offer post-exercise metrics like training effect and recovery time. These features help you understand the impact of your workouts and how much rest you need before the next one. The data from your sessions syncs seamlessly with Garmin Connect and can be shared with platforms like Strava, allowing you to connect with a community of athletes and gain deeper insights into your performance.

Garmin Connect

Garmin Forerunner 165 Feature List:

Key Specifications:

  • Price: $249 for the base edition and $299 for the music edition.
  • Display: AMOLED color touchscreen display, a first for the Forerunner series at this price point.
  • Battery Life: Up to 4 days with always-on display mode, based on real-world usage including 1-2 hours of GPS workouts per day.
  • GPS: Features all-systems GPS, but lacks the multi-band/dual-frequency GPS found in higher-end models.
  • Music Storage: Available in the music edition, supporting Spotify, Amazon Music, Deezer, MP3 files, and podcasts.
  • Garmin Pay: Contactless payment feature available on both editions.
  • Design: Incorporates buttons for navigation, contrasting with the Vivoactive 5’s limited two-button design.
  • Fitness Tracking: Offers detailed running-focused features, sleep tracking, HRV status, recovery time, and VO2 Max predictions.
  • Customization: Supports customizable watch faces and widgets through Garmin Connect IQ.
  • Sensor Compatibility: Supports heart rate straps, cycling radar, cadence, and speed sensors, among others, but lacks support for cycling power meters.

Pros:

  • Affordability: Positioned as a budget-friendly option with high-end features like an AMOLED display.
  • Focused on Runners: Tailored features for runners, including advanced workout suggestions and running dynamics.
  • Music and Payment Features: The music edition and Garmin Pay add convenience for on-the-go athletes.
  • Battery Life: Offers solid battery performance, especially considering the always-on display functionality.
  • Customizable: High degree of customization available for data fields, screens, and appearance.
  • Sleep and Recovery Tracking: Includes comprehensive sleep tracking and insights into recovery and HRV status.

Cons:

  • Lacks Multi-Band GPS: While the GPS is competent, it does not have the advanced multi-band support found in more expensive models, potentially affecting accuracy in challenging environments.
  • No Cycling Power Meter Support: Cyclists with power meters cannot use this watch to track their power data.
  • Complex Product Lineup: Garmin’s extensive range of models around this price point can make choosing the right watch confusing.
  • Limited High-End Features: Missing features like training readiness and more advanced metrics found in higher-end Forerunner models.

In terms of accuracy, the Forerunner 165’s GPS and heart rate sensors perform very well. They provide dependable data that you can trust to reflect your true training efforts. While the watch may not have every feature that the top-tier models do—such as training readiness—it still delivers many of the most desired functionalities at a more accessible price point.

The Garmin Forerunner 165 positions itself as an attractive option for athletes, especially runners, who are looking for a reliable training tool without spending a fortune. The standout AMOLED display, accurate sensors, and a variety of customizable features make it a competitive choice in the budget smartwatch segment. It’s true that it doesn’t come with all the bells and whistles of the more expensive Garmin models, but it offers enough to satisfy the needs of both beginners and seasoned athletes.

Choosing the right Garmin watch is all about understanding your specific needs and matching them with the features that each model offers. The Forerunner 165, with its balance of functionality and affordability, could very well be the perfect fit for those who want to take their training to the next level without overspending. Whether you’re preparing for a marathon or just looking to stay active, this watch is designed to be by your side every step of the way, providing the data and motivation you need to reach your fitness goals.

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Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 smartwatch launched

Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4

As well as the new Xiaomi Redmi Note 13 range of smartphones, Xiaomi also added a new smartwatch to its lineup with the launch of the Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 and the device comes with a 1.97-inch AMOLED display.

The new Redmi Watch 4 is equipped with a square ultra-large 1.97″ AMOLED display for a more satisfying smartwatch experience. This latest edition is also the largest square form-factor Redmi smartwatch, delivering a more comprehensive viewing experience at just one glance. Redmi Watch 4’s exquisite design incorporates an aluminum alloy middle frame, and is the first Redmi smartwatch withan easy to operate stainless-steel OTS rotating crown. For even more convenience, Redmi Watch 4 features the all-new quick release mechanism for changing straps.  

Redmi Watch 4 is equipped with an upgraded 4-channel PPG sensor for improved accuracy for heart rate⁷ and blood oxygen monitoring⁸. Users have a choice of more than 150 sports modes, including six automatically recognized activities. Advanced features include Bluetooth® calling⁹ that allows users to answer calls by raising their hand and tapping. It is available with either a Silver Grey or Obsidian Black bezel plus a matching strap, or a choice of Pastel Purple, Dark Cyan, or Mint Green colored straps.

You can find out more information about the new Xiaomi Redmi Watch 4 smartwatch over at the Xiaomi website at the link below, as yet there are no details on pricing or a release date.

Source Xiaomi

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Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 smartwatch leaked

Samsung Galaxy Fit 3

Some photos and details on the new Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 smartwatch have been leaked, the device will apparently be slightly larger than the current Galaxy Fit 2 smartwatch and it will also have a bigger display.

Samsung will be launching this new smartwatch next year along with their Galaxy S24 smartphone, this is expected to be launched sometime in the first quarter of 2024, probably either January or February.

The leaked photos have revealed that the next-generation Samsung Galaxy smartwatch will be available in a choice of three colors, Black, Grey, and Gold, and as we can see from the photo above they will come with matching straps.

The new Galaxy Fit 3 smartwatch will have a larger rectangular display and it will also feature slimmer bezels than the current device,  the display is apparently larger than the current model, although we do not know the exact size.

We can also expect other upgrades over the current device, this should include a new processor, more RAM, and probably more storage than the Samsung Galaxy Fit 2 smartwatch. The Galaxy Fit 2 comes with a 1.1-inch AMOLED display.

As soon as we get some more information on the new Samsung Galaxy Fit 3 smartwatch, including a full list of specifications and also details on when the device will launch, we will let you know.

Source 91 Mobiles

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